Under full sunlight, ensete ventricosum 'Maurelli', tends to grow compactly, especially, if rootbound. If you had planted in soil and fertilizer conducive to prolific root growth, the leaf growth would be less compact.

You can make it grow more spindly by applying a very small amount of gibberellic acid (GA). There is a convenient method of application. Just pour about 2 tbs. of solution, containing a speck (maybe 0.01 g) of GA, into the opening at the top of a leaf furl that has just begun to open. You should see results on the next leaf to emerge. There is a danger that, if you use too much, the new growth will topple in the wind. Thus, it is better to err on the side of using too little.

Wow, thank you for such a specific answer! I suspect you are correct and that the problem lies in our soil being a bit hard in that place. I have never heard of that stuff, but will head over tomorrow to the garden center to find out! Thanks also for the name - yes, that is the exact plant that I have, the Maurelli.

You can buy GA at http://www.super-grow.biz/GibberellicAcid.jsp