Banana Canna Canna 'Musifolia'

Water

Canna 'Musifolia', commonly known as Banana Canna, prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply. Aim to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might mean watering every few days during hot, dry periods, and less frequently during cooler or rainy spells. Generally, Banana Canna benefits from approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week whether from rainfall or manual watering. If the plant is in a container, ensure that any excess water can drain away to prevent root rot. One or two gallons per week should suffice for an established plant, depending on weather conditions, but always adjust based on soil moisture levels.

Light

Banana Canna thrives in full sunlight where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be less prolific. The best spot for this plant is in a location where it will get ample morning light and, if possible, some protection from the intense afternoon sun, which can sometimes scorch the leaves.

Temperature

Banana Canna does well in warm temperatures and can tolerate a range from about 60°F to 90°F. It is not frost-hardy and should be protected or moved indoors if temperatures are expected to fall below 50°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and flowering is between 70°F and 85°F.

Pruning

Banana Canna should be pruned to remove spent flowers and damaged leaves, which encourages new growth and more blooms. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. After the first frost, cut back the foliage to ground level as the plant dies back for winter dormancy. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the Canna Lily, a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand can support healthy growth. Regularly enrich soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer for best results.

Repotting

Canna Lilies should be repotted every couple of years or when they outgrow their current pot. To ensure vigorous growth, divide the rhizomes during repotting. This also helps to rejuvenate the plant and control its size.

Humidity & Misting

Canna Lilies thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, but they are adaptable and can tolerate some variations. Aiming for around 50-70% relative humidity is a good range for these plants.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, enrich soil, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Canna 'Musifolia', commonly known as the Banana Canna, begins with seed germination, where warmth and moisture trigger the emergence of a small shoot and roots. The seedling stage follows as these shoots and roots grow into a young plant; this period of rapid growth requires ample sunlight and water. The vegetative stage is marked by the development of large, banana-like leaves and a sturdy stem, preparing the plant for flowering. During the flowering stage, the Banana Canna produces tall spikes adorned with bold, colorful flowers, usually red, orange, or yellow, which can attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the plant enters the fruiting stage, producing capsules that contain seeds, which can be harvested when dry and mature. Finally, as a perennial, the Banana Canna enters a period of dormancy in colder months if not in a tropical climate, where the foliage dies back, and the rhizomes remain dormant until conditions are favorable again for growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Canna 'Musifolia', commonly known as Canna Lily or Musa-leaf Canna, is typically propagated through division of its rhizomes. The most popular method involves separating the rhizomes during the plant's dormancy period, usually in late winter to early spring. Gardeners should carefully unearth the clump and use a sharp knife to divide the rhizome into sections that have at least one eye or bud. Each section is then planted directly into well-draining soil, about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) deep. The divisions should be spaced about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth, and they usually start producing new shoots within a few weeks under the right conditions of warmth and moisture.