Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’
stripe leaved banana
Dwarf red seeded banana. Clump of multiplying stems nice in pots. Plenty of water, fertilizer and heat for best results. Protect from wind.
 |
height |
3–8ft |
 |
width |
3–6ft |
 |
tolerates |
Heat, Pots |
 |
water
needs |
Moderate – High |
 |
water
info |
This plant likes to stay evenly moist. When you touch the soil surface and it’s no longer squishy and soggy, but feels like a well-wrung sponge, it’s time to water. Often these plants can be left in a little standing water to extend the watering cycle. This plant could be watered several times a week, or less if you leave the plant standing in an inch of standing water each watering cycle. |
 |
hardy
to |
30F |
 |
exposure |
Part Shade – Full Sun |
 |
indoor
outdoor |
In or Out |
 |
drainage |
In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil |
 |
fertilizing |
All Purpose |
 |
origin |
Indonesia (Sumatra) |
 |
sunset
zones |
8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 18–24, H2 |
SUNSET ZONES MAP
Growing Notes
After two to three years a mature stem will bloom with many cream to yellow flowers followed by colorful maroon bananas (in warmer climates). Fruit is inedible for very showy.
Once a main trunk finishes blooming it should be removed all the way back to the soil level. This pushes energy into the growth of new suckers and also keeps your plant looking tidy.
Be sure your fertilizer is high in nitrogen, to give your banana abundant lush growth.
More Info
This plant has been raised to live indoors; however, it can also grow outdoors in mild areas of California. Keep in mind that the plant will go through a stressful transition, especially if moved outside in particularly hot, cold, or wet weather. Even if this plant will eventually thrive in direct sunlight, it has not been grown in this level of light, so if you plant it in direct sun, just expect that the leaves may burn at first, then happily regrow as they acclimate to the new levels of light. Planting in the spring or fall will help with this transition.
