The Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is an exotic, ornamental banana plant with bright green foliage, and a deep purple stem, making it a stunning addition to any home. Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, the ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is unusually versatile and can be grown either indoors or outside. In its natural habitat, the ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ prefers humid, tropical environments and can reach a height of around two metres, making it a beloved feature of Malaysian gardens. The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is not only beautiful but also rare – a true precious gem. That’s why we want to help you nurture it to get the best out of the plant and keep it healthy for as long as possible. Here are some tips for nurturing your ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ banana plant:
Light:
The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ loves sunshine and will reward you with more flowers, brighter foliage and larger, more frequent harvests when exposed to direct sunlight. However, keep in mind that the plant should not be exposed to sunlight for more than 6-8 hours, as this could lead to scorching the foliage.
Temperature:
The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ prefers balmy temperatures, between 18-30 degrees Celsius (64-86 degrees Fahrenheit). While it can survive in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) it may struggle so take measures to insulate it during the winter. Soil type and Drainage: The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ needs a light and well-draining soil. Utilise a potting mix that is lightweight, yet able to retain moisture and nutrients. To ensure optimal drainage, it might help to add sand, perlite or vermiculite to the soil.
Humidity:
Due to its origin, the ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ prefers a humid atmosphere and tends to suffer from dryness. You can compensate for this by misting the plant occasionally with a spray bottle or by keeping it in a humid room.
Watering:
The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ enjoys regular watering but requires resting periods in-between. This encourages the roots to grow further down and make the plant stronger. Water the plant until the soil is moist every 7-10 days, and in summer every 5-7 days.
Toxicity:
As delicious as its fruits might be, the ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is not edible, and parts of the plant are poisonous. Make sure to keep the plant away from pets and children, as even consuming small amounts of its leaves can cause discomfort.
Fertilizer:
Overfeeding your plant with fertiliser might prevent its flowers from blooming. To help it in its growth, we recommend using an organic liquid fertiliser once a month.
Troubleshooting pests and diseases:
Common symptoms of pests and diseases are yellowing of foliage, brown spots, discolouration, wilting, and mildew growth. If you spot any of these signs, treat it with a pesticide or fungicide on the affected area.
Common problems:
The main common problem people face with the ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is a lack of energy, which translates itself to half-open leaves and lower yields. This is usually due to the plant’s exposure to too much or too little sunlight or water, a nutrient deficiency, or a lack of humidity.
Propagation:
The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ can be propagated both from a stem cutting or from its seeds. For stem cuttings, use a sanitised tool to make an angled cut of a stem segment with at least two leaf nodes, then remove the bottom leaves and place in water or soil with the node facing downwards. For germination, plant the seeds just below the surface of the soil and ensure the soil is damp and warm.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a stunning, hardy and exotic addition to your home, then look no further than the must-have Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ plant. With its vibrant foliage and striking stem, it’s the perfect way to spruce up your home while also being relatively easy to care for. The ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is a rare gem, priceless and enchanting – the perfect houseplant.
