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3.8 out of 5 (4 experiences)


About Ensete
Maurelii is a perennial cultivar in the Musaceae (banana) family. It is named for J. Maurel who drew attention from the French in Ethiopia to the native red-leaved 'banana' looking plant. It's best grown in full sun with some shade in the hotter portion of the day. Courtyards, atriums, and walled gardens are ideal.
Taxonomy
Ensete ventricosum
Ensete
Musaceae
Zingiberales
Also known as
Abyssinian Banana, Abyssinian Banana, Enset, Ethiopian banana and False banana

How to care for Ensete

How often to water your Ensete

every 9
Ensete needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Abyssinian Banana in your home

a window
Ensete love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Ensete does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ensete in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Ensete

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Ensete after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Ensete can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!
Water Needs
Ensete prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Ensete requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
Ensete does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Ensete is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
Growth Pattern
Ensete grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Ensete can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Ensete can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Ensete
Ensete
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say



