Banana Fermins Vanilla Delight (Musa x paradisiaca)
6379 Banana Fermins Vanilla Delight (Musa x paradisiaca)
About Ae Ae: Ae-Ae was first found in Hawaii, it is a very rare collectible Banana and yet it is fruiting year round. It has green and white variegated foliage and the peel on the fruit is also variegated. Flowering and fruiting of bananas occur year-round where they are hardy outdoors. The beautiful coloring of the variegated leaves and bananas makes it very desirable. It is a beautiful banana, they say there is a reason it is only for the elite in society. It likes slightly acid soil for the leaves to have good variegation. It may flower and fruit at any season of the year. Prefers full sun, but in hot areas should be protected from burning sun especially before established. It does not travel well and for a pup to be viable, it has to be fairly large. In areas with too hot and too bright sun, it may not do well in full sun, and dry conditions scorch them. It can be grown in a container as a specimen. Musa AeAe is hard to find, and very expensive plant.
See video: How to get variegated vanilla bananas: discovering natural banana with seeds
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Shipped at customers risk, no replacements or refunds. Leaf drop possible. We guarantee healthy plant to be shipped and the best packaging. Express shipping optional.
Shipped at customers risk, no replacements or refunds. Leaf drop possible. We guarantee healthy plant to be shipped and the best packaging. Express shipping optional.
Banana Fermins Vanilla Delight (Musa x paradisiaca): Planting and Care Instructions
Plant Overview
Growth habit: This plant grows into a small to medium tree, about 10 to 20 feet tall when planted in the ground. It works well in gardens or yards with room to spread, but it can also be pruned to stay smaller and may be grown in a large pot with proper care.
Growing conditions: This plant can be grown outdoors in the suitable USDA zone. It is well-suited for small backyards, pots, or indoor spaces with enough light.
Watering: This plant requires regular watering. Water it when the top layer of soil begins to dry out.
Sun exposure: This plant grows well in both full sun and semi-shade. If kept indoors, give it as much light as possible for best growth.
USDA Zone: Zone 9-11. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map categorizes North America into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperatures, each differing by 10 °F. This map serves as a basic guide for selecting appropriate plants for a region. However, it's not definitive; plant varieties vary in cold tolerance, and young plants typically need more protection. Additionally, local microclimates, like sheltered areas or sunny spots, can influence plant health and survivability beyond the general zone recommendation.
Hardiness: Light freezing, 30°F for short period of time, mature plants. Young plants must be protected. Plant hardiness indicates the coldest temperature a mature plant can endure briefly while staying healthy. This rating is a guideline and can vary among varieties of the same species. Young plants often need more cold protection. Additionally, a plant's survival can be enhanced by the microclimate of its location, which may provide shelter from wind or extra warmth, allowing it to thrive beyond its typical hardiness range.
Plant type: This is a fruit (Banana) tree. With proper care, it will grow tasty delicious delicious fruits.
Foliage: This plant is grown for its ornamental foliage, which adds texture or color to the landscape even when not in bloom.
Outdoor planting
Plant in well-draining soil and choose a location that matches the plant light and space needs. Improve poor soils by mixing in compost or organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide and no deeper than the root ball - planting too deep can harm the plant. For better drainage, position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level. Water thoroughly after planting. Outdoor plants may need temporary shade during the first weeks to protect them from strong sun or heat. Watch the soil moisture closely and water regularly until the plant is well established. Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture and reduce weeds, forming a shallow basin to hold water. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk or stem to prevent rot.
Indoor planting
Use a container with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil - avoid planting too deep. A slow-release fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at planting time to support healthy growth. Place the plant in a location that matches its light needs, and water according to its care requirements. Be careful not to overwater, and ensure good airflow around the plant to reduce the risk of pests and disease.
Protecting Banana Plants in Winter
Banana plants are sensitive to cold temperatures. In regions where temperatures drop near or below freezing, the top part of the banana plant, including the leaves, can wilt and die back.
To protect the banana plant, particularly the underground rhizome, mulch heavily around the base. This layer of mulch acts as an insulating blanket that helps to keep the soil and the rhizome warmer, shielding it from severe cold. In some cases, cut back the top part to a shorter height and cover it with mulch or even build a temporary protective structure around the plant.
Cold Hardiness and Microclimates
USDA zone and hardiness are only general guidelines. Actual cold tolerance can vary based on plant variety and local conditions. Even small differences between varieties can matter. Also, warmer spots in your yard—like near a wall or fence—can help plants survive cold nights. These little warm areas are called microclimates, and they make a big difference.