Musa 'Ae Ae'

Musa ‘Ae Ae’ thrives in bright light, ideally full sun to partial shade. If grown indoors, place it in the brightest spot available. Water generously during the growing season but allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging to protect the roots.
Use a rich, well-draining soil mix and fertilize every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer with a high-potassium fertilizer. Outdoors, it benefits from regular mulching and protection from wind. The plant prefers 22–30°C and does not tolerate frost—bring it indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C. Humidity should be kept high (50%+), especially indoors.

Botanical name: Musa ‘Ae Ae’ (syn. Musa variegata)
Family: Musaceae
Growth habit: Upright tropical herb, up to 3–5 m outdoors
Leaf size: Up to 1.5 m long
Leaf texture: Smooth, marbled with white and green variegation
Light requirement: Full sun to bright indirect
Humidity requirement: Moderate to high (50–80%)
Fruiting: Edible, striped bananas in ideal conditions
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Origin: Polynesia; rare variegated cultivar

Musa ‘Ae Ae’ is one of the most visually striking and coveted banana cultivars in the world. Its large, marbled green-and-white leaves bring a dramatic, tropical presence to any setting. Under ideal conditions, it produces equally variegated, striped bananas that are both edible and ornamental.
This plant is notoriously challenging to propagate and slow to grow, which adds to its rarity and value. Ideal for experienced collectors or those cultivating tropical statement plants in greenhouses, solariums, or protected outdoor environments. With the right care, ‘Ae Ae’ becomes a centerpiece of any botanical collection.