Ensete lecongkietii - Orphan Banana - 5 seeds

This very interesting new species of ensete was described from Vietnam in 2012 and is also found in the Chiangmai area of northeastern Thailand, where it grows on steep limestone cliffs with seasonally dry forest vegetation. It is a very compact plant, with short, broad, blue-green leaf bases forming a thick, rounded stem. The very short petioles bear compact, leathery leaves that are blue-green underneath and pale green above. The midribs of the leaves are reddish underneath and yellowish on top. The showy flower has large, reddish-brown bracts and bears short, thick fruits that contain small, shiny black, Musella-like seeds. Orphan banana adapts well to both warm-temperate and tropical climates. It needs a sunny location, plenty of water and good drainage.




How to Grow Ensete lecongkietii Trees From Seed

Ensete lecongkietii trees are best grown from seeds. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for around 48 hours. If you don't have a propagator, you can place them on top of a warm radiator, or just make sure you regularly change or top up the water.

Sown seeds benefit from being sealed inside a bag or placed in a consistently damp paper towel to keep the humidity high. They appreciate daytime temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Positioning them on a well-lit windowsill can be a good idea.
Ensete lecongkietii Tree Care

Given the right conditions and temperatures, Ensete lecongkietii trees are very fast-growing. They like rich, moist soils and plenty of warmth, sunlight, and regular feeding. Unless you experience continual warmth into the winter, they'll need to be brought inside when the colder weather arrives. Expect their growth to slow significantly or stop altogether during this period.

The seeds can take at least three months to germinate and should be well-spaced.

Ensete lecongkietii tree with large thick leaves bulging from blue-green trunk
The Spruce/K. Dave
Ensete lecongkietii tree with large thick leaves with cuts on sides closeup
Ensete lecongkietii tree with waxy oval-shaped leaves in backyard

Light
Ensete lecongkietii trees appreciate plenty of sunlight. If this is lacking, the color of the large leaves can be impacted. During the warmer summer months, they'll do well outside, as this will maximize the amount of natural light they receive.

Soil
Your Ensete lecongkietii tree will need a well-drained soil or potting mix. Overly wet conditions aren't good for this plant, but they do like to be kept moist.

Water
Ensete lecongkietii trees appreciate regular watering. They benefit from consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Take care not to let them dry out for prolonged periods before rewatering.

Temperature and Humidity
Ensete lecongkietii trees might be hardier than some other Ensete species, but they still prefer frost-free, dry, and sheltered conditions during the winter. They do best in warm, humid, tropical-type climates.

Fertilizer
These trees are heavy feeders. Ensete lecongkietiis grow fast, and it takes a lot of energy to keep their large trunk, leaves, and flowers healthy. Regular fertilization during the spring and summer will help ensure they put on their best display.

Pruning
Pruning a Ensete lecongkietii tree should include removing the dead, browned, diseased, or pest-ridden leaves. Selectively prune branches if desired for a certain shape. There is no best season for pruning this tree, as it isn't anticipated that you'll do any heavy cutting - you'll simply remove what is already dead or dying.



Overwintering
There have been reports of this species surviving the winter months outside in zone 7b, providing they have appropriate protection. To ensure success, heavy mulching and wrapping of the plant leaves and body would be required. If you're expecting frost, bring your Ensete lecongkietii Tree into an appropriate indoor space to ensure a better chance of survival.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Several common garden pests love Ensete lecongkietii trees. These include mealy bugs, red spider mites, and aphids. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oil can help. Diseases common to the tree include leaf spot or leaf streak.