cincinnana

I live in Southern Ohio and this is how I overwinter my bananas and tropicals: Towards the end of summer I treat the pots with insecticide to kill any little bugs that try to hitch a ride inside. Most of my bananas are in the 10 gal.-15 gal. pot size, 7-12 feet tall. After treating the soil I cut off half of the leaves that are growing on each plant and just move them into my basement. They are by double doors facing south and the bananas receive ambient light but no direct sunlight. Due to the heighth of the bananas the leaves are above the light that comes in the door. I also water them just enough to keep the soil on the dry side. I know when it's right when the soil starts to pull away from the pots. I do not use any other artificial light. I keep them like this for about 7 months. I usually experience no growth on my bananas during this dormant period but as soon as I move them outdoors and feed them they immediately start growing. I think the key for me is just barely any water and just a little light. I hope this helps also.

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