several clusters of ripe yellow with brown spots Lacatan bananas hanging from beams in market stall

Banana 'Lacatan' (Musa acuminata)

Regular price $19.95
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10 in stock

Pot Size

Discover the Philippines' best-tasting banana, the Lacatan! This fast-growing banana variety brings the tropics to your home or garden, boasting glossy green leaves and golden-fleshed fruit with a sweet, aromatic burst. Take the risk and taste an adventure - the Lacatan Banana is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

The Lacatan (or Lakatan) is native to the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It is most similar to Grand Nain and Double Mahoi but fruits faster than both. 

The Lacatan Banana offers delicious flavor and a unique texture. Enjoy its sweet and aromatic nature, or use the glossy jungle-green leaves to wrap food.  This variety offers larger fruit than the Cavendish, with a deeper, more golden flesh. Lacatan Bananas are renowned for their taste and are very popular among local growers. They grow up to 5-9 feet tall and thrive in warm climates, making them perfect for container gardens.

 

Quick Care Guide

Plant Type

Perennial Fruiting Plant / Ornamental Plant

Harvest Season

Varies by variety; typically year-round in suitable climates

Mature Size

6-25 feet tall, depending on the variety; 6-10 feet wide

Soil & Moisture

Rich, well-draining soil; consistently moist but not waterlogged

Light Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade (depending on the variety)

Growth Rate Fast
Self-fertile Yes
Zone Hardiness Outdoors 9-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation

Grown from tissue culture, offsets (pups), or rhizome divisions; most varieties produce pups within a growing season, and mature plants can fruit within 9-20 months depending on the size and variety.

Full Growing Guide

Did you know? The banana plant is actually an evergreen perennial fruiting herb, not a tree! The large ‘trunk’ is actually a pseudostem, which is made of bulky, leafy layers that emerge and wither over time. Banana plants are fast-growing, and prone to reproducing new plants through mini clones known as suckers.

Banana plants are a striking addition to any garden, offering lush foliage and, in some varieties, delicious fruit. While Sow Exotic carries a diverse range of banana varieties, from the rare and exotic to the more common types, the general care for banana plants is quite similar across the board. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you nurture these tropical beauties, ensuring they thrive in your garden.

Climate and Sunlight

Bananas are tropical and subtropical plants, thriving in warm climates with plenty of sunlight. They prefer full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct light each day. However, some varieties can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. For those in cooler regions, growing bananas in pots that can be moved indoors during the colder months is an ideal solution.

Soil Requirements

Banana plants prefer rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Amending your soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can help create the ideal growing environment. Good drainage is crucial, as banana plants are susceptible to root rot if left in waterlogged conditions.  Bananas like to be planted high on a mound in rich, moist but well-drained, nitrogen-rich soil, and humid conditions similar to their native tropical and subtropical regions. In well-drained soil, bananas can almost never get too much water, sunlight, and nutrients. Water regularly to maintain leaves and promote fruit production.

Watering Needs

Thrives in ample humidity! Bananas are water-loving plants, requiring consistent moisture to thrive. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. During the hottest parts of the year, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. However, avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Bananas are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar, applying it every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. You can also supplement with organic options like compost tea, fish emulsion, or well-aged manure to provide additional nutrients. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent root burn.

Mature Size

Really varies depending on variety. Some dwarf banana varieties grow only to 2-3 ft where other banana types reach up to 40 ft tall. Most banana plants can be grown easily in containers and overwintered indoors if needed. We recommend a minimum 7 gal. planter size.  Banana plants are fast-growing, and prone to reproducing new plants through mini clones known as suckers.

Pruning and Maintenance

Banana plants require minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and attractive. After a banana plant produces fruit, it will die back. Cut the spent pseudostem (the trunk-like structure) to the ground level to allow space for new pups (offshoots) to grow. It's essential to manage these pups by allowing only the strongest ones to mature, as overcrowding can reduce fruit production.

Pests and Diseases

Banana plants can be susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and banana weevils. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Diseases such as Panama disease or banana bunchy top virus can also affect bananas, so it's crucial to source your plants from reputable suppliers like Sow Exotic and to maintain good garden hygiene.

Harvesting

For fruiting varieties, bananas are typically ready to harvest 75-80 days after flowering. Harvest the bunch when the fruits are full-sized but still green. They will ripen off the plant. Cut the entire stalk with a sharp knife and hang it in a cool, shaded area to allow the bananas to ripen evenly. Some ornamental varieties may not produce edible fruit, but their vibrant foliage and unique flowers are enough to make them a garden centerpiece.

Harvest can be year-round, but most predominantly in the warm summer months. With good care, bananas are capable of producing fruit within the first 15-18 months of planting. It will take 9-15 months before the tree starts flowering and an additional 2-6 months before the bananas are ready to be picked. (Expect approximately 3-6 months less time from planting to fruit for Banana plants in our XL Pot Size)

Final Tips

Whether you're growing bananas for their fruit or ornamental value, providing the right care will ensure they thrive and bring a touch of the tropics to your garden. Pair this general guide with the specific care instructions for your chosen variety to maximize your success. Happy gardening!

 

Did you know all of our plants come in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots? 🌱 Our eco-friendly coir pots make planting a breeze—just pop them straight into the ground or a bigger pot! And our recyclable nursery pots are perfect for reusing in your garden or recycling responsibly. Want to learn more about our plant sizes, pot materials, and how to grow them?
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Checkout the Full Guide Here

Curious about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Whether you’re gardening in sunny Florida or snowy Alaska, our latest blog breaks down how to find your Zone, what it really means, and why it shouldn’t limit your plant dreams! Learn how to grow tropical and subtropical plants anywhere with tips for container gardening, greenhouses, and more. 👉 Read the full blog here!

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Important Shipping Information:

Sow Exotic ships nationwide year-round to the United States.  We use plant-based, plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, AND compostable packaging materials. All of our plants ship ready-to-grow in plantable pots (with the exception of citrus) and range in size.  See the size guide on each plant page to learn more about what to expect upon arrival.

Shipping & Handing Cost
Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your order weight and your distance from the nursery. Shipping is combined for multiple orders with plants, so the more you grow, the more you save!  

Order Processing & Shipping Schedule
Live plant orders are processed at the beginning of each week and ship on Monday-Thursday via 1-3 Day USPS Priority Mail. Order processing time before shipment changes seasonally and averages from same day shipping to up to 14 days depending on season. (Spring is busiest!). Expected delivery date and lead time is shown at checkout.

Tracking Your Order
As soon as you place your order, you will receive order confirmation and a link to your Order Status Page.  You can view and track your orders progress online any time via your Order Status Page!

When your order ships, we'll send you a shipping confirmation and tracking info to let you know it's on it's way! We'll also send you delivery confirmation as soon as your order has been dropped off!

You can sign up for additional order status/tracking alerts on your Order Status Page.

Heat Packs & Weather Holds:

Heat Packs
Shipping tropical plants to a cold climate in the middle of winter? We sell Heat Packs! If it's under 32 degrees in your area, we definitely recommend ordering a Heat Pack! Visit our Heat Packs page to learn more and purchase your heat pack. 

Weather Holds
Waiting for the perfect time to plant? You can order now and request a custom weather hold until your preferred arrival date.  Please email care@sowexotic.com to request a custom hold. 

Local Pickup at the Nursery:

Available for all plants!

Shipping to Hawaii & Puerto Rico & Minor Outlying Islands:

We ship to Puerto Rico! Due to USDA restrictions, here's the list of a plants that we don't ship. 

Plants that DO NOT ship to Puerto Rico: Coffee, Palm, Banana  

Plants that DO NOT ship to Hawaii: Pineapple, Palm, Papaya, Coffee, Banana, Passion Fruit

For more frequently asked questions visit our Help Center.

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