Banana trees live in warm temperatures. You need to transplant them indoors once the climate gets cold. But you must be careful in removing their rhizome. Note that there are different types of banana trees. Each type produces various banana strains. In transplanting a banana tree, use the biggest container so the tree will have a comfortable growing area. Below are guides on how to transplant a banana tree:

Know when to transplant banana trees

Observe the temperature. Transplant the tree once the temperature is lesser than 50 degrees F so the plant won’t be damaged. If you don’t have enough time to immediately transplant before a frost, then wrap the plant in burlap or blanket. If the plant looks dead, better check the roots if these are still alive. Dig the rhizome up and bring it indoors. New leaves will sprout after several days if the plant is still alive.

Cut the plant

It can grow to up to 6 feet if you don’t cut it. Also remove brown discarded leaves from the plant. Utilize a sharp knife in removing huge stems. Remove the middle leaves so that the plant will retain its moisture. Cut the main stem about 3 feet high.

Remove sizable shoots from the plant

The shoots might sprout from the rhizome. Slice them with a sharp knife. You can repot the sprouts indoors so they will stay warm. Just transfer them when spring comes. Small sprouts might not probably survive winter, but you can try.

Shake off the dirt carefully from the plants

Doing so will expose the roots and underground rhizome. Dig the whole plant. Slant the shovel towards the center of the plant. Focus so you won’t slice the rhizome. Use potting soil in filling holes.

Move the freshly planted tree indoors

Position the tree near a window that catches sunlight. Fertilize and water the plant regularly. However, do not let the soil become soggy. The plant must have excellent drainage. Rotate the plant each week so every part of it will get enough sunlight. The plant might be slower to grow indoors but it must grow. It will be helpful for the plant if it stays in a humid environment with superior lighting.

Know when to bring back the tree outside

Observe the weather. It is time to bring back the tree outside if the weather is already warm. Do not forget to maintain the looseness of the soil. It must be regularly fertilized and well-drained because the tree is a heavy feeder.

Observe if a fruiting stem appears on the plant

If there is one, then anticipate that cluster of flowers will form. It is such a happy time because you will soon have bananas. Note that banana trees die after their fruiting season so you need to remove them again. However, new trees will grow from the side rhizomes.

Cultivating banana trees can be a good business because the trees grow an all-season fruit. People love bananas, too, because of its unique taste and high amount of nutrients. Besides that, banana trees are naturally beautiful. Having them in your backyard is already rewarding.