Musa velutina aka Pink Velvet Banana

Taxonomy

Musa velutina, also known as the hairy banana or pink banana, is a diploid species of wild banana native to Assam and the eastern Himalayas. This evergreen perennial can grow up to 2.5m tall, with slender stems and paddle-shaped leaves. During summer, it produces arching spikes of pink flowers with showy pink bracts, followed by 3-inch long, pink and fuzzy fruits. The plant flowers at a young age, typically within a year, and the ripe fruits peel back easily. While Musa velutina is often grown as an ornamental plant, it has soft, sweet flesh that can be eaten. However, caution should be taken with the tough seeds as they can chip a tooth. If you want to sow the seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours and plant them in fine compost at a constant temperature of 20°-24°C (68 to 75.2°F), providing full natural light. Germination can take up to 6 months. During warmer months, the plants can be placed outside, but they should be protected in a conservatory or greenhouse during winter. This banana species has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Pink Velvet Banana, Hairy Banana

How to care for Pink Velvet Banana

Difficulty

Pink Velvet Banana requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Pink Velvet Banana should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pink Velvet 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

Pink Velvet Banana requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pink Velvet Banana will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Pink Velvet Banana is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Pink Velvet Banana’s native range is Tropical and Subtropical Asia to the West Pacific.


More info:
Wikipedia