Scarlet Banana Musa coccinea
ABOUT
The Scarlet banana is a vibrant and striking plant known for its showy appearance. It features bright red bracts which create a distinctive inflorescence resembling a cone or a torch. These red bracts make a bold contrast with the small, yellow to orange flowers that peek out from amongst them. The flowers eventually give way to inedible, small, rounded fruits. The leaves of the Scarlet banana are paddle-shaped, with a rich green color and a glossy texture. They have a strong, prominent midrib and can appear somewhat arching, providing an elegant backdrop to the vivid floral display. This plant's overall aesthetic is one of tropical exuberance, with its fiery-colored inflorescence creating visual interest and allure in any setting where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Musaceae
Synonyms
Scarlet Banana, Red-Flowering Banana, Red Banana
Common names
Musa uranoscopos.
ToxicityTo humans
Musa coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Banana, is not typically noted for its toxicity to humans. However, like with any plant material, individual sensitivities can vary, and ingesting plant parts is not advisable without proper knowledge and identification. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from Musa coccinea, and no specific symptoms of poisoning attributed to this plant are known. Nonetheless, it is generally recommended to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to possible adverse reactions or the potential presence of harmful substances.
To pets
Musa coccinea, commonly referred to as Scarlet Banana, is not widely recognized as toxic to pets. There is little information on its toxicity in domestic animals. However, pet owners should generally prevent their pets from ingesting plants that are not part of their usual diet, as even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive animals. If a pet does consume part of a Scarlet Banana plant, monitor for any sign of gastrointestinal discomfort or unusual behavior and consult a veterinarian if any adverse symptoms are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Musa coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Banana, is prized for its striking red-orange inflorescences, adding a tropical aesthetic to gardens.
- Habitat Enrichment: It provides habitat and resources for wildlife such as birds that may feed on its nectar.
- Low Maintenance: Like many tropical plants, this species is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep in suitable climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and water-conservation landscapes.
- Fast Growth: Scarlet Banana tends to have a rapid growth rate which can quickly create visual interest and fill in garden spaces.
- Cultural Symbolism: In various cultures, the Scarlet Banana is associated with certain symbols or beliefs, adding a layer of cultural significance.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Musa coccinea, commonly known as the Scarlet Banana, is often used in tropical-themed floral arrangements for its striking red-orange flowers that add an exotic flair to bouquets.
- Due to its bright and attractive inflorescences, the Scarlet Banana is used in landscaping as a focal point or accent plant in gardens, especially in subtropical and tropical regions.
- The fibers from the stems of Musa coccinea can be extracted and used in the manufacture of high-quality textiles and paper products.
- As a fast-growing plant, Scarlet Banana is sometimes cultivated for use in educational projects to teach children about plant growth and tropical horticulture.
- The dried remains of the plant, after it has flowered and fruited, can be used as a natural mulch or compost material to enrich garden soil.
- The leaves of the Scarlet Banana can be employed as natural wraps for cooking certain food items, imparting a subtle flavor and maintaining moisture during the cooking process.
- In some regions, the large leaves of this plant are used in crafting, such as making eco-friendly plates or decorative items.
- Scarlet Banana's non-invasive nature makes it a suitable choice for growing in containers inside conservatories or as an indoor ornamental plant in spacious areas.
- The pseudostems of Musa coccinea can be used as a natural source of water, as they hold moisture that could be accessed in a survival situation.
- In art, the unique form and color of the Scarlet Banana's flowers and foliage can serve as creative inspiration for painters and photographers alike.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scarlet Banana is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scarlet Banana is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tropical Beauty: Musa coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Banana, is often associated with exotic beauty due to its vibrant red inflorescences and lush green foliage, symbolizing an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, banana plants are believed to bring wealth and good fortune, and Musa coccinea may also be linked with this symbolism due to its banana-like appearance.
- Fertility: The fruit-bearing nature of the banana family is sometimes associated with fertility and abundance, and since Musa coccinea is part of this family, it can symbolize growth and plentifulness.
- Protection: Some believe that banana plants have the power to ward off evil spirits, and Musa coccinea might be included in such beliefs as a plant offering protection to the home or garden.
WaterThe Scarlett Banana should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually once a week, but this can vary depending on climatic conditions and season. During the active growing season in warmer months, water generously, using approximately 2 gallons for a medium-sized plant, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, providing only 1 gallon or enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to allow the soil to slightly dry between waterings.
LightThe Scarlett Banana thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate some partial shade. The ideal spot for the plant is a location where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or consistent dappled light throughout the day. Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureThe Scarlett Banana prefers warm temperatures and can thrive in conditions ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's critical to keep the plant away from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Scarlett Banana to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain a desirable shape. This should be done sparingly and ideally during the growing season, spring or early summer. Cut back to a node or a main stem, and always use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScarlet Banana prefers well-draining soil with high organic matter. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The optimal soil pH should range from 5.5 to 7.0 to ensure healthy growth.
RepottingScarlet Banana should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. During the active growing season in spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingScarlet Banana thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% and 60%. It is important to maintain consistent humidity levels to emulate its tropical native environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide Scarlet Banana with bright light, warmth, and humidity indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Scarlet Banana in partial shade and protect from strong winds outdoors.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleMusa coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Banana, starts its life cycle with the germination of large seeds, which typically require warm temperatures and high humidity. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with broad leaves, using energy stored in the seed until it can photosynthesize. As it matures, Musa coccinea forms a pseudostem (false stem) made from leaf bases, and once it reaches maturity, it produces a spectacular inflorescence of red-orange bracts from which the true flowers emerge. Once pollinated, these flowers will develop into small, inedible bananas that contain seeds for the next generation. After fruiting, the parent pseudostem dies, but the plant continues to grow and reproduce through suckers sprouting from the base, which eventually become new fruit-bearing stems in the perennial cycle. This cycle of growth, reproduction, and rejuvenation can continue for many years as long as environmental conditions are favorable for the Scarlet Banana's survival and propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Scarlet Banana, or Musa coccinea, is typically propagated through division, which is the process of separating the suckers, also known as pups, from the main plant. Propagation is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate by division, one needs to carefully remove the pup from the mother plant, ensuring that it has some roots attached. The pup should be about one third the size of the parent plant for the best chance of success. Once separated, the pup can be planted in a pot with well-draining soil, ideally a mix of peat, perlite, and compost. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the pup should be placed in indirect light until new growth indicates that it has successfully established roots.
