Musa × paradisiaca 'Ae Ae'

**Sorry, no shipping to Hawaii**

The Royal Variegated Banana — a cultivar whose cultural history is as distinctive as its appearance, having been reserved exclusively for Hawaiian royalty in ancient Hawaii, where its ownership and consumption by commoners was prohibited, a status that reflected both its extraordinary beauty and its genuine rarity in cultivation that persists to this day. The entire plant is variegated: broad, paddle-shaped banana leaves boldly striped and marbled in deep emerald green and creamy white in unpredictable sectoral patterns that vary across every leaf, with a distinctive pink-hued stripe running along the underside of the midrib adding a further color dimension visible on every unfurling leaf. The pseudostem itself is streaked with the same cream and green variegation, and in fruiting specimens the banana peel carries the variegation through to the fruit — one of very few plants whose ornamental character extends to the fruit itself. A large, architectural plant capable of reaching 15-20 feet in ideal outdoor conditions, though container-grown indoor specimens remain more manageable. Supply is genuinely limited — vegetatively propagated only from offsets, slow to produce pups, and variable in variegation expression between individuals.

• Light: Full sun to bright indirect light; strong light is essential for maintaining the most vivid and bold variegation contrast. In hot climates protect from harsh midday sun until established. Insufficient light causes the cream sectors to dull and the plant to grow poorly.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic tropical mix; a blend of quality potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark suits it well. Avoid wet, compacted, or sandy soils. Slightly acidic pH supports the best variegation expression.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 68-95°F; cold-sensitive and damaged below 50°F. High humidity of 60-80% supports the best growth and largest leaf development. Ideal for Florida outdoor growing in zones 9b-11.

• Watering: Keep the medium consistently moist but never waterlogged; water when the top 2" of soil begins to dry. A heavy drinker during active growth — do not allow to dry out completely. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

• Fertilizer: A heavy feeder — fertilize every 4-6 weeks during active growth with a balanced slow-release or liquid fertilizer high in potassium; a 15-5-10 formula suits it well. Apply away from the base to avoid salt burn. Unfertilized plants grow very slowly.

**Note: Due to fragile nature of this plant, browning of the leaves should be expected following shipping and during acclimation to its new environment. Allow minimum 30 days for your plant to adjust after arrival. Images are a general representation of size and color. Variegation will vary.