One of the smaller banana trees, the plantain banana (Musa ‘Dwarf Puerto Rican’) brings a tropical look to even small spaces as the plant only reaches 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Growing outdoors in USDA zones 9-11, this naturally sweet treat can be kept in containers and brought indoors during the winter months in cooler climates, as the tree is only hardy down to 30 degrees. This dwarf variety is more wind resistant than larger banana trees as the compact trunk is thicker and sturdier than taller varieties.

Location: Banana trees are full sun trees, requiring a minimum of 6 hours, but will prefer some afternoon shade in the warmer climates during the heat of summer. They prefer rich, well draining soil, but prefer regular watering especially during times of heat and drought.

Planting Instructions (In ground):
1) After choosing the proper location, dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the container (the root ball), and just as deep. If you have a heavy clay based soil, you can dig the hole a little deeper and amend with sand or peat moss to improve drainage.
2) Remove the plant from the container and lightly comb the root ball to loosen the roots.
3) Place the plant in the center of the hole so that the plant is upright.
4) Backfill the hole with a mixture of 60% native soil and 40% compost or garden soil. If you have a heavier soil composition you can add additional sand, perlite, or peat moss to aid with drainage.
5) Tamp the soil as you go to remove air pockets.
6) Water generously when done, but do not saturate the area.
7) Mulch the area well to help the tree conserve moisture as well as protecting the roots from fluctuating temperatures.

Planting Instructions (potted):
1) Choose a container that is 1-2 sizes larger than the container that the plant arrives to you in.
2) Use a quality potting mix to fill the bottom of the container.
3) Remove the plant from the container and lightly loosen the roots with your fingers.
4) Place the plant in the center of the container so that the plant is upright.
5) Fill the remaining space in the container with the same potting mix leaving about a 1 inch gap to aid in watering.
6) Water just until the water runs out of the drainage holes, and place the plant in a sunny location.

Winter Care (potted): Bring your Puerto Rican plantain inside before the nighttime temperatures begin to drop below 45 degrees to ease stress on the plant itself. Place the plant in a sunny location, and water when the soil is dry 2-3 inches down. Do not leave your plant outdoors if you are zone 8 or below.

Watering (in ground): Water the trees well when planted and water again when the soil is dry 2-3 inches down. The frequency and amounts will depend on the climate that the plants are in. The plants will need watered while they are establishing, and once established they will only need water during times of extreme heat and/or drought.

Watering (potted): Water until the water flows through the drainage holes and drain any excess from the collection tray. Allow the soil to dry a few inches down in the container before you water the plant again. Always drain the excess water from the tray so that the roots do not sit in water.

Fertilizing: Banana trees are hungry for nutrient, and need to be fed regularly in order to sustain their fast growing habit. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season, please read and follow the label instructions for application rates and timing.

Pruning: Banana trees do not need much pruning except to remove damaged leaves. Banana trees will only produce fruit one time, so they can be removed after fruit production.