Musa sikkimensis aka Darjeeling Banana
Taxonomy
Musa sikkimensis, also known as the Darjeeling banana or Sikkim banana, is a species of the Musa genus. It is a high altitude banana species found in Bhutan and India. This upright, suckering perennial can grow up to 4m tall and features large, glossy leaves with a maroon-red midrib. The upper surface of the leaves displays dark purple-red striping, while the underside exhibits purple shading. During the summer into autumn, mature plants may produce long-lasting, yellow-brown flowers enclosed in purple bracts, followed by yellowish fruits. The Musa sikkimensis is a single-stemmed perennial with large, yellow-green, thick leaves that may have reddish markings. While the fruit may not be the most palatable, the tree's thick trunks and deep red leaf backs contribute to its striking tropical appearance. Originally native to the forests of the northeastern Himalayas, this somewhat rare plant thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Common names
Darjeeling Banana, Hardy Banana, Winter Hardy BananaHow to care for Darjeeling Banana
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Darjeeling Banana, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Darjeeling Banana should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Darjeeling Banana loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Darjeeling Banana prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Darjeeling Banana does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Region of origin
Darjeeling Banana’s native range is Tropical and Subtropical Asia to the West Pacific.
More info:
Wikipedia
