If you’ve recently added a banana tree to your plant family, you’ve probably realized that getting the watering just right can be a bit of a balancing act. These tropical beauties are impressive, but they can be a little picky! Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your banana plant hydrated and happy.
What Your Banana Tree Actually Wants
In the wild, banana trees thrive in the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. We’re talking constant warmth, high humidity, and zero frost. In the dense jungle, they have all the moisture they could ever want.
Compare that to a potted plant on a patio in the U.S., and it’s a totally different story. In a container, root space is limited, and our weather can be pretty unpredictable. To keep your plant from drying out too fast, find a spot that is bright but protected from harsh, drying winds. Those gorgeous, oversized leaves act like sails and can easily shred if it gets too breezy!
Summer Watering Tips
The growing season for bananas usually kicks off around April or May. Once the threat of frost has passed, your plant is ready to head outdoors. Early in the spring, take it easy with the watering can. Always do the “finger test” first—stick your finger an inch into the soil to see if it’s actually dry before adding more.
If your plant is sitting out in the rain, don’t forget to factor that in! One big no-no is letting the pot sit in a saucer full of water. If you see standing water, dump it out daily; otherwise, you’re looking at a nasty case of root rot. On the flip side, during those scorching summer heatwaves, your banana tree might get thirsty enough to need a drink twice a day. Those big leaves lose moisture fast!
Don’t forget to feed your plant every 2-3 weeks during the summer. A fertilizer designed for citrus or Mediterranean plants works wonders—just follow the directions on the label.
Winter Care and Watering
Since most banana trees can’t handle a freeze, you’ll need to move yours to a cozy winter home (like a sunroom or a heated greenhouse) around October. Once it’s inside, you need to dial back the watering significantly. Because there’s less light and it’s cooler, the plant’s growth will slow down.
Only water when the soil has dried out well. Overwatering in the winter is the fastest way to get yellow leaves or root decay. Also, indoor air can get super dry in the winter, which is an open invitation for spider mites. To keep those pests away, give your plant a nice misting with lukewarm water every now and then.
Pro Tip: If your banana tree is still a “baby,” you can water it by dunking the entire pot into a bucket of lukewarm water. This ensures the root ball is perfectly soaked through. And whenever possible, try to use filtered water or rainwater—these plants aren’t big fans of the lime found in hard tap water.
