Musa Ornata

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Musa ornata is a small banana plant native to South Est Asia that grows to 9 feet and similar to Musa velutina. The plant will stay smaller if grown as a container specimen for cooler climates. Can be used in tropical cut flower arrangements. A very attractive ornamental having a flowering inflorescence of very bright pink. The flowers are 3-5 inches in each bract, yellow to deep yellow-orange. Blooms appear year-round. Extremely quick to flower, can flower when only 3 feet in height. This small species has long and narrow, glaucous green and often mottled leaves. Underside of leaves is usually a maroon color. Leaves are up to 2 meters long and 35 cm wide. The fruits are 3 inches long, 3/4 inche in diameter, pale greenish-yellow with white pulp, inedible but attractive.

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Hardiness zones 9-11, (4°C/40°F, -5°C/25°F) in Winter. During Summer, plants can be stood outside or planted into the border but will need frost protection in Winter. This species is cold tolerant and will survive even frosty Winters outside if heavily mulched. In Winter, reduce watering and be aware that leaf ends may brown, however this is perfectly normal. Very easy to grow. Grows in full sun with shade from hot direct burning sunlight. Musa ornata is well suited for indoor use, since this is a excellent container-plant. Musa species enjoy a rich soil and regular applications of fertilizer during the Spring and Summer. Keep well watered during hot periods; do not let dry out between waterings. Germination Smoke Seed Primer is ideal for treating seeds of Musa. You can purchase those in the category Smoke Seed Primer.Many wildflower seeds are dormant and need very specific conditions for germination. The Smoke Seed Primer solution contains a combination of natural substances that overcome dormancy and stimulate seed germination. Or, you can soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow seeds 3/4 inch deep, in pots or trays of moist seed compost. Place in a warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between (20°C/68°F, 25°C/77°F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take months, don't give up.