I always like to take a look at the “on sale today!” link on the Wayside Gardens homepage, and see if there is anything that really catches my eye. Today, the dwarf banana tree was what really got my attention. A banana tree is an excellent way to add that tropical feel to your garden or patio. This dwarf variety makes that tropical feel even more accessible because it can be grown in a container in your home.
Treat this plant like you would tender foliage plants, giving it plenty of protection from hot, direct sun when grown under glass in the summertime, but give it full sun in winter or put it under a bright light indoors. Grows in sun outdoors. Pot in soil mixture containing a high amount of humus (leaf mold, peat moss, compost, etc.), and feed it every week with half strength general house plant fertilizer. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Best grown warm (65°-70° nights) with high humidity. This particular variety is only hardy to zone 9, but it can be grown in containers and protected over winter much further north.
I’ve had db trees now for 7 years and no sign of fruit. I’ve read that they bare at about 5 years old…? What do I need to do? They do put out a lot of babies from the roots.
Should I keep them off right away? I’ve been fertilizing once a week with Scott’s 20-20-20.
These trees are known for not flowering if the conditions are not ideal. Usually, if they are outside, in the right conditions, they will bloom alot sooner.
Has it fruited at all?