Variegated Banana Plant (Musa Ae Ae Type)

About the Variegated Banana Plant (Musa Ae Ae Type)

Musa Variegada is a dramatic variegated banana of the Hawaiian 'Ae Ae' type, one of the most sought-after bananas in the world. Every leaf is painted differently, with bold sections of pure white and soft green, and the stems carry the same pattern. When it fruits, even the bananas are striped green and white; they are a cooking type, best eaten cooked. Because the white parts lack chlorophyll it grows more slowly and needs a little pampering, but few plants make such an impression. Available as a rhizome (the most economical option), a young plant or an established plant.

How to Care for It

To plant a rhizome, set the corm in rich, well-drained soil or a large pot with its top at soil level, water once and keep it barely moist and warm until leaves appear. Give bright light with afternoon shade, since white leaf areas scorch easily, plus shelter from wind. Water steadily without waterlogging and feed every few weeks with a balanced, potassium-rich fertiliser. Remove any fully green suckers, which can revert the clump.

From statement ornamentals like variegated Musa, Siam Ruby and the blood banana to fruiting red, apple and Cavendish bananas. Every variety comes in three sizes: a rhizome (the most affordable way to start), a young plant, or an established plant for instant impact.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Musa (AAB group) 'Ae Ae'

Family

Musaceae

Native to

Hawaii, where it was historically a prized and restricted variety

Mature height

3–4.5 m

Plant spacing

3 m

Time to first flowers

1.25–2 years

Light

Sun to part shade

Water

High, keep moist

Cold tolerance

down to 5 °C

Best climates

Humid tropics, Dry tropics

Grows in a pot

Yes

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas