The Red Abyssinian Banana is a cultivar of the False Banana or Abyssinian Banana, Ensete ventricosum. The red form is called Ensete ventricosum maurelii and is prized for its red-tinged leaves.
In their native environment in tropical Asia and Africa, Abyssinian banana plants can grow to 30 or more feet in height, but they will stay considerably smaller in containers or in cultivation. Like many tropical plants, these can be successfully wintered inside, although they will likely stop growing or slow down. In the summer, they appreciate being moved outside, where they can get adequate sun, which is important for their full leaf coloration. Like bananas, these plants are rapid growers and love plenty of moisture, fertilizer, heat, and sunlight—the more you can provide for these conditions, the better your plants will look.
Container-grown plants need ample watering during spring and summer months. Feed at weekly intervals during the spring and summer with a general-purpose liquid feed, or mix a controlled-release fertiliser into compost when potting. In autumn, reduce watering and feeding, watering only when on the dry side in winter.
Banana trees prefer a slightly acid soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Due to the amount and size of their foliage, banana trees are very heavy feeders.
Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. This method gives plants food while you water.
Get rid of damaged leaves and stems. This is important because damaged leaves and stems can actually be an energy drain on your plant. By removing those dead parts, you're taking some of that work off your plant’s plate and allowing it to divert its energy into healthy leaves and new growth!
Where temperatures fall below 7°C (45°F) it's best grown in a large pot that can be moved under glass during the colder months, or keep it in a temperate greenhouse, shaded from hot sun throughout the year.
Size and vigour increases with size of container. Increase pot size by 5-7.5 cm (2-3in) initially. Once established in 30cm (10in) pots, increase size by 10-15cm (4-6 inches) every two to three years.
