If Mother Nature has her way, an ornamental banana has no place in our latitudes. Warm and moist areas of the earth are intended 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.
Spoil yourself with sun whenever possible
In this country, an ornamental banana has to grow in a bucket because it is not hardy. A bright, warm room with temperatures up to 28 °C and lots of humidity is the best place for them to stay. But whenever possible, you should give the plant natural warmth. This means you can move it close to the south window and breathe in the fresh air outside in the summer. But make the transition gentle so that the banana has time to get used to sunlight.
The great thirst for water must be quenched
The up to three meter long leaves are the beauty of this green plant. The more it has expelled, the more moisture will evaporate from it. Especially in summer, this means for you: water every day with soft, 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. Ideally every day in summer, once a week is sufficient in winter. Occasional showers also refresh the plant, but also wash away fine dust from the leaves.
Provide evenly with nutrients
Despite the opulent size of an ornamental banana, the amount of nutrients required remains modest, but it needs to be supplied with it all year round:
- fertilize weekly from spring to autumn
- only once a month in the winter months
- Do not fertilize or fertilize even less frequently in cooler overwintering locations
- Use a liquid fertilizer for green plants (€6.00 on Amazon)
- note the dosage information
Only cut off the “unsightly” and dried-out parts
You don't have to cut an ornamental banana. Occasionally, outer leaves dry out and can then be carefully removed from the trunk. If you don't want to wait, you can cut them off with a sharp knife. Leaves tattered by the wind and browned by the sun can also be sacrificed for the sake of beauty.
If the ornamental banana is too sprawling for its winter quarters or has generally grown too large, it can also be cut. The plant may no longer look as 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 spring. You can also use this opportunity to separate cuttings for propagation, if there are any on the plant.
Winter cooler in the house
The ensete must overwinter indoors, brightly and, if possible, a little cooler. 10 to 18 °C is ideal, then the plant can take some rest and grow more slowly.
If necessary, the pot can stay in the living room, but please keep it away from the heater! Warm and dry air can quickly lead to spider mite infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for fine webs and small crawling animals.
