Dwarf Cavendish Banana
Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish'

Compact banana ideal for containers; reliable in tropical Malaysia with regular feeding and moisture.
๐ Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun (6โ8+ hours)
Temperature: 24โ34ยฐC optimal; tolerates 18โ36ยฐC
๐ชด Pot & Soil
Pot: 50โ75 L container (45โ60 cm diameter) with drainage; sturdy staking if windy.
Soil Mix: Rich, well-draining mix: 40% loam, 30% compost, 20% coco coir, 10% sand; pH 5.5โ6.5
๐ง Watering
Schedule: Dry season: 3โ4x/week; Rainy season: 1โ2x/week if no rain
Amount: 4โ6 L per watering for 50โ75 L pot
Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging; mulch to conserve moisture.
๐งช Fertilizing
Type: High-potassium balanced fertilizer (NPK 12-12-17+2MgO) or organic compost
Frequency: Every 2 weeks during active growth; monthly during monsoon
Dosage: 60โ80 g/month for a 50โ75 L pot, split into 2 doses; add 1โ2 kg compost quarterly
๐ Fruiting & Harvest
Start: 8โ12 months after planting
Seasonality: Year-round in Malaysia with peaks after dry spells
Duration: Hands mature 3โ4 months after flowering
Harvest Indicators: Fingers full and rounded; angular edges soften; color light green; 75โ90 days from flowering
Tips: Cut whole bunch; hang in shade to ripen; avoid sunburn on ripening fruit.
๐ฑ Propagation
Suckers (sword pups) 30โ60 cm tall; plant shallowly; seeds not used.
๐ Pests & Diseases
- Aphids & mealybugs: Neem oil 0.5โ1% weekly until controlled; encourage ladybirds.
- Sigatoka/leaf spot: Improve airflow; remove infected leaves; copper fungicide if severe.
- Root rot: Ensure drainage; avoid waterlogging; use raised pot feet.
๐ฆ๏ธ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Provide wind protection during monsoon storms; monitor drainage during prolonged rain.
๐ Planting Notes
Container needs weight/bracing to prevent toppling; stake pseudostem if windy.
๐ก Extra Care Tips
- Mulch 5โ8 cm depth
- Trim old leaves below the bunch
- Top-dress compost every 3 months
Note
Schedules are guidelinesโadjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.