Originally from Southeast Asia, these plants typically have leaves of about 6 to 10 feet tall. The earliest that you should plant a new banana is three to four weeks after your last average frost date, and new plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 57 degrees, as this could hinder their growth. Keep in mind that plants may suffer from winter rot if kept too wet during their dormant period, so take care not to overwater your red banana plant. She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing and knowledge base. Dig up the red banana plant in areas with freezing temperatures. Apply 1 to 2 lbs. For the former, take a plastic bottle and cut off the bottom of it. They can survive winters in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. All types are fast growing, and caring for banana plants isn't difficult. Red banana plants, with their fiery spikes of red and bronze foliage, are particularly stunning. As it grows, red banana plants will start to get top-heavy from the fruit it is growing. The plant flourishes in containers or in tropical to sub-tropical regions. Thread the wire through the bottle and bend it. Water the plant weekly, more often during the hottest part of summer. The soil needs to be kept moist, but not saturated. At the same time, be careful not to saturate the ground, as this could lead to root rot. This plant requires only occasional upkeep and maintenance and very little pruning. They can survive winters in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. The red banana plant (Musa Acuminata) is an ornamental plant with tropical foliage, reddish-purple skin and bold, scarlet-colored stems. Red banana plant care involves proper site selection, watering, and fertilization. All types are fast growing, and caring for banana plants isn't difficult. Banana trees can be sensitive to strong winds, and their leaves are easily damaged by hail or wind, so to combat this, it's best to plant your tree in a site that's protected by a windbreak. To prevent it from toppling over, you can either use the wire-and-rope method, or the bamboo method. The red banana plant (Musa Acuminata) is an ornamental plant with tropical foliage, reddish-purple skin and bold, scarlet-colored stems. around the base of the plant. Pot the plant in a container until spring and move it into a greenhouse or house. Blooms may appear on mature plants. Water the red banana plant every other day. Banana trees add a lovely, tropical element to any landscape, and they even occasionally produce delicious, edible fruit. Banana trees need a long, sunny growing period of around nine to 15 months. Soil that has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is best. Apply monthly in the spring and summer. Red banana trees are hearty, big eaters and need plenty of nutrients, especially for flower and fruit production. How to Take Care of a Banana Tree in a Pot. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. Fertilize the red banana plant using a 8-10-8 general purpose fertilizer. Prop it against the red banana plant stem and tie the wire around it to keep it stable. Originally from Southeast Asia, these plants typically have leaves of about 6 to 10 feet tall. These trees require rich soil with plenty of organic matter and partial or full sun. Cut away all the top foliage but three or four leaves. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Banana trees can be sensitive to strong winds, and their leaves are easily damaged by hail or wind, so to combat this, it's best to plant your tree in a site that's protected by a windbreak. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. When planting add peat moss, leaf debris or aged manure to the soil. Justine Harrington is based in Austin, where she writes about current trends in health, wellness, community, gardening and sustainability. The red banana plant (Ensete ventricosum) produce large leaves that range in color from simple green to a deep burgundy. You may need to irrigate during times of prolonged drought, but bananas do tend to be resilient. The plant can also be stored in a dark garage or basement until spring. Potassium-rich fertilizer is great, and you could even consider adding compost and manure to help boost the plant's nutrient intake. Well-established plants can survive drought, but … Plant in full sunlight to partial shade. The plant easily grows 30 feet in height with each leaf measuring 20 feet in length. Considered to be a herbaceous perennial in mild areas. All Rights Reserved. You can simply uproot any pests you see and trim off dead leaves when you see them about to sprout. Remove any large roots. You could also support the plant by staking it to prevent it from toppling over during storms. Red banana trees are hearty, big eaters and need plenty of nutrients, especially for flower and fruit production.