Plantain Musa acuminata Play pronunciation

The Banana plant is a herbaceous perennial in the banana family (Musaceae). It is native to Southeast Asia and Australia and is a fast growing, rather tall plant, maturing to about 20 feet high. This species encompasses both wild and cultivated banana plants including many of the ornamental bananas sold at nurseries. Plants produce huge paddle-shaped leaves that grow to 6 to 10 feet long and the plants are often grown for the tropical appearance of the foliage rather than the fruit. The genus name is derived from the Arabic name for the fruit, mauz. The species epithet means coming to a sharp point.

If grown outdoors, Banana plants do best in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. The plants tolerate some part shade, especially filtered sun in the heat of the day. Do not allow the soil to dry out and fertilize regularly. Protect the plant from strong winds that can damage the large leaves.

Banana plants are hardy to USDA Zones 10 and 11. In colder climates, you can grow the plant in containers to be brought indoors or as a houseplant. Keep in mind, the size of the plant and the work involved in moving it from outdoors to indoors.

Younger plants often will not flower and fruit until the 2nd or 3rd year. Container plants, when cut close to the ground in fall each year, may never flower.

The most well-known banana cultivar is the Cavendish, the large yellow banana commonly found in grocery stores.  The sweet, creamy fruit continues to ripen after harvest, turning from green and starchy to black-spotted yellow and sweet.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known insect or disease problems; however, watch for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale on houseplants. The plants are susceptible to anthracnose, wilt and mosiac virus.