Red Banana Tree
Best tropical statement piece for sun-loving indoor gardeners.
Introduce a touch of the tropics with the Red Banana Tree, a stunning houseplant featuring vibrant reddish foliage and a prominent red midrib. Its leaves unfurl in a captivating spiral, adding dramatic flair to any space. For the most intense coloration, provide ample sunlight. This plant thrives in frost-free conditions, preferring temperatures above 50°F, and is ideal for overwintering indoors. It flourishes in low humidity environments, making it a unique and eye-catching addition to your indoor garden.
$128.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3617
/ 10298
#3617 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
+145%
Above average
Scientific Name
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
/ Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
Who it's for
- Interior designers seeking a bold, tropical focal point
- Impatient gardeners wanting quick, visible growth results
- Cold-climate residents needing portable, seasonal statement plants
Who should skip it
- Busy owners unable to maintain consistent moisture and humidity
- Apartment dwellers with limited floor space and ceiling height
- Casual plant keepers avoiding frequent pest inspection routines
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Dramatic foliage and spiral growth patterns create an instant tropical focal point.
Care Difficulty
Intermediate maintenance requirements demand consistent attention to light and temperature needs.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives in low humidity, making it surprisingly well-suited for typical indoor climates.
Light Requirements
Demands intense sunlight to achieve and maintain its signature deep red coloration.
Propagation Potential
Simple division methods allow for easy expansion of your indoor collection.
Household Safety
Toxic nature necessitates careful placement away from curious pets and children.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
Light Requirement
High Sun, Bright Indirect Light
Minimum Temperature
Above 50°F (for overwintering)
Recommended Growing Temperature
75°F to 95°F
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 | 11
Repotting Interval
Every 3 Years
Propagation Method
Division
Care Level
Intermediate
Features
- Striking reddish leaves and midrib
- Leaves grow in a spiral pattern
- Color deepens with more sunlight
- Prefers low humidity
- Easy to propagate via division
- Suitable for patios in warm weather
- Requires intermediate care level
- Toxic to pets
What customers say
The quality of the Red Banana Tree upon arrival is a consistent highlight for customers. Reviewers frequently praise the careful packaging, noting that the plant arrives healthy, vibrant, and often larger than anticipated, which significantly boosts perceived value. This reliability in shipping and the robust nature of the specimen received establishes strong trust in the brand. The ease with which the tree establishes itself postplanting further reinforces positive sentiment regarding the overall quality investment.
Know before you buy
To achieve the most intense reddish coloration, this plant requires high sun or bright, indirect light. If the light is too low, the foliage may lose its vibrant hue and appear more green.
No, this plant is toxic to pets. It is best kept in a location that your animals cannot reach, such as a high plant stand or a room they do not frequent.
This plant thrives in temperatures between 75°F and 95°F. It is not frost-tolerant and must be kept in temperatures above 50°F, making it essential to bring it indoors during cooler months if you live outside of USDA zones 10 or 11.
Unlike many other tropical houseplants, the Red Banana Tree actually prefers low humidity. It is a great choice if you live in a drier climate or have a home with low ambient moisture.
You should plan to repot your plant approximately every three years. This interval allows the root system enough space to grow without becoming overly crowded.
Yes, it is perfectly suitable for patios or outdoor spaces during warm weather. Just ensure the temperatures remain consistently above 50°F and bring it back inside before the first frost.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$128