Ornamental bananas are enjoying increasing popularity. But they make great demands on the right substrate and their location.
The ornamental banana is also known under the names banana tree, banana palm or Musa enset. The suffix "Ornamental-" in the name indicates that the fruit is not edible.
It is well known as a houseplant but can also spend the summer outdoors under the right conditions. It doesn't matter whether you keep your ornamental banana indoors or outdoors, it can only develop well if the location is right and you pay attention to the soil.
The optimal location for the ornamental banana
» Place:
If you cultivate the ornamental banana as a houseplant, it primarily needs a bright spot. The plant does tolerate full sun exposure, but needs to get used to it slowly. This is especially important if you plan to put the ornamental banana outside during the summer months.
» Heat:
Heat is just as important for he althy growth. You can control the "adaptation phase" yourself by gradually placing the bucket with the plant next to the sunny window in the spring. Gradually reduce the distance, avoiding the midday sun for the time being. The bucket can be easily moved with a plant trolley under the pot.
» Outdoors:
From May, the ornamental banana can move outdoors. The same applies here: blazing sun around noon is not good for the plant in the first few weeks. For wind protection: The banana palm can withstand wind, but the large leaves can easily tear. A location on a protective house wall is therefore better.
If you live in a region with generally mild temperatures, you can also place the ornamental banana completely outdoors. Otherwise, put the plant in a large bucket, then you can react to temperature fluctuations and move the perennial around in good time.
» In winter:
With good winter protection, the perennial can spend the winter outside. If you overwinter the ornamental banana indoors, a light and cool room with a temperature of around 15° Celsius is ideal.
The optimal substrate for theornamental banana
It is important for ornamental bananas that they are kept evenly moist. A loose, well-drained soil is ideal for regular watering. You can water at any time and the excess water simply runs off. With a drainage layer at the bottom of the bucket, you also ensure that no waterlogging forms.
Nutrients are important for the banana palm. When keeping the cable, it is best to use fertilizer sticks or a liquid fertilizer, both can be dosed well. When you put the plant in the garden, prepare the soil with an admixture of compost or manure. Also pay attention to the permeability here. Improve compacted soil with sand or small pebbles.
In short:
- Bright and sunny location
- Slowly getting used to the sun
- Potted plants are easy to move around
- Hibernate in a bright, cool room
- Use loose, permeable and nutrient-rich soil