The red ornamental banana (Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii') scores with large, reddish leaves and creates a wonderfully tropical flair on the terrace or balcony. So that you can enjoy the exotic potted plant for a long time, you should overwinter it properly.
How should you overwinter the red banana?
It is best to overwinter the red banana at temperatures between16 and 18 °C, with a margin of plus/minus five degrees Celsius. FertilizeIn winter, only wateronce a monthandwater only enough so that the root ball does not dry out.
Can the red banana also overwinter outside?
Since the red banana isnot hardy- the temperatures should not fall below three degrees Celsius and only for a short time! – you should move them to their winter quarters in good time in the fall. Abright and cool room - for example a bedroom - the stairwell, the winter garden or even a greenhouse is suitable for overwintering, as long as it is not too cold there. Bring the plant into the house as soon as it gets consistently colder than 12 °C.
Is it possible to overwinter the red banana in the living room?
If you don't have such a room available, you can overwinter the red Abyssinian banana - that's what the ornamental banana is also called -in the warm living room. But be careful: Here you have to make sure that the plant isbrightstanding enough. As a rule, plant lamps have to be installed for this, as the German winter is simply too dark for the exotic plant. Also ensurehigh humidity of at least 60 percent so that pests, such as spider mites, do not nest.
When will the red banana sprout again?
In spring the red banana can go outside as soon as the temperatures are reliablyabove 15 degrees Celsius. This is often the case as early as April, although the plant should be moved indoors overnight to be on the safe side. Late frostscould otherwise affect the leaves. Speaking of leaves: If it is too cold for the ornamental banana, the leaves will freeze. You can simplycut off the dry leaves, the plant will sprout again in spring with appropriate warmth and good care (fertilization with compost, sufficient water).
Tip
Do you have to cut back the red banana?
Actually, you don't have to cut back the red banana. This is only necessary if the plant has become too large. Then you can cut them directly on the trunk in February or March. You can cut off wilted or dried leaves at the base at any time.
