How to Repot Banana Trees

Spread the newspaper on the floor of your work area. Lay out enough paper to place the old container and the new container and still have plenty of space to work. You can also do this project outside.

Move the banana tree to your work area. Lift the pot rather than holding it by the plant. If the container is heavy, have someone help you move it to avoid straining yourself.

Turn the old pot onto its side. Do this gently to avoid damaging the leaves. If the old pot is plastic, press on it to loosen the soil. If the pot is rigid, use your hand to dig into the soil to loosen it. Once the soil is loose, ease the pot off of the banana plant.

Examine the roots of your banana plant. If any appear unhealthy, moldy or mushy, remove them by pulling them away from the healthy roots. If you want to propagate your banana tree, use your hands to gently separate pieces of healthy roots and sprouts. These pieces can be planted as you repot your main plant.

Place a 1-inch layer of the potting soil in the new pot. Lift your plant and place it so it is centered in the new container. Fill in the empty space with the potting soil mix, leaving 1 to 2 inches between the soil line and the rim of the pot. Having an assistant will make this step much easier.

Move your banana plant back to where you want it. Place towels around the base of the pot. Give the plant enough water to moisten the soil. After five minutes, water the plant again until water comes out of the drainage holes. Once the water stops leaking out, remove the towels and use them to absorb any water standing in the drainage plate of the pot.