Musa acuminata Dwarf Cavendish - Banana

Musa acuminata Dwarf Cavendish is a dwarf form of the famous Cavendish banana tree, which produces the bananas we consume which can be found in markets worldwide. Its small size allows it to be grown in a large pot and protected from cold temperatures in winter, in a conservatory, a hot greenhouse, or even indoors. It is a beautiful plant, with a tropical appearance and temperament, characterized by its large leaves gathered in a graceful cluster at the top of a thick stem. If provided with warmth and light, this banana tree will reward you in summer with long panicles of white flowers, followed by small, delicious and sweet bananas that ripen in winter.

The Musa acuminata Dwarf Cavendish belongs to the musaceae family. It is an herbaceous plant that generally does not exceed 2m (6ft 7in) in height and 1.50m (4ft 11in) in width in indoor settings. The banana tree does not have a trunk but a stipe, formed by the overlapping sheaths of leaves. It grows rapidly and requires a lot of water and nutrients. It is not tolerant of temperatures below 8°C (46.4°F) and thrives in warm and humid environments.

The foliage of the Dwarf Cavendish banana tree, which is sensitive to wind, consists of large leaves supported by a petiole. The leaf is clearly divided into two by a robust central vein and can measure up to 1m (3ft 4in) in length and 40-50cm (15.7-19.7in) in width. Its colour is a light and vibrant green, sometimes speckled with yellow and red on young leaves. To flower and bear fruit, this plant requires light and warmth throughout the year. The large purple floral bud appears in summer at the top of the stipe, between the leaves. The pendulous inflorescence carries both male and female flowers and can reach a length of 40-50cm (15.7-19.7in). Rusty brown to purple bracts surround small cream-coloured flowers. If the plant receives enough water, heat, and light, it will produce clusters of bananas that are about 10cm (3.9in) long, initially green and turning yellow when ripe. These fruits have all the characteristics of commercially available bananas, but their skin is thinner.

The Dwarf Cavendish banana tree can only be grown in containers or large pots in our climate. It can spend the summer outdoors if sheltered from strong winds and intense sunlight, but it must be brought indoors as soon as nighttime temperatures drop below 8°C (46.4°F). It is a beautiful addition to conservatories, heated greenhouses, or very bright rooms. It pairs well with other exotic plants such as the bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae, for example.

Like other perennial plants, banana trees go dormant during winter, with their above-ground parts drying up and dying. Therefore, plants shipped during winter are pruned to the ground (leaves and stems) by our teams to promote better growth in spring.

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