{"product_id":"ethiopian-banana-plant-musa-ensete-rubra-ensete-ventricosum-maurelii","title":"Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' - Ethiopian Banana Plant","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBold, dramatic, and deeply tropical in feel, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnsete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, also known as the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEthiopian Banana Plant\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, features broad, paddle-shaped leaves flushed with burgundy, deep green, and hints of copper. While it can grow to impressive sizes outdoors in warm climates, it makes a stunning architectural houseplant when grown in a large pot. With the right care, it brings a strong sculptural presence to bright indoor spaces, offering a lush, exotic look all year round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eEnsete ventricosum\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Maurelii’ (\u003ci\u003eEnsete\u003c\/i\u003e = from Greek, meaning “sword”; \u003ci\u003eventricosum\u003c\/i\u003e = “swollen”, referring to the bulbous base; ‘Maurelii’ = cultivar with rich red colouring)\u003cbr\u003eSometimes known as \u003cspan\u003eMusa maurelli - Red Banana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEthiopian Banana Plant, Red Abyssinian Banana, Ensete ‘Maurelii’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSpecies native to eastern Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Uganda. ‘Maurelii’ is a cultivated variety selected for its striking red-toned foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ebright, indirect light\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e but will tolerate some direct sun indoors, particularly in the morning or late afternoon. Too little light will result in slow growth and green-leaning foliage. Rotate regularly to encourage upright, symmetrical growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater thoroughly when the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etop third of the soil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e feels dry. It prefers consistent moisture during the growing season but dislikes being waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering as growth slows. Always ensure excess water can drain freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEnjoys \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003emoderate to high humidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. It will tolerate average indoor conditions but benefits from misting, grouping with other plants, or being placed near a humidifier in dry homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003erich, free-draining potting mix\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. A blend of peat-free compost with added bark, perlite, or sand will help aerate the soil and prevent compacting. This plant appreciates nutrients and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e2–3 weeks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in spring and summer with a high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser to support rapid leaf growth. Pause feeding in autumn and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThrives in warm rooms with temperatures between \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18–26°C\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Keep away from cold draughts and do not allow temperatures to drop below 10°C – this plant is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003enot frost-hardy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes – considered non-toxic to pets and humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAs it matures, ‘Maurelii’ can grow very large – give it a sturdy pot and plenty of space to stretch. Wipe dust from the leaves regularly to keep them glossy and healthy. It may lose older leaves naturally from the base as it grows taller – this is normal.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"14cm","offer_id":43770394116349,"sku":"CF2410","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/products\/ethiopian-banana-plant-ensete-ventricosum-maurelii-871442.jpg?v=1676069471","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/ethiopian-banana-plant-musa-ensete-rubra-ensete-ventricosum-maurelii","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}