Musa × paradisiaca

Plantain trees will require constantly moist, but not waterlogged, soil. As a result, these trees will require a fairly large amount of water during the warmest months of the year. Try to water the soil whenever the top layer begins to dry out.

The plantain tree is a tropical tree plant that cannot withstand freezing temperatures - the cold will kill off its fruit, flowers, and leaves. As a result, you may have to take extra steps to protect your tree when the cold weather arrives. This could include the use of blankets and light bulbs (you can even use a string of holiday lights) when the temperatures dip below freezing. The good news, however, is that the plantain tree's rhizomes will survive in the ground at temperatures down to 22°F. So, if your tree does die off above the ground, the rhizome will send up new shoots come spring.

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Since this is a tropical plant that feeds heavily, you'll want to fertilize your plantain tree about once a month during the summer. Mature trees will require about one to two pounds of fertilizer. Opt for a balanced 8-10-8, slow-release fertilizer. Spread the granulated fertilizer in a circle about four-to-eight-feet wide around the base of the plant, and then scratch it into the top inch of soil with a hand cultivator. Try not to sprinkle fertilizer on the trunk.

You can prune away most of the tree's suckers with a pair of pruners. These young plantain plants will extract nutrients and moisture from the parent plant.