Knowing how often and how much to water is a key consideration.
Banana plants develop rapidly from a pseudo stem and feature large, paddle-shaped leaves up to 12 inches long.
It’s a combination that requires plenty of sun exposure, warmth, and consistent watering.
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Will my banana plant grow fruit?
Banana plants kept as houseplants rarely produce fruit.
Humidity is also a factor with ideal levels between 50 and 60 percent.
Consider planting dwarf varieties in 15-gallon pots.
Whatever throw in you choose, adequate drainage holes are essential.
Banana plants do not tolerate standing water and can quickly succumb toroot rot.
Fill containers with a two-to-one mix of quality potting soil and sand or perlite.
Water your container-grown banana plant whenever the top 1/2 inch of soil is dry.
Water at soil level until water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Allow the soil to drain completely before returning the pot to its tray.
Banana plants are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and require steady temperatures with plenty of humidity.
Aim to keep soil and air consistently moist.
Want more gardening tips?
Water daily when first planting out but be careful to avoid saturating soil to the point of becoming soggy.
The development of new green leaves indicates rooting in.
At this point, reduce watering to once every two to three days.
A moisture meter is a handy tool for monitoring thirsty plants like banana plants.
During extended periods of summer heat, they may need water once or even twice a day.
Check plants for signs of over or underwatering and adjust your irrigation schedule as needed.
Winter Banana Plant Watering
Banana plants enter dormancy when temperatures drop below 50F.
Eventually, the foliage will dry up and plants can be prepped for overwintering.
Garden-grown plants need little waterjust enough to keep from drying out completely.
Cover the root zone with a thick layer of mulch.
A sheet of plastic secured on top adds winter protection and retains soil moisture.
There is no need to water during periods of freezing.
Banana plants kept as houseplants may continue to grow but more slowly during winter months, entering into semi-dormancy.
They won’t need as much water however humidity can become more of a problem with dry winter air.
Place plants on a pebble tray oradd a mister or humidifierwhen dry air is a problem.
you might tell your banana plant needs water if the leaves become limp or discolored due to dehydration.
Insufficient humidity will also cause leaf edges to brown and turn crispy.
Yes, and this can lead to root rot which is difficult to reverse.
Yellowing leaves are a sign of oversaturation.
Let the top 1/2 to 1 inch of soil dry before each watering.
