Species blood banana

Musa acuminata 'Zebrina'; large, velvety, burgundy-green, oblong leaves with red midribs and petioles

blood banana

Musa acuminata 'Zebrina'

Blood Banana, or Musa acuminata 'Zebrina', is a tropical, herbaceous and cold-sensitive perennial with bold, almost black-purple foliage. Its leaves are dark with light pink midribs and margins. During the late summer, late summer, dark pink or reddish, banana-like fruits can be harvested. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and bright indirect light. Its flowers are often used as a food source since the plant is sterile and does not produce seeds. It can be propagated through suckers or offsets. Blood Banana is a unique-looking plant that is sure to bring drama and excitement to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Tissue Culture,Air Layering Propagation,Cormlet Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 11

Flowers:

Cream to yellow Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,purple,brown

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water blood banana plants weekly in the warmer months and biweekly in the cooler months. Water the soil around the roots, focusing on areas closest to the plant. Be sure to moisten the top 1-2 inches of soil thoroughly. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause fungal issues. During the growing season, make sure to mist the leaves of this tropical plant with water to encourage humidity and reduce the stress caused by hot weather.

sunlight

Blood banana plants (Musa acuminata 'Zebrina') require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. For best results, the plant should receive light in the morning and/or late afternoon, as this will help avoid sunburn due to the hot midday sun. If the plant is grown indoors, then a location by a south-facing window is ideal for providing plenty of light. It is also important to make sure the plant is kept out of drafts and away from any heating sources. If the plant is moved outdoors, it must be slowly acclimated to the outdoor light over a period of time in order to avoid sunburn.

pruning

Pruning for Blood Banana (Musa acuminata Zebrina) plants should occur at least once a year, in the springtime before new growth begins. Pruning should be done lightly, removing any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves. Pruning should focus primarily on shaping the plant and any major structural pruning, such as training it to climb or extending its height, should be done in the winter whilst the plant is dormant. Deadheading spent flowers will also help stimulate new blooms, and is best done during the growing season. When pruning, always use sharp, clean tools to avoid injuring the plant and spread of disease.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Musa acuminata 'Zebrina' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Musa acuminata 'Zebrina' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map