Banana trees are one of the common trees of the garden. They grow both wide and long. They are quite hard to maintain as their roots grow deeper which consume lots of water and nutrients and that affect other nearby plants to survive.
Banana tree Root System Explained
Banana trees have a single intertwined mat system that does not grow in a central axial direction but rather spreads suckers from a fibrous root system. The roots grow 5-15 feet deeper both straight and horizontally, so they need bigger space to spread but they’re not invasive as they’re flexible.
Many factors influence the invasiveness of banana roots; some are invasive, such as wild banana roots that seek nourishment and water in hot climates, while others do not cause any harm but produce delicate suckers.
Some banana roots can reach five feet into the soil, while others can reach five feet in the right conditions.
However, because banana roots have rhizome roots with fibrous systems, they tend to spread horizontally.
They are not powerful enough to penetrate houses or pipes; therefore, they are regarded as safe, but they should have a minimal amount of room to develop due to their fibrous root system, which spreads quickly.
Cold hardy banana tree:
The roots of this tree develop quickly and spread far, but they are not very powerful, so they usually do not cause damage to houses or pipelines. However, if there isn’t enough distance between the trees, the trees nearby may be affected.
Dwarf banana tree:
This is a little banana tree kind with delicate roots that can’t easily penetrate neighboring structures, so the roots do not invade.
Wild banana tree:
In comparison to other banana roots, wild banana roots are invasive, so they should not be planted near plants or structures. The roots are strong by nature since they must withstand the summer drought.
Ornamental banana trees:
They are a different type of banana tree with a large root system that stays close to each other and does not have invasive roots. They normally stay close to the soil.
Does Banana tree have deep roots?
Banana trees normally grow 15-18 feet. Some can even grow more than 30 feet if the soil is fertile and they get enough nutrients. As they grow taller and taller, they need bigger and deeper roots.
That’s why their roots require more nutrients, rich soil and water than others to survive. Moreover, banana trees don’t have a central axis root; rather small branches that reach much deeper both straight and horizontally.
So, while digging a hole, make sure it is both deep and wide so that they can easily spread out.
How Deep Are Banana tree Roots?
Banana trees can grow up to 30 feet tall. As banana trees grow much longer, they require deep roots to ensure their nutrients and foods reach the top. Their roots are known as fibrous roots and can expand horizontally by forming many side branches for nutrition.
The root usually grows 5 feet deep but in rich soil the roots can reach up to 15-20 feet deeper. They need enough space to spread out freely else, their growth can be hampered.
However, while planting banana trees, a minimum of 1 feet deep and wide hole will be sufficient for them to spread and expand.
Is banana taproot or fibrous root?
Banana plants begin with a single stem and subsequently sprout branches from the nodes of the stalk. Because banana trees are monocots, they have adventitious roots known as fibrous roots, and because banana trees are one of them, their root systems are fibrous as well.
The banana tree’s root system is integrated, or mat-like, with suckers or branches to replace drying roots and obtain water and nutrients. The banana tree’s fibrous root structure is known for branching profusely and spreading in all directions in search of nutrients and water.
They clump together to form a root mass. The banana tree has a rhizome root system, which is a modified creeping root system.
What type of roots do a banana trees have?
These plants start out with a single rhizome or stem, but after a period of subsequent growth, the roots sprout branches and suckers, forming a fibrous root system. Bananas’ root systems are like those of a monocot variety of trees.
Monocots have roots that are either fibrous mat systems or integrated root systems. The tree is known as a plantain because of its fibrous root system that stays close together. These banana roots produce a network of thin roots that span a large area.
Fibrous thin roots:
Banana trees do not have a central axis of root. Instead, they have a fibrous root system, which means they have small branches rather than a single axial root.
This branch extends horizontally and creates suckers, which serve to grow new roots in lieu of the dried ones.
Rhizome system:
It distributes branches from the nodes of the root stem in a single rhizome shape. Banana roots have a single rhizome that has been modified to allow them to reach further distances in order to draw water and nutrients.
The banana tree’s adventitious root system:
Along with rhizomes, the underground stem generates virulent roots that can extend up to 16 feet. Banana plants have a distinct root system because their roots reach up to five feet into the earth and require more nutrients.
Are Banana tree Roots Invasive?
Banana roots are delicate in nature; they aren’t considered to have invasive roots, but they can expand horizontally by forming many side branches for nutrition.
They do not harm other plants; rather, their root systems aid in the replacement of dried roots and the production of new roots.
Their roots may usually spread up to 10 feet into the ground, and their suckers can expand ten to fifteen feet sideways, although the roots are soft and do not harm pipelines or other trees.
However, if they do not have the necessary habitat to spread, their roots may find any method to spread in order to survive, generating invasiveness in the soil.
Can Banana tree roots damage foundation or pipes?
Banana trees are a big growing tree that usually grow 15 feet to 30 feet tall. They require deep roots to ensure their body’s needs. So, the roots of banana trees expand up to 15 feet deep depending on the growth of the branches.
Though their roots reach so deep, they do not damage foundation or pipes as their roots divide into small branches and they are soft, delicate and much flexible in nature. So, they are not capable enough to harm the foundation or pipe like other deep root trees.
But as they have deep, fibrous roots, they can suck lots of water from soil and also affect other nearby plants.
How much space does a banana tree root need?
Banana trees are large plants that require much space to spread freely or their growth may hamper. Usually, their roots grow 5 feet to 10 feet but in rich soil their roots can reach up to 15 feet which is really deep.
So, keeping the growth in their mind, plant the banana tree so they can grow easily. You need to plant the tree minimum in a 15 gallon space, so its roots can expand.
When digging it in the soil, 1 feet width and minimum 30cm depth will be sufficient to grow but when they’ll be mature enough, they will need more space like 8-12 feet.
Do Banana trees spread or multiply?
Banana trees actually spread as they grow from the rhizomes that are known as the underground stems that initiate the buds of a banana tree and these small plants are known as the suckers.
With suckers or branches, the banana tree’s root system is integrated to replace drying roots and obtain water and nutrients. Also, from the pups or the suckers they are able to become separate from the adult tree and grow separately.
Moreover, it’s the rhizomes that help to produce fruit by nurturing the stems.
How big are Banana tree roots?
As banana trees are big and large growing trees, their roots also grow bigger and deeper than the other trees. By seeing only the body of the banana tree, it’s difficult to assume how big their tree roots can be.
Their roots are fibrous roots and they even divide into small branches and expand much deeper in the soil. Their roots gradually grow from 1 feet to usually 5 feet or 10 feet but however, in their optimal atmosphere their roots can even be 15 feet big.
Final Thoughts
The roots of a banana tree sprout from branches and suckers, forming a fibrous root system. They don’t have a central axis root; rather small branches that can reach up to 15 feet. However, the roots are delicate and won’t hurt the foundation but they should have a minimum amount of space to grow.