Musa acuminata 'Truly Tiny'
 

What are some signs that a 'Truly Tiny' banana plant is getting close to blooming? I've heard about so-called 'flag leaves'- is there any truth to this?

Re: Musa acuminata 'Truly Tiny'
 

Yes, a flag leaf is an indication that the plant has started blooming. It's a leaf that's shorter than previous leaves (unless the leaf is stunted for other reasons). A flag leaf is an intermediate form, as the plant transitions from producing leaves to bracts.

Some varieties will exhibit odd bulging in the pseudostem, due to the flower forcing its way up through the inside.