Dwarf Cavendish Variegated Banana Tree

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a location with full sun or partial shade, ensuring well-drained soil.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply during dry spells, especially when fruit begins to form, to support healthy growth.

3. Pruning: Bananas regularly replace their leaves during the growing season. Prune yellow leaves to encourage new growth and maintain the tree's attractive appearance.

4. Fertilizing: Bananas are heavy feeders. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer like a 15-15-15, ideally every 4–6 weeks, to promote robust growth and fruit production.

5. Winterizing: In fall, container bananas should be brought indoors once nighttime temperatures reach 50°F. They can either be placed under a grow light to continue active growth, or their stems can be cut to about 1 foot and stored in a cool, dry place that stays in the 50s. In-ground plants in zones lower than 9 must be covered with several feet of straw or shredded leaves, which will insulate the bulb underground without holding water and causing rot. In spring, the plant will send up new stems called pups, which can be divided and transplanted once they are 12–24 inches tall.