Light. Plant in full sun. Shade slows growth and gives small, poor fruit.
Water. Bananas need lots of water, about 1–1.5 in per week in dry weather. Avoid soggy soil; standing water kills plants quickly.
Soil and feeding. Drainage matters most; on wet sites plant on a 2–3 ft mound. Feed every 4–8 weeks, less in winter, with a high-potassium fertilizer with magnesium such as Palm Special.
Size. Height depends on the variety; Dwarf Cavendish is among the shortest. Keep plants away from windows, since tall stems can topple in strong wind.
Pruning. Keep 3–4 stems of different ages and cut other suckers at ground level. After harvest, cut the fruited stem at the base and chop it for mulch.
Problems to watch. Panama disease (yellowing, collapse) has no chemical cure; start with clean plants. Nematodes and borers weaken stems and roots.
Good to know. Freezes below 28°F can kill plants to the ground, but they regrow from the base. Harvest when fingers are plump but still green.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS HS10: Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
