My dwarf banana tree has several small green stems growing out around the base of the tree. Should i just leave them alone or should i cut them and plant them for more trees? If I should cut them does anyone know how is best o do this? The tree is 2 years old and about 4' tall which is nearing the max for this tree. It is not fruited as of yet. Thanks for all advice.

The little green stems are "pups". These are new baby plants that form off the mother plant. Lte them mature a bit and then remove carefully. These can then be planted and you will have several more plants from your initial investment. IF your dwarf tree is a cavandish banana, they are known for massive pupping.
Andi

Thanks for the information. My two trees are dwarf cavendish and the bigger of the two has several pups. I believe I will wait for cooler weather to get them off. Once they are off do you know if I can plant more them one them in a container or would it be best to put them in seperate containers?:rolleyes:

I personally would plant them in seperate containers. Bananas are heavy feeders and drinkers. One would take from the other and it would probably die unless you fed it a lot. The same goes with water. Best to give each its own living quarters.
Andi

Thanks for the advice. I looked at the pups last night and there ais SIX of them. They are only about 2-3 inches tall now but I am sure they will get bigger. Do you think it would be wise to leave 1 or 2 so that they will be growing bigger while mother goes to fruit? My understanding is that after fruiting you cut the mother plant down. Is this correct?

I would leave the pups attached if you want another banana in the same location as the existing one. Remove all but 1 or 2. The mother will continue to grow after producing fruit but will not fruit again. This is why they are normally cut down. Banana plantations can't afford to have non producing trees taking up space when they have others waiting in line. It is not mandantory that the mother tree be cut,this is only to make room for another fruiting tree. IF fruit is not important and your growing just because you like the tree,I would not cut it.
Andi

Well they are all in one container and I am trying to get the fruit. After one tree has fruited the thrill may be gone. Thanks for the help. These may be rookie questions but since I am one----

The only dumb question is the one not asked. I don't get tired of answering the same question for many people, even if they are the same one, one right after another. This is why the forums were created in the first place. To share knowledge with those seeking information. To me its not a repetitive problem. I just like helping others who have encountered the same problems I have in my quest for a tropical yard in non tropical area. Even those in the tropics can have the same problems and IF I can help just one then I feel better.
Andi

What is a good fertilizer for bananas? I have a Ice Cream banana in a pot that will go in a sun room for winter. Will it go semi dormant or keep growing - (temps will get to a low of about 50*)? Should I fert. over winter? Thanks!

Bananas are heavy feeders and need a fert high in nitrogen. They also need a lot of water but with temps that low they will be semi dormant. They will still be growing but very very slowly. Too much water during this time will rot the corm. Actually I would un-pot or dig up the plant and store it bare root in a dark area that would be in the low 40's to no higher than 50. Many people store their banana plants under their homes in a crawlspace. You would cut all but the center leaf as this is where the next leaves come out. Wrap the corm base in newspaper and set in a dark, cool, dry place. Some even put them in an unheated garage that does not freeze.

If you wish to keep your tree potted you can, just limit the water to very, very sparingly and no fert.

Andi

Thanks Andi, It seems a lot of work to take it out of pot- which mine is (or dig it up) as it is growing fast & may be over 6-7ft by fall. It's either the sunroom or a 50* dark basement...I dont have a garage. Which one would be best...Low of 45*- high 65* sunroom, or 55* dark basement? Thanks much.
I thought they need higher potassium? I've been feeding them tomato food
18-18-21 for higher potassium. More nitrogen??! Thanks again

I would go with the sunroom and cut down on the watering. Bananas will rot very easily in the winter.