How to Grow and Care for a Red Banana Plant

The Red Banana Plant, known botanically as Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, is an ornamental grown for its foliage. Also called the Red Abyssinian Banana, this plant features enormous, paddle-shaped leaves with deep burgundy and red hues, adding a tropical feel to gardens and large containers. This plant is grown for its visual appeal, as its banana-like fruits are not edible. It is a fast-growing specimen that can achieve a significant size in a single season.

Core Care Requirements

Light

To develop its signature deep red coloration, the Red Banana Plant needs a location that receives full sun, as direct sunlight intensifies the colors in its leaves. While it thrives in sun, it can tolerate partial shade. In extremely hot climates, some protection from the most intense afternoon sun can prevent the leaves from scorching.

Soil

The ideal soil for this plant is rich in organic matter, retains moisture, and allows for good drainage. When planting in the ground, amend the native soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and structure. For container growing, a quality, well-draining potting mix is suitable.

Water

These plants have high water requirements, especially during the growing season and in hot weather. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot. A regular watering schedule, potentially twice a week in summer, is beneficial. For container-grown plants, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

Fertilizer

Red Banana Plants are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization during the spring and summer growing season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks for vigorous growth. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied at the beginning of the season.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prefers warm and humid conditions, growing most actively in temperatures between 80°F and 95°F. It is not frost-tolerant and requires protection from freezing temperatures. While it adapts to average humidity, misting the leaves can be beneficial, especially for indoor plants in dry homes.

Outdoor Versus Indoor Growing

When planted outdoors, the Red Banana Plant requires ample space, as it can reach up to 15 feet in height. Position it in a spot sheltered from strong winds, which can shred the large leaves. Proper spacing ensures the plant is not cramped and allows its foliage to be displayed.

Growing this plant in a container is a popular option, particularly in climates where it must be moved for winter. A generously sized pot with excellent drainage is needed to house the large root system. While its growth may be somewhat restricted by the pot, it remains a striking patio or indoor specimen.

Overwintering Red Banana Plants

In regions that experience frost, overwintering the Red Banana Plant is necessary for its survival. This process should begin in autumn before the first expected frost. There are two primary methods: bringing the potted plant indoors or digging up the corm for dormant storage.

The first method is to bring the entire plant inside in its container to a bright, cool location like a garage. Before moving, you can cut back the foliage to make it more manageable. Indoors, the plant will become dormant, and watering should be infrequent, just enough to keep the roots from drying out completely.

The second method is to dig the plant up and cut the leaves back, leaving a stem of 6 to 15 inches. Lift the corm, remove excess soil, and let it air dry for a few days to prevent rot. The bare-root corm can be stored in a cool, dark, frost-free place like a basement, placed in a box with peat moss or sand.

Common Problems and Solutions

Brown, crispy leaf edges indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. For indoor plants, increase humidity with a pebble tray or a room humidifier. Consistent watering as described in the core care section will also prevent this.

Yellowing of the lower leaves is a natural part of the plant’s growth cycle as it sheds old foliage. However, widespread yellowing on newer leaves may be a sign of overwatering and poor drainage. Check that the soil is not saturated and that pots have proper drainage.

Pests like spider mites can affect indoor plants, thriving in dry conditions and creating fine webbing on leaf undersides. Increasing humidity and rinsing the leaves with water can help manage them. Aphids on new growth can be treated with insecticidal soap.