How to Grow and Care for a Purple Banana Plant

The purple banana plant brings a dramatic, tropical feel to gardens and patios with its immense size and striking color. Its large, paddle-like leaves create a bold statement, offering an exotic touch even in temperate climates. The foliage, a mix of deep reds and purples, makes it a popular centerpiece. This plant is valued for its rapid growth during the summer, quickly establishing a commanding presence.

Identifying the Purple Banana Plant

This plant is scientifically known as Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ and is also called the Red Abyssinian Banana. It belongs to the Ensete genus, which makes it a close relative of the true banana plants found in the Musa genus. A common point of confusion is its potential for fruit; however, this species is grown for its ornamental foliage, not for producing edible bananas. The fruit it may produce is dry and inedible.

The primary appeal of the ‘Maurelii’ cultivar lies in its massive, paddle-shaped leaves that showcase a blend of burgundy, deep red, and green tones. The thick midrib of each leaf is often a vibrant, deep red. Under ideal conditions, this plant can reach a height of 15 feet or more with a substantial trunk-like structure, known as a pseudostem.

Outdoor Planting and Care

In USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, the purple banana plant can be grown outdoors year-round as a perennial. Gardeners in cooler regions often treat it as a fast-growing annual or bring it indoors for the winter.

For the best coloration, provide a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates light shade, the color will be less intense. The plant also needs a spot sheltered from strong winds, which can shred its large leaves.

This plant is a heavy feeder and requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amending the planting site with compost or well-rotted manure supports its vigorous growth and helps prevent root rot.

Consistent moisture is necessary during the growing season, as the plant’s large leaves lose a significant amount of water. Provide regular and deep watering, especially during hot and dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. To fuel its rapid development, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during spring and summer.

Growing in Containers

Growing a purple banana plant in a container is an excellent option for those in colder climates or with limited garden space, allowing you to enjoy it on patios and decks. The main consideration is selecting a pot that can support the plant’s size and rapid growth. A large, heavy container at least 18 inches in diameter is recommended to provide stability and prevent the plant from toppling in the wind.

Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage, such as one containing perlite to improve aeration. This prevents the soil from becoming compacted and waterlogged. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Plants in pots dry out faster than those in the ground, requiring frequent monitoring. During hot weather, daily watering may be necessary. Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, and then allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

Containerized purple bananas are heavy feeders. Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. Alternatively, mix a slow-release fertilizer into the potting soil at the start of the season.

Overwintering Your Plant

For gardeners outside its hardiness zones, overwintering preserves the plant for the next year. One method is to store the corm in a dormant state. Begin this process after the first light frost blackens the leaves, signaling the plant to slow down.

To prepare the plant for dormant storage:

• Cut the foliage back, leaving a 15-inch stem.
• Dig up the corm and remove excess soil from the root ball.
• Turn the plant upside down for a day to drain water from the pseudostem and prevent rot.
• Place the corm in a cool, dark, and dry location where temperatures stay above freezing, like a basement or garage.

Another option is to bring the plant indoors and grow it as a houseplant through the winter. This method is best for smaller specimens, as a mature plant can be too large for most indoor spaces. The plant should be potted up before the first frost and moved inside to a location that receives bright, indirect light. Watering should be reduced during the winter months, as the plant’s growth will slow considerably.

Common Issues and Solutions

A common pest to affect a purple banana plant, especially when grown indoors, is the spider mite. These pests thrive in warm, dry conditions and can be managed by increasing humidity or by washing the leaves with a strong spray of water. Additionally, browning or yellowing along the leaf edges often points to inconsistent watering or dry soil.