Couple of Questions....
 

Hi All,

I bought a small banana tree last April at a local farmers market in Charlotte, I don't recall the type of but do recall it was named after a territory in Louisiana. Big beutiful green leaves with dark red/purple on the undersides. Anyway... This small little guy is now a 16-20' foot tall shrub/ beast and I'm looking thin it out as it really is out of control!

1. If I start thinning out some of the smaller trees can I bring them inside to grow through the fall/winter? Will they go dormant as houseplants or continue to be green (with minimal growth)? Is there a rule as to how big a pot I will need? I'm thinking a 14" or 16" but want to make sure it has room to grow. Smaller would be better but don't want to slow the growth.

2. Would you recommend brining in the main plant (we have tall ceilings and a great sunroom and do live in the South) or cutting it back and mulching and if so, when should I start to think about doing so?

I've read plenty about separting the pups so good there, just looking for some feedback on these guys as housplants....

Re: Couple of Questions....
 

HI LRMunday ,
The plant you described sounds like M. Bordelon .

Re: Couple of Questions....
 

You could bring them in, worst case you may want to suppliment the lighting with a clamp light or otherwise but all in all they should be fine till the growing season begins again when you can put them back outside.

And I agree, sounds like a Bordelon.

Re: Couple of Questions....
 

If you are in zone 8 or higher they can stay in the ground and still bloom the following year . See the pics in my gallery . That mat is in front of a pool shop here .
Pete