Musa acuminata
TAXONOMY
FamilyMusaceae
GenusMusa
Zone10
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Musa acuminata, commonly known as the banana plant, is a herbaceous tree native to Southeast Asia. It thrives in wet tropical climates and is known for its large, broad leaves and the production of edible bananas. The plant does not have a dormancy period and grows continuously in suitable conditions.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Banana
Banana Tree
Cavendish Banana
Chinese Banana
Dwarf Banana
Edible Banana
Musa simiarum
OVERVIEW
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature27° C
Humidity80%
GDD5,475
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Banana plants require bright, direct sunlight and high humidity to thrive. They prefer warm temperatures and should be kept in a location that mimics their natural tropical habitat. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist.Harvest
Musa acuminata, commonly known as the banana plant, typically takes about 9 to 12 months from planting to harvest. Harvesting should be done when the bananas are still green but have reached their full size. The fruit bunches are cut from the plant using a sharp knife or machete, taking care to avoid damaging the plant. After harvesting, the bananas are usually ripened off the plant in a controlled environment. It is important to handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising, which can affect the quality and shelf life of the bananas.Soil
Musa acuminata prefers well-draining loamy soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. A soil mix rich in organic matter is ideal for supporting its growth.Fertilizer
Banana plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as an 8-10-8 N-P-K mix. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to support vigorous growth and fruit production.Repotting
Repot banana plants when they outgrow their current container, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a larger pot with good drainage and fresh, nutrient-rich soil. Handle the roots carefully to avoid damage.Propagation
Banana plants can be propagated through suckers or pups that grow at the base of the parent plant. Remove the suckers with a sharp knife and plant them in a separate container or directly in the ground during the growing season.Pruning
Prune banana plants by removing dead or damaged leaves and cutting back old flower stalks. This helps maintain the plant's health and encourages new growth. Pruning should be done regularly to keep the plant tidy.Toxicity
Musa acuminata is not toxic to pets or humans. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are safe to handle and consume.Additional
Banana plants can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and treat with appropriate insecticides or natural remedies as needed.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
