At the same time, be careful not to saturate the ground, as this could lead to root rot. All Rights Reserved. There are several types of red banana plants, including the Zebrina Banana, the Siam Ruby Banana and the Bordelon Banana. All types are fast growing, and caring for banana plants isn't difficult. All types are fast growing, and caring for banana plants isn't difficult. Red banana plant care involves proper site selection, watering, and fertilization. The red banana plant (Ensete ventricosum) produce large leaves that range in color from simple green to a deep burgundy. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Dig up the red banana plant in areas with freezing temperatures. This plant requires only occasional upkeep and maintenance and very little pruning. Support The Plant. Blooms may appear on mature plants. Originally from Southeast Asia, these plants typically have leaves of about 6 to 10 feet tall. When planting your red banana tree, it's important to choose a location that gets plenty of direct sunlight because bananas love heat and sun. Generally, red banana trees are pest-free and disease-free in temperate gardens. around the base of the plant. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. Soil that has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is best. You may need to irrigate during times of prolonged drought, but bananas do tend to be resilient. Potassium-rich fertilizer is great, and you could even consider adding compost and manure to help boost the plant's nutrient intake. It's recommended that you use 1 pound of fertilizer for a younger plant and up to 2 pounds for a mature plant. As it grows, red banana plants will start to get top-heavy from the fruit it is growing. The red banana plant (Musa Acuminata) is an ornamental plant with tropical foliage, reddish-purple skin and bold, scarlet-colored stems. Prop it against the red banana plant stem and tie the wire around it to keep it stable. They can survive winters in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. All types are fast growing, and caring for banana plants isn't difficult. The earliest that you should plant a new banana is three to four weeks after your last average frost date, and new plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 57 degrees, as this could hinder their growth. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. Be sure the soil at the planting site is well drained. This is especially important in the first season after planting. Cut away all the top foliage but three or four leaves. Originally from Southeast Asia, these plants typically have leaves of about 6 to 10 feet tall. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Justine Harrington is based in Austin, where she writes about current trends in health, wellness, community, gardening and sustainability. Banana trees add a lovely, tropical element to any landscape, and they even occasionally produce delicious, edible fruit. They can survive winters in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. Remove any large roots. These trees require rich soil with plenty of organic matter and partial or full sun. Dig up the red banana plant in areas with freezing temperatures. You could also support the plant by staking it to prevent it from toppling over during storms. First, the soil should always be moist, so be sure to keep the plant well watered and do not let the soil go dry. For the former, take a plastic bottle and cut off the bottom of it. Though they do not typically produce edible fruit, red banana plants make for an attractive, standout addition to any home garden or landscape. The earliest that you should plant a new banana is three to four weeks after your last average frost date, and new plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 57 degrees, as this could hinder their growth. Banana trees can be sensitive to strong winds, and their leaves are easily damaged by hail or wind, so to combat this, it's best to plant your tree in a site that's protected by a windbreak. Each green leaf normally appears outlined and highlighted with red for a striking overall appearance. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The red banana plant (Musa Acuminata) is an ornamental plant with tropical foliage, reddish-purple skin and bold, scarlet-colored stems. This plant requires only occasional upkeep and maintenance and very little pruning. The plant easily grows 30 feet in height with each leaf measuring 20 feet in length. Red banana trees are hearty, big eaters and need plenty of nutrients, especially for flower and fruit production. Apply 1 to 2 lbs. You can simply uproot any pests you see and trim off dead leaves when you see them about to sprout. Red banana trees are hearty, big eaters and need plenty of nutrients, especially for flower and fruit production. To prevent it from toppling over, you can either use the wire-and-rope method, or the bamboo method. Keep in mind that plants may suffer from winter rot if kept too wet during their dormant period, so take care not to overwater your red banana plant. How to Take Care of a Banana Tree in a Pot. Water it thoroughly into the soil. Well-established plants can survive drought, but … When planting add peat moss, leaf debris or aged manure to the soil. Originally from Southeast Asia, these plants typically have leaves of about 6 to 10 feet tall. She writes for numerous online publications. In terms of the soil itself, note that red banana trees do best in well-drained, mildly acidic soil. Plant in full sunlight to partial shade. Long flowers appear on 4 foot stems in the spring. Red banana plants, with their fiery spikes of red and bronze foliage, are particularly stunning. Red banana care is fairly simple once you've learned what the plant needs. Those interested in growing red bananas should learn about the plant's water, soil and light requirements and pest and disease control methods. The red banana plant (Musa Acuminata) is an ornamental plant with tropical foliage, reddish-purple skin and bold, scarlet-colored stems. The red banana plant does not tolerate frost well and must be lifted or moved in areas of cold weather. The soil needs to be kept moist, but not saturated. Fertilize your banana plant regularly as well. The red banana plant (Ensete ventricosum) produce large leaves that range in color from simple green to a deep burgundy. Thread the wire through the bottle and bend it. The plant can also be stored in a dark garage or basement until spring. The red banana plant prefers well-drained slightly acidic soil with abundant organic matter. When you're wrapping up your plants outdoors for winter, you may need to cut some stems back from your red banana tree. Her work has been published in Forbes, USA Today, Fodor's, Marriott Traveler, SAS Airlines, the Austin American-Statesman, Austin Monthly, and dozens of other print and online publications. The fruit dry and inedible but banana-like in appearance. The red banana plant (Musa Acuminata) is an ornamental plant with tropical foliage, reddish-purple skin and bold, scarlet-colored stems. Blooms may appear on mature plants. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. Blooms may appear on mature plants. The plant flourishes in containers or in tropical to sub-tropical regions. Pot the plant in a container until spring and move it into a greenhouse or house. Ornamental red banana trees can include tall, medium-size and dwarf plants. Fertilize the red banana plant using a 8-10-8 general purpose fertilizer. Considered to be a herbaceous perennial in mild areas. Red banana trees are ideal for temperate climates like in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Southern California. Apply monthly in the spring and summer. Banana trees can be sensitive to strong winds, and their leaves are easily damaged by hail or wind, so to combat this, it's best to plant your tree in a site that's protected by a windbreak. Water the red banana plant every other day. Banana trees need a long, sunny growing period of around nine to 15 months. She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing and knowledge base. Banana trees add a lovely, tropical element to any landscape, and they even occasionally produce delicious, edible fruit. Water the plant weekly, more often during the hottest part of summer. You could also support the plant by staking it to prevent it from toppling over during storms.