How to propagate Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ by division

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ is a monstrously sized plant that adds an exotic touch to any garden.
In this article I will show step by step how to propagate Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ (Red Abyssinian Banana Tree or Ethiopian banana) by division.

Leaf of Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ – Red Abyssinian Banana Tree or Ethiopian banana

This plant has large bright green leaves and the red of its veins and the underside of the leaves makes it a very decorative plant.

Underside of leaf of Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ – Red Abyssinian Banana Tree or Ethiopian banana

It is a perennial palm-like plant that produces small (inedible) banana-like fruits.

How to grow Red Abyssinian Banana Tree

It must be grown in full sun or partial shade in an area sheltered from the wind that may destroy its leaves.
The soil must be rich in humus as they are greedy plants. Needs winter protection with temperatures below 5°C (41°F).

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ in the garden during summer

In geographies with cold winters (as in my case), these plants are grown in pots so that they can be moved under cover in the cold months.
These types of plants – Ensete ventricosum, Agaves and even Strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae) – are moved to the garden, patio or terrace in the warm months where they create a dramatic, tropical effect.

Ensete propagation step by step

I’ve had this plant for a few years, and when I read about its propagation method, I had to try it, even though I knew I was risking a valuable plant.

Unlike other propagation methods, where the survival of the mother plant is assured, in this case, as you will see, we risk losing everything.

Let’s do it?

Dividing Ensete clump

It’s early spring and I’m going to get my Ensete from the shelter where she spends the winters.

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, the false banana tree, in the winter shelter

I cut the foliage.

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ in early spring

And remove the plant from the pot.

I take the plant from the pot

With a very sharp knife I cut the aerial part of the plant as shown in the following images.

With a knife, I cut the Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, Abyssinian banana

I see that the interior of Ensete is healthy

Aspect of Ensete after cutting the leaves

With a shovel, I cut the root ball to the same size as the top.

I cut the roots of the Ensete to be the same size as the aerial part

Now we can handle our plant easily.

With the same knife, I cut the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree clump, first into 2 parts. I cut exactly through the center of the plant.

I divide the plan by the center, making a clean cut in the Ensete

Two divisions of Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ – Red Abyssinian Banana Tree or Ethiopian banana

I have two equal parts. Right now I could plant them, but I’m going to be ambitious and split even more.

I cut each half into two parts and get four parts of Ensete

Four parts of Ensete to propagate

I cut each half, again by the center, and I have four equal parts.