Why Isn’t My Banana Tree Growing Bananas?

A banana tree helps give your outdoor space a jungle and tropical feel. The large green leaves provide shade and are lovely to admire from your patio. While the plant is fun to look at, the best part of a banana tree is the yellow fruit it produces. The sweet taste of bananas is even more delicious when you grow them yourself. Therefore, when your banana plant isn’t producing fruit, you should find out the problem and fix it right away.

If your banana tree is not producing fruit you should check the soil. If the pH is too low or high it won’t produce fruit. Cut the tree down after it yields fruit, and remove dead leaves. Keep the soil moist but don’t over-water it. Choose a type of banana tree that tends to produce lots of fruit. Make sure the plant gets lots of sun and doesn’t freeze.

It’s very frustrating when you spend time cultivating a banana tree and it won't bear fruit. The good news is that while there are many reasons your banana tree isn’t producing fruit, there are also many solutions. If you can’t figure out why your banana plant isn’t producing bananas, then keep reading. Below is a list of all the causes and fixes to this problem.

10 Reasons Why Your Banana Plant Won’t Produce Fruit

1. The Banana Plant Is Too Young

One reason why a banana tree won’t produce fruit promptly is because it is too young. Like many other fruit trees, banana trees must mature and develop for quite some time before they provide the delicious fruit you’re after.

If you planted your banana tree less than a year ago, or even less than two years ago, you might need more patience. It takes a banana tree around 18 months before it starts producing fruit. Some trees require up to two years or more.

2. It Isn’t Getting Enough Water

If your banana tree isn’t yielding fruit, then it might need more water. Without enough water, it won’t produce fruit. Instead, it will use whatever water it gets to stay alive. 

If your soil is dry, you need to water more often, as banana trees like the soil to stay wet. Remember the best time to water your garden is in the morning, or the late afternoon close to sunset.

3. The Soil Needs More Nutrients

In addition to giving your banana tree enough water, it may also require additional nutrients if it isn’t producing fruit. Depending on your soil type, your banana tree may need a bit of fertilizer to produce fruit. 

If your banana tree won’t produce fruit, fertilize it once or twice a month in the spring and summer. This should boost its strength and ability to produce fruit.

4. The Soil Type Or pH Is Off

One of the main reasons why a banana tree won’t produce fruit is because the soil pH is off. This can happen naturally, or because there are contaminants in the soil that are messing with its composition. Anything from sewage to salt can affect the pH level.

Check the pH if your banana plant is growing but never produces fruit. Ideally, the pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. If it is far away from this range, buy the products necessary to get the pH level close to where it needs to be.

5. Your Banana Plant Variety Is Not Productive

If you aren’t sure what type of banana tree you have, then this might be the reason it isn’t producing fruit. There are well over 1,000 types of bananas that come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. 

Banana trees also vary in their ability to yield fruit. If your random banana tree isn’t producing fruit, it might be a type that has trouble producing fruit unless conditions are perfect. Opt for a variety that easily produces lots of bananas.

6. The Plant Is Getting Too Much Water

Just as a banana tree can be under-watered, it can also be over-watered. A banana tree likes the soil to be moist, but not too wet. If your plants are sitting in a pool of water, then they could rot. 

The key is to keep the soil moist, but allow the topsoil to dry a bit from time to time. If you experience a flooding event, allow your soil to dry out before you water it again.

7. It Isn’t Getting Enough Direct Light

Banana trees love a lot of light. This is why they aren’t great plants to grow indoors unless you have a room with a glass ceiling. Make sure your banana trees are in a location with lots of direct sunlight.

You should also remove any dying leaves, or trim surrounding plants. Dead leaves and towering neighboring plants can prevent your banana trees from getting the sunlight they need to produce fruit.

8. Pests Are Damaging The Plant

Another reason why your banana plant might not produce fruit is due to pests. Some pests, including the banana weevil, can burrow into your banana plant. You might not notice the pests, but if your banana tree looks like sections are dying, it might be banana weevils. 

Remove dying sections, or trim the entire plant back and start over. Apply insecticide to your banana plants to get rid of the pests.

9. Your Climate Is Too Cold

Banana trees are fairly easy to grow, but only if you live in the right environment. Banana trees like a tropical or subtropical climate. This means plenty of moisture and warm weather. If you live in a cold climate, then this might be the reason your banana tree isn’t producing fruit.

If you are going to experience a cold snap, cover your banana plant. If you live in a cooler climate, place your banana trees in a container. This will allow you to move the plants indoors during a cold snap.

10. Your Plant Already Produced Fruit

Did you know that most banana trees won’t reproduce after they yield bananas? If your banana tree recently produced fruit, then you need to cut it back. If you don’t trim back your banana tree after it grows bananas, then it might not grow more fruit. As a rule, trim the tree back significantly after you harvest bananas for it.

Five Ways To Help Ensure Your Banana Plant Produces Fruit

1. Give It The Right Amount Of Water

One of the best ways to ensure your banana plant (or any plant) is happy is to give it the right amount of water. Banana trees enjoy moist soil, but the roots can rot if the plant is oversaturated. Keep to a regular watering schedule, and check moisture levels before watering.

2. Keep The Soil Happy And Healthy

Check the soil around your banana plants regularly. Make sure the pH is ideally between 5.5 and 6.5. You should also ensure there are no contaminants, including sewage runoff, or salt. Fertilizing the soil with ample nutrients also promotes fruit growth.

3. Cut Off Dead Leaves And Stalks

Get rid of the dead weight on your banana plant if it isn’t producing fruit. Cut down dead leaves and dead stalks so the nutrients all go towards new growth. If your banana tree has already produced fruit, cut it back significantly so there can be new growth and more bananas.

4. Keep It Warm On Cold Nights

One quick and easy way to damage or kill your banana plant is to neglect it in cold weather. If you are expecting freezing temperatures, cover your banana plant with a blanket, and protect it from frost.

5. Choose The Right Type Of Banana Plant

Remember that there are more than 1,000 types of banana plants. Don’t choose one at random. Instead, opt for a plant that you know will thrive in your area. Also, choose a banana variety that is known for producing lots of fruit.

Summing Up Reasons Why A Banana Tree Won’t Produce Fruit

A banana tree is a fantastic fruit tree to add to your yard. It can transform your outdoor space into a tropical jungle environment. Best of all, banana trees will produce fruit that you can enjoy. If your banana tree isn’t producing fruit, however, check the soil. Make sure the pH levels are healthy, and that there is the right amount of nutrients and water. Cut away dead leaves and stalks, and ensure the plant is warm and gets plenty of light.

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