About
Musa acuminata 'Lacatan' is a banana cultivar producing the characteristic bold, paddle-shaped leaves, flower spikes and cylindrical fruits of the species. A dramatic and architectural plant for a heated conservatory or frost-free garden.
About the genus
Musa, the bananas, are suckering evergreen perennials with very large, paddle-shaped leaves whose sheathing stalk-bases form a false stem, and clusters of tubular flowers with colourful bracts, followed by cylindrical fruits. Grown as ornamental and fruiting plants in heated glasshouses and frost-free gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bedding, Houseplants
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens
Native toIndochina
Care notes
CultivationShould be grown indoors in frost-free conditions, but pots may be put outside in summer in a sheltered spot. See banana cultivation
PruningRemove damaged or dead leaves
PropagationPropagate by seed or by potting up suckers after flowering
Pest resistanceWill be susceptible to the usual glasshouse pests, including glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free