The “Banana” Ensete Maurelii plant may not be a true banana, but it does have gorgeous red leaves with proper care!
With its rapid growth rate and bold, tropical appeal, the Abyssinian banana tree brings drama and exotic flair to gardens and patios. But keeping your plant healthy and hydrated takes finesse. Learning the water needs of this thirsty beauty is key to help it flourish.
Signs Your Abyssinian Banana is Thirsty
- Drooping leaves
- Dry, brittle leaves
- Wilting and limp foliage
- Soil feels dry and dusty
These cues indicate it’s time to reach for the watering can. Don’t let the soil get overly dry before hydrating your plant
How Much Water Does an Abyssinian Banana Need?
- Established plants – Requires moderate watering to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when top inch of soil is dry.
- Young plants – Needs more frequent watering while establishing roots and growth. Keep soil evenly moist.
- During growth – Increased water needs during active growth in warm months.
- When dormant – Reduce watering frequency in cool months or dormancy.
The amount of water depends on the plant’s age, season, sunlight exposure, and other factors. In general, these thirsty plants need about 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when potted in a 5-inch container and not in direct sun.
Watering Technique Matters
Proper technique is vital to hydrate roots thoroughly. Here are tips:
- Water slowly and deeply – Allow water to penetrate down to root level over 15-20 minutes.
- Check soil – Use your finger to gauge moisture before and after watering.
- Adjust for seasons – Water more in summer, less in winter.
- Confirm drainage – Ensure pots have holes and use well-draining soil.
Signs of Underwatering
If your Abyssinian banana shows these symptoms, increase water:
- Drooping, shriveling leaves
- Brown leaf edges
- Brittle, dry foliage
- Stunted growth
- Soil is dusty dry
Signs of Overwatering
Yellow or brown leaves, foul odors, and root rot indicate too much water. Allow the soil to partially dry out before watering again. Signs include:
- Yellowing or browning leaves
- Wilting leaves
- Soft, foul-smelling soil
- Root rot
Best Practices for Watering Abyssinian Bananas
Follow these tips to keep your Abyssinian banana hydrated and healthy:
- Water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
- Add moisture-retaining ingredients like peat moss to the soil.
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to maintain even moisture.
- Water at soil level to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
- Check soil and adjust watering amounts and frequency based on needs.
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent soggy soil.
- Water less in winter during dormancy.
- Increase water in summer, especially in hot climates.
- Shelter plants from drying winds.
- Mist leaves if humidity is low indoors.
With a bit of attentive care and proper technique, you can easily keep your Abyssinian banana well-hydrated. Monitor your plant and adjust as needed. Adequate moisture will keep those gorgeous leaves perky and bold!
Why People Love This Plant
This banana plant originates from Eastern Africa and goes by a few different titles: Red Abyssinian Banana, Ethiopian Banana, Ensete Maurelii, and Red Banana, to name a few. In its natural habitat this plant can reach heights of 30 feet. It has gained popularity in the gardening and house plant world due to its beautiful red (banana shaped) leaves!
GARDENING GUIDE: How to grow Bananas : The RED Abyssinian Banana – Ensete maurelii Banana Care Tips
FAQ
How much water should I give my banana tree?
Do banana trees absorb a lot of water?
How much is the water requirement of the banana plant?
How much water does Abyssinian banana need?
Courtyards, atriums, and walled gardens are ideal. Abyssinian Banana needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
How do you care for an Abyssinian banana plant?
The Abyssinian banana plant needs consistently moist soil without being waterlogged. Don’t let the soil dry out completely before watering it again. The plant itself also likes moisture, so you can mist the leaves daily or use a humidifier near the plant if you grow it indoors.
What temperature should a red Abyssinian banana plant grow?
Keeping them around 71°F (22°C) would be the best temperature for these guys. We recommend using larger containers that can sustain the red Abyssinian banana plant roots system. Also, ensure you use a heavy pot, as taller plants may fall over in light containers. They need proper drainage, so ensure there are enough holes to let excess water out.
How much sun does Abyssinian banana need?
It’s best grown in full sun with some shade in the hotter portion of the day. Courtyards, atriums, and walled gardens are ideal. Abyssinian Banana needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot.