Strelitzia juncea aka African Desert Banana

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for African Desert Banana, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

African Desert Banana’s native range is South Africa.

African Desert Banana should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

African Desert 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.

African Desert 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 African Desert Banana will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

The African Desert 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.

The African Desert Banana should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

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.

During the wintertime, it is common for African Desert Banana plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.