Question
Hi! I live in Clovis, CA where we have triple digit summers and about 20-degree winters. My friend gave me 4 banana trees that were dug up from a garden. When I got them, they were green and healthy. He brought it to work and it was another 3 hours before I could go home and unload them. They were in the car between 10 - 2 in the afternoon. When I brought them down from the car, some of the bigger leaves have started to fold and droop. I thought this was from the heat. So I watered them and put them in a place in the garden where they get morning sun. I have been watering them for the past 3 days that they have been with me. There is no change in the way the leaves look like. Should I give them more water or less? Do I need to move them in a shady area? They are about 2 - 3 feet tall. Thanks!

Answer
I would say that leaving the plants in a car for four hours during temperatures in the high 90's the inside of the car was close to 120 so the plants were cooked. I would be surprised if they live. the only thing that can be done is keep the soil moist but not wet and wait and see.
Bananas will grow in most soils, but to thrive, they should be planted in a rich, well-drained soil. The best possible location would be above an abandoned compost heap. They prefer an acid soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The banana is not tolerant of salty soils.
The large leaves of bananas use a great deal of water. Regular deep watering is an absolute necessity during warm weather. Do not let plants dry out, but do not overwater. Standing water, especially in cool weather, will cause root rot. Plants grown in dry summer areas such as Southern California need periodic deep waterings to help leach the soil of salts. Spread a thick layer of mulch on the soil to help conserve moisture and protect the shallow roots. Container grown plants should be closely watched to see that they do not dry out. An occasional deep watering to leach the soil is also helpful.
Pick a protected location so the wind doesn't tear up your banana leaves although the wind is not likely to harm your plant or fruit production. You and the plants will be much happier in a protected area. Provide maximum sun.