How to Grow a Small Banana Tree in a Container

Determine that you are in a suitable climate to grow a banana plant outdoors or choose a room that will provide an adequate climate for the plant. Bananas thrive in warm to hot conditions and require a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool weather and extended periods of drought will their slow growth. According to the University of Florida, banana plant growth slows down below 60 degrees F and stops entirely at 50 degrees. Irreversible freeze damage may occur at temperatures below 32 degrees.

Choose a large container that will easily accommodate the banana plant. The container may be constructed of plastic, clay, ceramic or wood. Plastic is an inexpensive choice, but clay containers have the advantage of being heavy and sturdy, which will help keep the banana plant from getting knocked over accidentally or overturned by wind. Make sure the container has holes at the bottom for drainage.

Select a potting mix that is lightweight and drains well. Banana plants do best in soils that contain loam, rocky sand, volcanic ash and sandy clay. They prefer a soil high in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 7.

Water your banana plant to supplement rainfall so that it receives 4 to 6 inches of water per month. Banana plants are sensitive to drought. Provide 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water every week. Keep the soil in the container moist and do not allow it to dry out. Drought stress may result in folded leaves, pale green to yellow leaves and premature leaf death.

Feed your banana plant with a water-soluble balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20. Feed the plant every two months beginning in the spring after the first leaves begin to appear. Follow the label instructions for mixing the fertilizer. Do not fertilize the plant during the winter.

Prune the banana plant to promote vegetative growth and fruit production. Cut off dead leaves as well as leaves that rub against the fruit. Remove the end of the flowering stalk to speed fruit development immediately after the flowers have set fruit.