Blood Banana (Musa acuminata Zebrina)

The Blood Banana (Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’) is an ornamental banana plant prized for its striking foliage, adorned with bold red and green patterns. While it can produce small bananas, it is primarily grown for its aesthetic appeal.

1. Plant Description

• The Blood Banana features large, paddle-shaped leaves with bright green bases and vibrant red streaks or splotches.
• It grows up to 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) tall, making it an ideal statement plant for gardens or large indoor spaces.
• Though its fruit is edible, it is not commonly grown for consumption due to its small size and high seed content.

2. Ideal Growing Conditions

• Thrives in bright, indirect light; it can tolerate full sun with acclimation but prefers some shade in extremely hot climates.
• Best suited to warm, humid environments with temperatures ranging from 65–85°F (18–29°C).
• This tropical plant is not frost-hardy and must be protected or moved indoors in cooler climates.

3. Soil Requirements

• Requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A loamy mix with organic matter like compost or manure is ideal.
• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

4. Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply whenever the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
• Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
• High humidity levels are beneficial, so consider misting the leaves or using a humidifier in dry conditions.

5. Fertilizing

• Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Reduce feeding in fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

6. Pests and Diseases

• Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Watch out for leaf spots and fungal diseases, which can be managed by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

7. Pruning and Maintenance

• Remove yellowing or damaged leaves regularly to maintain the plant’s appearance and health.
• If grown indoors, clean the leaves occasionally to remove dust and allow better photosynthesis.
• Blood Banana plants benefit from being repotted every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and provide more room for growth.

8. Propagation

• Propagate the plant by separating suckers (pups) from the base of the mother plant.
• Choose pups that are at least 6–8 inches tall with their own root system. Plant them in a similar soil mix and keep the soil moist until established.

Conclusion

The Blood Banana (Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’) is an eye-catching ornamental plant that brings a tropical flair to gardens and interiors. With its bold red-green foliage and manageable size, it is a great choice for plant enthusiasts looking for a vibrant, low-maintenance addition to their collection. Provide warmth, humidity, and proper care, and this stunning plant will thrive beautifully.

** Plants photos are for representation purpose only. We will make best efforts to send the plants as in photos itself.  There may be small white dots on the plant, as these plants cared in nursery using the hard water and pesticide spray. However these will eventually disappear as you take care and clean the leaves. Trust us, we want to give you the best