I have just been given a banana plant (musa canvendish) as a gift. I would really like some general tips on how to keep this plant. I am a complete newbie to banana plants and would really aprreciate your advise. I live in the UK if thats anyhelp??

Thank you.

Is it a dwarf variety (lucky), or the normal (not so lucky !).
In the U.K. you need to bring them indoors during winter as they need to be kept above circa 10 deg c, You're luky if its a dwarf variety as the main stem will get to about 1m whereas the normal is nearly double that + 6' leaves. Try dragging one of those in the house/ conservatory come mid October !! I too am in the U.K. (Worc's.).
Edited by scoby on Jun 3, 2005 at 06:22 AM

Thanks Scoby for your reply.

I think it is a normal one? I have been told to keep it out of direct sun light and to keep the soil moist but not to drown it. I have tried to find out whether I need to feed it too and if so, what to feed it? At present it is in doors (my lounge). Should I put it outside?

Thank you again.

No problem my friend,
Now is the time of year where you should be thinking of putting it outside. If in a pot (yes I know it is !!) keep it moist not drowned but that should be easy if the soil is free draining, never let it dry out though, feed it half strength tomato food twice a week this will help it and its 'pups' no end.
If it was in the ground and (this goes for both types) and you could keep the min temp circa 15 deg c, it will flower and produce your own crop of edible bananas ! This is easier with the dwarf variety as you can move it back in if frost is forecast. Down side is once it does that it dies but meanwhile you should have another one coming up to take its place. Thats why the dwarf variety is easier, you can drag it in the house no bother ( o.k. a bit of bother !! Ouch me back !!)
Regards
P.s. Just re-read your post, put it in the sun no bother, it's the wind that will rip the leaves to shreds but I personally like the " split leaved wind swept look".
Edited by scoby on Jun 7, 2005 at 04:37 PM
Edited by scoby on Jun 7, 2005 at 04:39 PM

If I live in New york where it get winter do I have to remove the plant for the winter from out side. Smurf

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