Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 1/5/2006

Question
My banana plant is planted in a large indoor bed so I can't move it. It is touching the ceiling.  Can I cut it back a little or will this kill it. I tried to move a "baby" plant after it got 4 foot tall and it is not doing too well. So moving is out of question.
When and how do I take or remove a baby from the "momma" plant?

Answer
Joan,

Cutting back a banana plant will not kill it. In southern states they frequently freeze back to the ground and regrow. Cutting them back will not hurt them as much as freezing does.  The best time to separate a baby from the "momma" plant would be in the spring when the plants are beginning to grow again and it is warm enough to move it outdoors.  Do you have a skylight above this indoor bed? Bananas like lots of light so that may be why the 4 foot tall baby is not doing well.  You are better off separating the babies when they are smaller than that so it shocks the baby less.

Here are some websites for additional info:

http://www.pallensmith.com/newsletter/mailbox_java/mailbx_110504.htm

http://www.banana-tree.com/Banana_Tip.cfm

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1082/is_n4_v41/ai_19660633

Good luck.

Darlene