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The Red Abyssinian Banana, also known as Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, is a tropical plant that requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips to care for this beautiful plant:
1. Light: Place the Red Abyssinian Banana in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
3. Temperature: The Red Abyssinian Banana prefers warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). Protect it from cold drafts and extreme temperatures.
4. Fertilizer: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for application.
5. Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance. Cut back any overly long stems to encourage compact growth.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the vibrant foliage and beauty of the Red Abyssinian Banana in your home or garden.
The red Abyssinian banana is a type of false banana or Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum, USDA zones 10-11). The red variety is known as Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii,’ and it is valued for its leaves that have a red tinge. It can reach a height of up to 18 feet with leaves that are 10 feet long. The upright growth and tropical appearance make the red Abyssinian banana a popular choice for gardens in temperate and subtropical regions.
How to Take Care of the Red Abyssinian Banana
Step 1: Select a Planting Location
Decide whether to plant it directly in the ground or in a container. Plant your red Abyssinian banana outdoors in nutrient-rich soil after the last frost of the year. Amend the soil with compost and other additives as necessary to create well-draining soil. Choose a sheltered and sunny spot, as the wind can cause significant damage to the large leaves of the banana tree. Too much shade will hinder growth and result in a weak plant.
Step 2: Water and Fertilize Regularly
Water thoroughly, at least twice a week in hot weather. The Abyssinian banana plant requires consistently moist soil without being waterlogged. Do not let the soil completely dry out before watering it again. The plant itself also benefits from moisture, so you can mist the leaves daily or use a humidifier near the plant if you are growing it indoors.
Step 3: Fertilize the Red Abyssinian Banana
Fertilize every two weeks to meet the high nutrient requirements of the Abyssinian banana plant. Use a balanced fertilizer specifically for banana plants. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer four times a year to provide nourishment for the plant.
Step 4: Prune the Plant
Trim off any drooping or damaged leaves, being careful not to cut the main stem. The stem of your banana tree consists of leaf bases and can be easily cut with a sharp knife or pruning shears.
Step 5: Repot Container Plants
If you are growing your banana plant in a container, repot it in a larger pot each year in the spring. Each new pot should be slightly bigger than the previous one to allow more space for the roots. Choose a heavy pot to provide stability for the tall banana plant.
Step 6: Plan for Winter
In the fall, decide whether to risk losing your red Abyssinian banana plant to winter frosts or to overwinter it. If your banana plant is potted and small enough, you can bring it indoors for the winter and allow it to continue growing as usual. Bananas planted in the ground need to be dug up and prepared for overwintering.
Step 7: Overwinter in a Greenhouse
Use a spade to dig up your banana tree, cutting through the roots about 6 inches from the stem. Remove all but the smallest leaves. Repot your banana tree in a large plastic pot with multi-purpose potting mix enriched with organic matter, such as compost, and water it sparingly. Maintain a minimum temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit in your greenhouse throughout the winter.
Step 8: Wintering in the Garage
If you don’t have a greenhouse, you can winter your Abyssinian red banana in a garage or storeroom. Start by cutting off all the leaves, leaving about 5 feet of stem, and cleaning the roots. Allow the stem to dry for a day, then wrap it in breathable packing material and store it upright in a cool, dark location. Make sure the chosen site doesn’t drop below freezing, as it could damage the stump. Regularly check your banana tree and move it to a colder area if you notice any root or leaf growth before spring.
Step 9: Propagating the Abyssinian Red Banana
To propagate your Abyssinian red banana, you can use its seeds. After a few years, your mature banana tree will produce a large flower bud followed by a bunch of small banana-like fruits filled with tiny black seeds. Once the adult tree has fruited, it will die. The seeds can easily germinate if planted in small pots with sterile, multi-purpose compost at a depth of 1 inch. Keep the compost moist and seal the pots inside a clear plastic bag in a warm location until shoots start to appear. Germination can take several weeks.
