Types of Banana Tree: Varieties, Benefits, and How to Choose the Right One

Banana trees are known not only for their delicious fruit but also for their lush green leaves and ornamental appeal. The various types of banana trees produce fruits of different sizes, colors, and flavors.

From the compact and hardy Dwarf Cavendish to the massive Blue Java banana, the diversity among banana tree types is astounding. Each type of banana tree has unique characteristics, cultivation requirements, and of course, a distinct type of banana.

In this guide, I will explore the most well-known and interesting types of banana trees in detail.

If you like the way banana trees look or want to try different bananas, knowing about them can help you pick the perfect tree for what you want. The wide range of banana tree types ensures there is an option for any climate or planting space.

So, let us discover the fascinating world of banana tree diversity and find inspiration for which types of banana trees you want to grow. The possibilities for new tastes and landscaping are endless!

Table of Banana Tree Types

Tree Types	Short Description
Cavendish	Most common commercial variety
Lady Finger	Small, sweet
Red Banana	Reddish-purple skin, sweet
Plantain	Starchy, used for cooking
Dwarf Cavendish	Compact, ideal for small spaces
Orinoco	Versatile, used for fruit and cooking
Manzano	Apple-flavored fruit ice
Blue Java	Bluish skin, creamy texture

Exploring the Different Types of Banana Trees

Cavendish

The Cavendish is the most common type of banana tree, which produces the bananas typically found in grocery stores. They have a sweet taste and are high in potassium, making them a healthy and delicious snack.

How to identify: Cavendish banana trees have broad, dark green leaves and produce large bunches of bananas that are slightly curved.

Lady Finger

Lady Finger bananas are smaller and sweeter than Cavendish bananas. They are perfect for those who enjoy a naturally sweet taste without added sugars.

How to identify: Lady Finger banana trees have slender leaves and produce small, thin-skinned bananas that are straighter than Cavendish bananas.

Red Banana

Red bananas have reddish-purple skin and are sweeter than the common Cavendish variety. They are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a nutritious and delicious choice.

How to identify: Red Banana trees have dark green leaves with red midribs and produce bananas with reddish-purple skin.

Plantain

Plantains are a type of banana tree that produces starchy bananas used for cooking. They are commonly used in Caribbean and African cuisine and can be fried, baked, or boiled.

How to identify: Plantain trees have large, green leaves and produce thick-skinned bananas that are less curved than other varieties.

Dwarf Cavendish

Dwarf Cavendish banana trees are compact and ideal for small spaces or indoor growing. They produce fruit similar to the common Cavendish variety but on a smaller scale.

How to identify: Dwarf Cavendish trees have shorter, more compact leaves and produce smaller bunches of bananas.

Orinoco

Orinoco banana trees are versatile, producing fruit that can be eaten fresh or used for cooking. They are also known as “Burro” or “Horse” bananas.

How to identify: Orinoco trees have large, green leaves and produce short, chubby bananas with a slightly squared shape.

Manzano

Manzano bananas, also known as “Apple Bananas,” have a unique apple-like flavor. They are small, sweet, and perfect for snacking.

How to identify: Manzano trees have broad, dark green leaves and produce small, plump bananas with a slightly curved shape.

Ice Cream/Blue Java

Ice Cream bananas, also known as “Blue Java,” have bluish skin and a creamy texture that resembles ice cream. They are sweet and flavorful, making them a popular choice for desserts.

How to identify: Ice Cream banana trees have silvery-blue leaves and produce bananas with a bluish skin and creamy texture.

Types of Banana Plants for Indoor Growing

Banana plants are known for their lush green leaves and delicious fruit, which makes them a popular choice for indoor gardeners looking to add a tropical touch to their homes.

Despite their size, several varieties of banana plants can be grown indoors, providing a unique aesthetic appeal and, in some cases, even fruit. If you want to grow banana plants indoors, then you must choose the types that can be compact and easily manageable in smaller spaces.

Here are a few types of banana plants that are suitable for indoor cultivation and tips for successful growth.

Dwarf Cavendish Banana

The Dwarf Cavendish is one of the most popular banana plants for indoor cultivation due to its smaller size, growing to a height of 4-6 feet. This variety produces edible fruit, though it takes 12-24 months to reach maturity. 

Provide it with ample light, high humidity, and temperatures between 60-80°F. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid over-watering.

Super Dwarf Banana

As the name suggests, the Super Dwarf Banana is even smaller than the Dwarf Cavendish, reaching a height of just 2-4 feet. While it can produce fruit under ideal conditions, the primary appeal of this variety is its compact size and ornamental foliage. 

Like other banana plants, the Super Dwarf requires bright light, high humidity, and warm temperatures to thrive. Maintain consistent soil moisture and provide a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

Blood Banana

The Blood Banana, also known as the Zebrina Banana, is a stunning ornamental variety with striking red and green striped leaves. It typically grows between 4-8 feet tall, making it suitable for indoor cultivation. 

While it can produce small, inedible fruit, the primary draw of this plant is its eye-catching foliage. Provide bright light, high humidity, and temperatures between 60-80°F for optimal growth. Water consistently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Lady Finger Banana

The Lady Finger Banana is a smaller fruiting variety that grows to around 6-8 feet in height. It produces sweet, thin-skinned bananas that are smaller than the typical supermarket variety. 

Just ensure it receives ample light, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Maintain even soil moisture and provide a well-draining potting mix.

Growing banana plants indoors offer a unique opportunity to bring the tropics into your home. By selecting a suitable variety, such as the Dwarf Cavendish, Super Dwarf, Blood Banana, or Lady Finger, indoor gardeners can enjoy lush foliage and, in some cases, even fruit. 

Remember to provide bright light, warm temperatures, high humidity, and consistent moisture for a thriving banana plant that will be the envy of your houseplant collection.

The Benefits of Growing Banana Trees in Your Backyard

Fresh, organic fruit: Growing your own banana tree allows you to enjoy fresh, organic fruit without added pesticides or chemicals.

Ornamental appeal: Banana trees add a tropical touch to your landscape with their lush, green leaves and colorful fruit.

Shade and wind protection: Banana trees can provide shade and act as a windbreak in your garden or yard.

Improved air quality: Like other plants, banana trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality in your outdoor space.

Banana Plant Identification Chart

The Best Time of Year to Plant a Banana Tree

The best time to plant a banana tree is during the early spring months, ideally between March and April.

This period offers the perfect blend of warmth and moisture, enabling banana trees to thrive and establish their root systems with ease.

Banana trees are tropical plants that require warmth, sunlight, and consistent moisture for successful growth. Planting in early spring ensures that the trees receive ample sunlight and warmth as the days become longer and temperatures rise. This is crucial as banana trees need temperatures between 75°F to 95°F for optimal growth and fruit production.

During spring, the soil is also beginning to warm up and retains adequate moisture from winter rains or snowmelt.

How to Choose the Right Type of Banana Tree for Your Needs

When picking a banana plant for your needs, think about these things:

Climate: Banana trees grow best in tropical and subtropical climates. If you live in a colder region, consider growing a more cold-tolerant variety or planting your banana tree in a container so you can move it indoors during the winter months.

Space: Some banana tree varieties grow quite large, so make sure you have enough space in your yard or garden. Dwarf varieties are better suited for smaller spaces or indoor growing.

Taste preferences: Different banana varieties have unique flavors and textures. Choose a variety that suits your taste preferences and culinary needs.

Ornamental appeal: If you’re interested in the aesthetic appeal of a banana tree, consider varieties with unique leaf colors or fruit appearance.

What is the most common type of banana tree?

The most common type of banana tree is the Cavendish. It is the variety typically found in grocery stores and produces sweet, potassium-rich fruit.

Which Banana Tree Is Best?

The “best” banana tree largely depends on personal preferences and environmental factors. Some people prefer the sweet taste of Lady Finger or Red bananas, while others enjoy the versatile Orinoco variety for both snacking and cooking. Consider your taste preferences, climate, and available space when choosing the best banana tree for your needs.

What are the sweetest banana trees?

The sweetest banana trees include the Lady Finger, Red Banana, and Manzano varieties. 

Each offers a unique flavor and texture, making them popular choices for those who enjoy naturally sweet fruit.

FAQs

How many types of banana trees are there?

There are over 1,000 types of banana trees belonging to the genus Musa. However, only a few of these are commonly grown for their fruit or ornamental appeal.

What are the different types of banana plants?

Some of the different types of banana plants include Cavendish, Lady Finger, Red Banana, Plantain, Dwarf Cavendish, Orinoco, Manzano, and Ice Cream.

How long does it take for a banana tree to produce fruit?

Banana trees typically take 9 to 12 months to produce fruit, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Once the tree blooms, the fruit needs around 2 to 4 months to become ripe and ready.

Conclusion

The type of banana trees is both diverse and fascinating, with over 1,000 types belonging to the genus Musa. From the common Cavendish to the intriguing Blue Java banana, each variety brings its unique characteristics, flavors, and uses.

Whether you’re after sweet dessert bananas, versatile cooking bananas, or a beautiful indoor plant, there’s a banana tree that’s perfect for your needs.

So, explore thoroughly the captivating realm of banana tree diversity and discover new tastes and landscapes that will surely inspire your gardening journey.