Propagating the banana plant yourself: a practical overview

Propagating the banana plant yourself: a practical overview

Separate small plants

The banana produces small offshoots at regular intervals. Separate them during the annual repotting. The Kindel should already have strong, slightly darker leaves (around 3 - 4 pieces). Then their height is about a third of that of the mother plant.

also read

  • The banana plant (Musa)
  • Banana plant in the garden: Recommended varieties for a tropical ambience
  • The Japanese banana plant: Musa basjoo's profile

The right cut:

  • Cutting tool: disinfected and sharp knife
  • Separate directly from the trunk with delicate roots
  • Allow the cut on the mother plant and offshoot to dry out for a short time (prevent rot)

The small plants are then planted in separate flower pots with a special substrate. Make sure that these are always kept slightly moist. This supports the rooting. Put a plastic bag over the planter to ensure constant humidity.

Tip:

Air holes in the bags ensure good circulation. Mold formation is prevented.

The ideal location is sunny and warm. With optimal care, the small plants will thrive splendidly. From a height of around 100 centimeters, bananas can also stay in the garden in a sheltered spot. Note, however, that most varieties are not frost hardy. From 3 to 4 years of age, self-grown plants are considered robust and can spend the summer in the garden.

Sow bananas

The germination time of banana seeds is very long. You can shorten them by soaking the seeds beforehand. In addition, these are lightly processed with sandpaper in one place and placed in the substrate.

Tip:

  • Preparation: soak for 1 to 2 days
  • lukewarm (rain) water

Suitable varieties:

Offshoot:

  • Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo)
  • Pink dwarf banana (Musa velutina)

Sowing:

  • Pink dwarf banana (Musa velutina)
  • hardy banana (Musa hookeri)
  • Banana (Musa helens)

Tips & Tricks

Banana plants have a short lifespan. The extraction of offshoots offers the best conditions for enjoying the tropical shrub for many years.

FT