Musa acuminata 'Cheeka'

Cultivated origin of Musa acuminata 'Cheeka'

Magaly Zais-Fast selected ‘Cheeka’ near Bangkok, Thailand, in 1995 after it appeared as a spontaneous whole-plant mutation of Musa acuminata 'Kluai Khai'.

Growers began propagating the selection by tissue culture in Thailand in 2001.

Indoor care for Musa acuminata 'Cheeka'

• Light: Give 'Cheeka' plenty of bright light indoors. Gentle direct sun can be introduced gradually.
• Water: Water thoroughly once the root ball has started to dry, then allow all excess water to drain. Water regularly as new leaves develop. When growth slows, feel the potting mix before watering; if it is moist, wait.
• Substrate: Use a fertile, open potting mix that holds some moisture and drains readily.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser at the label rate during active growth. Once growth slows, skip fertiliser.
• Indoor climate: Warm, frost-free rooms suit 'Cheeka'. Keep 'Cheeka' out of direct heat and persistent draughts.
• Repotting: Repot when the container is crowded with roots or the plant needs watering much sooner. Use a slightly larger pot.
• Propagation: If an offset has its own roots, separate it from the parent and pot it at its previous depth. Keep the new plant warm and evenly moist until it begins to grow.

Common issues with Musa acuminata 'Cheeka'

• New leaves are smaller and growth slows: Dim light, cool conditions or restricted roots can hold growth back. Check the light and room temperature first; if both are suitable, check whether the pot is crowded with roots.
• Older foliage yellows in a persistently wet pot: Water may be draining too slowly from the pot. Drain trapped water and inspect the root system if yellowing continues. If you find soft or rotten roots, trim them back to firm, healthy tissue with clean shears and discard the damaged material. Repot using fresh potting mix that drains freely.
• A leaf folds or creases: Physical impact, wind or repeated handling can crease or damage the blade. Give new leaves space to open, and keep the plant clear of repeated brushing or knocks.
• Pale stippling or cottony residue appears: Fine webbing with stippling suggests spider mites; cottony material suggests mealybugs. Keep the plant separate, identify the pest, and follow the label, including any repeat interval.

Musa acuminata ‘Cheeka’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

Musa acuminata: name and meaning

Musa is an old name for banana adopted into botanical Latin. The Latin epithet acuminata means tapering to a long point and refers to the narrowing tip of a leaf or another plant part.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Musa in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1043.

Luigi Colla first described Musa acuminata in 1820 in Memorie della Reale Accademia delle Scienze di Torino, volume 25, page 394.