Dwarf banana - Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish' (Cavendish Banana) - XL specimens

Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish' is one of the most popular dwarf banana varieties worldwide, being cultivated both for its high production of large, edible fruits and as an ornamental plant.

The maximum height of this plant allows for indoor cultivation.

Plant characteristics

• Maximum height :

• Under optimal conditions, it can reach 1.5 - 2 meters , being much more compact than standard banana trees.

• Indoors or in pots, it usually does not exceed 1.8 meters .

• Leaves : Large, broad, deep dark green , with purple stripes on young plants. As they grow, the stripes tend to disappear.

• Stem (pseudostem) : Thick and robust, ensuring good stability.

• Growth : Rapid, in conditions of high temperature and humidity.

• Cold resistance: It is sensitive to temperatures below 5°C , and at 0°C the leaves begin to deteriorate . The rhizome survives the winter in regions with milder climates (such as southern Romania), if it is well protected.

• If the rhizome is protected, it can survive in temperate climates, but it is not as hardy as Musa Basjoo.

Fruit characteristics

• Size : The fruits are of normal size between 15-25 cm long and 3-4 cm in diameter .

• Shape : Classic, elongated and slightly curved.

• Color : Green in the growth phase. Bright yellow when ripe.

• Pulp : Soft, creamy, specific to consumption varieties. Yellowish-white in color, with a fine texture.

• Taste : Very sweet and aromatic , typical of commercial bananas. Sometimes it can have a slight vanilla note.

• Edibility : 100% edible, being one of the most cultivated varieties for consumption.

Use and advantages

• Edible Fruit : Bananas produced by 'Dwarf Cavendish' are the most common bananas found in commerce.

• Compact growth : Its small size makes it perfect for growing in pots, in small gardens or in indoor conditions.

• High productivity : Can produce large bunches of bananas under optimal temperature and humidity conditions.

• Decorative plant : Its exotic appearance and large leaves make it a popular choice for decoration.

Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish' is a compact, productive and easy to grow variety. Its fruits are edible, sweet and seedless , making this banana one of the most important commercial species. Its cold resistance is limited , requiring protection against low temperatures.

This plant prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, and needs regular watering, without being allowed to stand in stagnant water.

Note: In general, the leaves of this plant are very fragile and show defects/damage or may be broken - this is considered normal for a banana plant, and the plant has a very fast growth rate. As it develops, this variety loses its leaves at the base.

The height is measured with the pot.