Darjeeling Banana 'red Tiger'

Darjeeling Banana 'red Tiger' Care

Musa Sikkimensis 'red Tiger'

What is the plant

Musa sikkimensis is one of the hardiest bananas – second hardiest to Musa basjoo. It has much to offer in addition or even in preference to Musa basjoo. It is larger. The leaves are held more upright and are more wind tolerant.However the most noticeable thing is they can be extremely colourful. Each plant varies but generally there is a degree of maroon staining on the upper leaf surface.The leaf underside has a metallic mauve sheen and the flower, when produced, is a rich purple. 'Red Tiger' is a particularly colourful cultivar, with strong purple banding on the leaf upper side.Like Musa basjoo, Musa sikkimensis will produce little sterile ‘banana fruits’ – quite a novelty.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

8 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water well in summer.
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove spent foliage and cut back in autumn if desired
Fertilizer
Bananas are heavy feeders, to help establish your new Red Tiger Banana Plant, fertilize ten inches away from the base, four times annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the banana. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
This banana plant requires 80-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is often best.
Soil
Red Tiger Banana plants enjoy a well drained, general potting mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from arid or wet, mucky soils.
Temperature
In the northern end of their grow zone, containerized Red Tiger Banana Plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months.

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Container
All banana varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Smaller varieties grow best indoors in 12″ to 18″ diameter pots while larger varieties need enough room for growth, generally a 18″ to 36″ diameter, 14″ deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your banana will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot
Popularity
61 people already have this plant 10 people have added this plant to their wishlists