Musa (Dwarf Cavendish Banana Plant)

The Dwarf Cavendish Banana, also known as Musa, has enormous, paddle-shaped leaves that have a luxuriant quality on a dwarf stock. Young plants have maroon or purple blotches on their leaves but quickly lose them as they mature. 

The plant that became known as the Cavendish banana was first brought to the UK in 1834, by the chaplain of Alton Towers, a stately home now better known as a theme park. The plants were gifted to William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire, who had them cultivated in his greenhouses and then named them after himself. Well, why wouldn’t you?

They now grow all over the world, in places with lots of sun and humidity. This particular species is known as the dwarf Cavendish because it doesn’t grow very tall, maxing out at around three meters. It’s unlikely to even get as tall as that as an indoor plant, but it’s still a very large plant. Its leaves are enormous, so it’s a good one for homes with lots of space.

Care

Light: Bright indirect light; can handle some direct sun and is tolerant to light shade.

Water: Water thoroughly; allow soil top inch to two inch dry out between watering

Temperature/Humidity: 67-80%, enjoys extra humidity. 18° - 24°C / 65° - 75°F

Soil/Potting: Fertilize with balanced houseplant fertilizer 2-3 weeks at half strength during spring and summer. Happiest in a water retaining soil mix.

*Pet safe*