Golden lotus banana
Musella lasiocarpa · Musaceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant golden lotus banana: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Musaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, tender green
- Flowering
- June to July, spectacular golden-yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 200 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (grow in a conservatory or warm greenhouse)
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam)
- Fruiting
- Edible yellow-orange fruits in summer
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability low.
Expert tips
The key tip
Musella requires direct sunlight to develop striking inflorescences and regular watering during growth. Generous mulching in summer keeps the soil cool but prevents waterlogging.
The common mistake
Most gardeners think that because it's so exotic, a banana means « tropical year-round »: wrong. It loves hot summers but dreads cold water in winter.
The pro's trick
Water in late afternoon at room temperature: cold water straight from the hose stops growth and can rot the fleshy roots.
Care
Light
Place your dwarf banana in full sun to encourage vigorous growth and spectacular flowering. It tolerates light shade in very hot regions, but needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Protect it from strong winds that damage the foliage.
Watering
Water regularly, keeping the soil constantly moist but well-drained, especially during spring and summer growth. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Be careful not to create waterlogging at the roots, which causes rot.
Soil and potting mix
Use a rich, well-draining and slightly acidic mix made up of potting soil, compost and organic matter. Make sure the substrate stays aerated and doesn't compact over time. Good drainage is essential for healthy roots.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once a month from April to September, during the active growing period. Reduce or stop feeding in winter. An organic or liquid fertilizer is perfect for this hungry plant.
Pruning and cutting
Remove dry or damaged leaves as they appear to maintain aesthetics and good air circulation. Cut off faded flower spikes after flowering. No structural pruning is necessary; the plant naturally adopts its own shape.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for red spider mites and scale insects that thrive in this warm, humid climate. Excessive humidity can promote root rot and fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and inspect the foliage regularly so you can intervene quickly if problems arise.
Did you know?
Musella lasiocarpa is renowned for its flowers of exceptional beauty, a brilliant golden-yellow that evokes a natural torch. Originating from Asian subtropical regions, it has long been cultivated for its spectacular ornamental qualities and its tiny but delicious fruits. Its name 'lasiocarpa' literally means 'hairy fruits' referring to the velvety texture of its dwarf bananas.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- BananaMusa acuminata
- Abyssinian bananaEnsete ventricosum
- Darjeeling bananaMusa sikkimensis
- Japanese bananaMusa basjoo
- Hairy bananaMusa velutina
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.