Transplanting a Large Ornamental Banana: Focus on Pups

Mother Plant Move Is High-Risk

A banana with a 14-inch pseudostem has a massive, heavy corm. Digging it intact is nearly impossible without equipment; survival odds are low.

Better Strategy: Harvest Pups

1. Identify pups with 3+ leaves and own roots.
2. Sever cleanly with a sharp spade, capturing root mass.
3. Pot or plant pups immediately; water lightly.
4. Mother plant can be cut down and mulched if it declines.

Why Pups Succeed

Small corms establish quickly. You get multiple new plants with far less effort and risk.