{"product_id":"musa-acuminata-zebrina-blood-banana","title":"Musa acuminata 'Zebrina' - Blood Banana","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eMusa acuminata\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Zebrina’, commonly known as the Blood Banana, is a dramatic tropical plant with large, paddle-shaped green leaves splashed with distinctive burgundy-red markings. Fast-growing in warm, bright conditions, its bold foliage makes it a fantastic statement plant and brings an instant tropical feel to the home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eMusa acuminata\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e ‘Zebrina’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlood Banana, Red Banana, Zebrina Banana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA cultivated form of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eMusa acuminata\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, a species native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with plenty of light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers very bright light and can tolerate some direct sunlight, particularly morning or evening sun. Plenty of light will encourage strong growth and help maintain the distinctive red markings. Introduce stronger direct sunlight gradually to avoid scorching the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep the soil consistently moist during spring and summer, allowing the very top to dry slightly between waterings. Its large leaves and fast growth mean it can be particularly thirsty in warm weather. Reduce watering during autumn and winter, but avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers moderate to high humidity. Keep away from radiators and other sources of hot, dry air. Some browning or splitting of the large leaves is natural, particularly in drier conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse a rich, fertile and well-draining houseplant mix. Adding perlite or fine bark can help improve drainage while still allowing the soil to retain enough moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. Blood Bananas are vigorous growers and appreciate regular feeding during their active growing season. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers warm temperatures between 18–30°C. Protect from cold draughts and avoid prolonged temperatures below 12–15°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBanana plants are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGive your Blood Banana plenty of light, warmth, water and food during the growing season and it can grow surprisingly quickly. Don’t worry about occasional splits or tears in the leaves – banana leaves naturally split as they grow and move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlood Bananas can become substantial plants when given enough space and light. New leaves emerge tightly rolled from the centre before gradually unfurling, and established plants may produce new shoots, known as pups, from around the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe burgundy-red markings that give the Blood Banana its name are particularly prominent on younger leaves. The pattern can change as each leaf matures, so the plant’s appearance continually develops as it produces new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"17cm","offer_id":58688436076925,"sku":"1287191559871","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/musa-acuminata-zebrina-blood-banana","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}