Musa acuminata ‘Grand Nain’

chiquita banana
The ‘chiquita banana’ creates 40-60 lbs of fruit per year! Better wind tolerance than other bananas. Dies to ground in a freeze and regrows. Great houseplant in a sunny warm room.
height 6–8ft
width 3–6ft
tolerates Cold, Heat, Pots
water
needs		 High
water
info		 Water this plant regularly, when the surface of the soil feels dry. Usually this will mean once or twice a week in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through to the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to		 20F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin SE Asia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 12–23

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

If grown outdoors in harsh climates this plant will look rough during winter storms and can be cut down at that time and will regrow with warmer weather.

More Info

Isn’t this really a houseplant? Well that’s a tricky question. In general this type of plant makes a great houseplant, but this specific plant hasn’t been grown to be a houseplant. Houseplants are grown under regulated conditions and with sterile soil, setting them up to thrive in your home. When outdoor-grown plants are taken indoors, they tend to transition poorly, often becoming magnets for pests. That said, if you decide to live dangerously and bring this plant indoors, here’s some advice to help you out. Start by unpotting the plant and removing any loose soil. Next, preemptively treat the entire plant, including the roots, with an insecticidal soap. Be sure to treat the roots gently throughout this process. Use a new nursery can or sterilize the previous one with bleach. Repot the plant in a fresh mix and then water deeply with the insecticidal soap mix. Be sure to keep an extra close eye out for any pests that might pop up. Always consider the risk of introducing pests to your other houseplants.