Re: Minimum Light Requirement?
I have successfully over-wintered a musa sikkimus with light from a south facing window alone, so anything equivalent to that or better should be good. I would however recommend perhaps a 100 watt metal halide since they have more of a full spectrum light which is required to keep plants from stringing out.
I find that the 26 watt cfls will work for some low light requiring houseplants, but bananas seem to demand more. If you can, I would suggest getting a stronger light, and have it on for a shorter period of time, so perhaps a 400 watt metal halide with a timer for 6 hours each day would not kill the electricity bill and it will keep your bananas healthy.
I keep my bananas outdoors, or by south facing windows so I don't even mess with lights that often however I have observed greenhouses, and the full spectrum metal halide, or hps type seems to promote the most bushy, short and healthy looking growth.
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