Musa 'Nono' aka 'Hot Pink Banana'

Cultivated origin of Musa 'Nono' aka 'Hot Pink Banana'

'Nono' was found in cultivation in 2016 in Duma, near Arawa on Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, where it was grown as an ornamental red-variegated banana.

Its species parentage remains unconfirmed; Musa acuminata subsp. banksii and Musa schizocarpa have been proposed as possible ancestry.

Growing Musa 'Nono' aka 'Hot Pink Banana'

• Light: Place 'Nono' in bright light. If you move it outdoors, introduce direct sun gradually so the leaves can adjust.
• Water: During active growth, soak the root ball thoroughly, then let excess water run out. Keep moisture fairly even as fresh leaves open. During a growth pause, let the mix dry slightly before watering again.
• Potting mix: Use a rich loam-based mix with added coarse material. It should drain freely and hold enough moisture between waterings.
• Feeding: Feed while the plant is actively growing, using the dose and interval on the label. Stop once growth slows.
• Warmth and humidity: Warm, frost-free conditions suit this tropical banana. In heated rooms, keep it away from heaters and warm-air vents.
• Patio position: Give it a sheltered patio spot so opening leaves are protected from strong wind.
• Repotting: Use a bigger pot once roots crowd the container or the pot starts drying unusually fast.
• Propagation: Detach a basal shoot after it develops roots, then plant it separately.

Troubleshooting Musa 'Nono' aka 'Hot Pink Banana'

• Pink or cream patches turn tan after a move to a brighter spot: Strong midday sun can scorch the pale areas. Give temporary shade at midday, then add direct sun gradually.
• Leaves hang limp in a wet pot: The mix may be staying too wet. Empty standing water, clear blocked drainage holes, and wait until excess water has drained before watering again.
• Leaf edges crisp and spread inward: The root ball may be getting too dry, or hot air from a heater may be drying the leaf edges. Water when the root ball begins to dry, and move it away from radiator heat.
• Silky webbing or cotton-like clusters develop: Webbing usually indicates spider mites; cottony clusters point to mealybugs. Isolate it, confirm whether mites or mealybugs are present, then use a treatment intended for that pest. Repeat only if the label says another application is needed.

Musa ‘Nono’ 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.

About the name Musa

Musa is an old name for banana adopted into botanical Latin.

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