Consulta Plantas

Care of the rhizomatous plant Musa x paradisiaca or Edible banana

The Musa genus, part of the Musaceae family, includes about 50 species of herbaceous plants native to Eastern Asia. The main species are: Musa paradisiaca, Musa acuminata, Musa velutina, Musa basjoo, Musa balbisiana, Musa cavendishii.

Common names: Edible banana, Musa sapientum or French plantain. It is a hybrid between the species Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana.

They are large rhizomatous herbaceous plants that reach 5 meters in height. The large leaves (up to 5 meters in length) have many fringes and are bright green. They produce a hanging spike protected by reddish bracts where the flowers appear, without ornamental interest. The yellow fruits are the well-known bananas.

They are used as isolated specimens in the garden or in small groups and in large pots for patios and terraces.

These plants need full sun or very light shade exposure and warm temperatures; In winter the temperature should not be lower than 15 ºC.

An ideal soil can be a mixture of equal parts leaf mulch, regular garden soil and heather soil. Transplanting or planting is done in spring or autumn.

Water abundantly (2 times a week) but without flooding; The substrate always has to be moist. It is important that the environmental humidity is high, so the leaves must be sprayed from time to time with lime-free water.

Fertilize each year with a good supply of manure and some mineral fertilizer each spring.

They are plants that can be attacked by aphids, scale insects, red spiders and some types of worms, especially if they suffer from drought.

The best way to propagate them is in autumn by dividing the adult plant because starting from seeds is quite complicated. It is more advisable to purchase the specimens in nurseries, garden centers or plant stores.

Images of the rhizomatous plant Musa x paradisiaca or Edible banana