When it comes to Mother Nature, an ornamental banana has no place in our latitudes. Warm and humid regions of the world are destined for them: the tropics. If we still bring the palm-like plant into the house, we should at least make every effort to care for it.

The ornamental banana needs a lot of sun

Spoil yourself with the sun whenever possible

An ornamental banana has to grow in a tub in this country because it is not hardy. A bright, warm room with temperatures up to 28 °C and a lot of humidity is the best place for them. But whenever possible, you should give the plant natural warmth. So it can move close to the south window and sniff fresh air outside in summer. But make the transition gentle so that the banana has time to get used to the sun's rays.

The great thirst for water must be satisfied

The leaves, which can be up to three meters long, decorate this green plant. The more she has expelled from it, the more moisture will evaporate from it. For you, especially in summer, this means: water daily with soft, i.e. low-lime water! The bale should always be moist, but not too wet.

Also spray the leaves with lime-free water to increase the humidity. Preferably daily in summer, once a week is sufficient in winter. Occasional showers also refresh the plant, but also wash fine dust off the leaves.

Supply evenly with nutrients

Despite the opulent size of an ornamental banana, the required amount of nutrients remains modest, but they want to be supplied with it all year round:

  • Fertilize weekly from spring to fall
  • only once a month during the winter months
  • do not fertilize or fertilize even less frequently in cooler wintering locations
  • use a liquid fertilizer for green plants
  • observe the dosage instructions

Only cut off what is “unsightly” and dried out

You don't have to cut an ornamental banana. Occasionally outer leaves will dry up and can then be carefully detached from the trunk. If you don't want to wait, you can cut them off with a sharp knife. Leaves that have been battered by the wind and tanned by the sun can also be sacrificed for the sake of beauty.

If the decorative banes are too expansive for their winter quarters or have grown too large in general, they can also be cut. The plant may no longer look so decorative afterwards, but it will take the cut well.

Repot annually in spring

Give the ornamental banana a new, slightly larger pot with fresh soil in the spring. You can also take this opportunity to separate offshoots for propagation, if there are any on the plant.

Overwinter cooler indoors

The ensete must overwinter in the house, bright and if possible a little cooler. 10 to 18 °C is ideal, then the plant can take some rest and start growing more leisurely.

If necessary, the pot can also remain in the living room, but please away from the heating! Warm and dry air can quickly lead to spider mite infestations. Check the underside of the leaves regularly for fine webs and small crawling animals.

Category:

Indoor plants