Scarlet Banana Plant Care
Musa sanguinea Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Known for its striking red and green striped leaves, this plant originates from the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea. Plant collectors are drawn to Musa sanguinea for its unique coloration and vibrant appearance, making it a coveted addition to any exotic plant collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Scarlet Banana?
Water Scarlet Banana every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Scarlet Banana?
Scarlet Banana (Musa sanguinea) belongs to the Musaceae family within the Musa genus. Scarlet Banana is native to Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Scarlet Banana displays a large herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Scarlet Banana produces large, colorful bracts with small flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scarlet Banana?
Musa sanguinea requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scarlet Banana Need?
Scarlet Banana thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scarlet Banana Prefer?
Musa sanguinea grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Scarlet Banana prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scarlet Banana?
Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Banana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scarlet Banana?
Feed Scarlet Banana every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Scarlet Banana?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Scarlet Banana?
Scarlet Banana can be propagated through division, suckers, tissue culture. Similar propagation techniques also apply to banana plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scarlet Banana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scarlet Banana, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scarlet Banana?
Scarlet Banana is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, banana weevils. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scarlet Banana Need?
Scarlet Banana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Scarlet Banana is native to Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Scarlet Banana is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Musa genus — compare its care with other Musa species on PlantoScan.
Musa is part of the Musaceae plant family — browse all Musaceae genera and species.
Scarlet Banana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Musa Species
Other Musa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Musa sanguinea Hook.f., family Musaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 98: t. 5975 (1872)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scarlet Banana, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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