Overview
Musa muluensis is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa muluensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include sub-tropical, architectural, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants.
About
Musa muluensis is a plant in the banana and plantain family. It is native to tropical Asia; found only in Sarawak in Malaysia. It is placed in section Callimusa (now including the former section Australimusa), members of which have a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 20. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for sub-tropical, architectural, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Musa muluensis
About the genus
Musa is one of three genera in the family Musaceae. The genus includes 83 fruit species of flowering plants producing edible bananas and plantains, and fiber (abacá), used to make paper and cloth. Though they grow as high as trees, banana and plantain plants are not woody and their apparent "stem" is made up of the bases of the huge leaf stalks.
Wikipedia contributors, "Musa (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Musa (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Musa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Musa muluensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Bedding
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Sub-tropical, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Musa muluensis
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Musa muluensis?
Musa muluensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa muluensis need?
Musa muluensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Musa muluensis hardy in the UK?
Musa muluensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Musa muluensis?
Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves.