Musa balbisiana Play pronunciation

The Plantain is a herbaceous perennial, a member of the banana family (Musaceae), and native to the humid climate of Asia, India, and southern China. It is a large plant, maturing to 15 feet high with a similar spread. It is noted for its large (10 foot) paddle-like leaves and cream colored flowers. The resulting edible fruit are yellow and about 5 inches long. The genus name honors Antonia Musa, Roman physician of the 1st century B.C. The species name honors Giovanni Battista Balbis (1765-1831), Italian botanist and politician.

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist well drained, organically rich soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist with regular applications of fertilizer during the growing  season. Provide protection from strong winds. If grown in a container, use a potting soil mix with good drainage.

This plant is not frost tolerant and will die back to the ground in winter in North Carolina. To overwinter an outdoor plant, cut stems back to 2 feet after frost kills the leaves and mulch to protect the roots. To overwinter indoors, grow the plant in a container that can be taken indoors before first frost. Place in a large sunny room with reduced water and fertilization.

Propagate this plant by division.  The large leaves of this plant grow tattered in windy areas.  

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

If grown outdoors, watch for grasshoppers, borers and root nematodes. Susceptible to anthracnose, wilt and mosiac virus. If grown indoors, watch for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale.