Do banana plants lean when they are about to flower?
 

I have noticed that my Manzanos and my DCs seem to lean a certain direction when they are close to flowering and that the flower then seems droop and bend over on the downhill side. It seems like a natural thing the plant does to allow the bunch to hang to one side of the plant. Am I imagining this or has anyone else noticed it?
Bermy

Re: Do banana plants lean when they are about to flower?
 

My 'California Gold' is certainly leaning and the leaves are getting progressivley shorter and stacking up more so I think it's about to flower. I don't know that this always happens as they are about to flower because I've seen my 'Orinoco' and others flower while perfectly upright in the past; however, the weight of the bunch generally does cause them to lean eventually.

Re: Do banana plants lean when they are about to flower?
 

Leaning can occur from several causes. A pup one one side will tend to push the parent out of the way as it grows. The stalk may become more pliable as the flower stem pushes up though the center, spreading the leaf petioles, and weakening the structure. The plant may have less roots on one side, and the taller it gets, the more it can lean from the less-root side. It might grow at an angle as it tries to reach more sunlight away from the parent. Very seldom do you see one growing absolutely vertical.

Re: Do banana plants lean when they are about to flower?
 

Mine always lean, and whether they are on the west or east side of the house - they always lean towards the roof so that I have to prop them clear!!!

Re: Do banana plants lean when they are about to flower?
 

Thanks for all the replies. At least I know it not just my bananas that lean. It seems there are several reasons. I have found though that the taller leaning plants need propping up once the bunch starts to grow.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Re: Do banana plants lean when they are about to flower?
 

My Ensete glauca leaned before it flowered too. I was going to straighten it out but was afraid I'd damage something. Glad I didn't. And it was planted straight up. Here's a shot showing the lean. Flag leaf had shown here, but no bud yet.

Re: Do banana plants lean when they are about to flower?
 

My ice cream banana has always showed a little leaning. Maybe its just the way I planted it, but usually if thats the case, they straighten themselves out. Mine is way too young to flower though.