Description
The blood banana (Musa acuminata var. zebrina), is a variety of the wild banana Musa acuminata native to Sumatra, Indonesia.
The blood banana, is a variety of the wild banana Musa acuminata native to Sumatra, Indonesia. The blood banana is an ornamental plant, named for the dark red patches on its leaves, though its small seeded fruits are also edible.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Blood banana |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 5.00 to 6.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | Cream to yellow |
| Bloom Time | Seasonal bloomer |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Water applied too frequently will cause the roots of a red banana to rot. As you establish your watering routine, check soil moisture before watering. The soil should be mostly dry -- although not completely dry -- before watering again. Container plants may need to be watered more frequently than those grown in the ground.
Musa coccinea care
Soil drainage is important for bananas. To improve soil fertility and drainage before planting a banana, amend the native soil with organic matter like compost. If planting in a container, choose growing medium formulated for container plants. Garden soils are too heavy and moisture absorbing for your red banana to survive.
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 57, F |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Musa coccinea special feature
Whether grown outdoors in the landscape or indoors as a houseplant, bananas (even dwarf cultivars) need lots of space. They are classic tropical foliage plants, which, if they fruit, produce attractive bunches of yellow bananas. Effective when grown as a garden centerpiece or for tropical flair near water bodies.
Musa coccinea uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Culinary Use:
- leaves