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VIRIAR
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Rare tropical species with striking ornamental foliage and colorful inflorescences
Ensete lecongkietii, commonly known as the Vietnamese Wild Banana or Lecongkiet's Banana, is a rare and relatively recently discovered species native to Vietnam. This species was named in honor of Dr. Le Cong Kiet, a Vietnamese botanist who contributed to the study and conservation of plant species in Vietnam.
Ensete lecongkietii is a large, herbaceous plant with a robust pseudostem that can reach heights of 3–5 meters (10–16 feet). The leaves are long, broad, and paddle-shaped, typical of banana plants, with a vibrant green color and sometimes tinged with red along the midrib. Unlike edible bananas, this species produces small, inedible fruits with hard seeds. The inflorescence is particularly striking, with large, colorful bracts that protect the flowers, adding significant ornamental value to the plant.
Ensete lecongkietii thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth but can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
This plant prefers warm, tropical climates with temperatures ranging from 20–30 °C (68–86 °F). It is sensitive to frost and should be protected from cold temperatures, making it suitable for USDA zones 9–11.
The Vietnamese Wild Banana prefers well-draining, fertile soils rich in organic matter. It can adapt to a range of soil types, including loamy or sandy soils, but it thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral pH conditions.
Regular watering is essential, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season or in arid climates, increase watering to ensure the plant remains hydrated.
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. If planting in the ground, ensure there is enough space for the plant to spread out, as it can become quite large. For container planting, use a large pot with adequate drainage and a nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix.
Feed Ensete lecongkietii with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, applying it every 4–6 weeks. A fertilizer high in potassium can help promote strong, healthy growth. Reduce fertilization during the winter when the plant's growth slows down.
Prune off any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage new growth. Ensete lecongkietii is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it's still a good idea to monitor for common issues like aphids or fungal infections.
The seeds of Ensete lecongkietii have a hard outer shell, so soaking them in warm water for 24–48 hours before sowing can help soften the seed coat and improve germination rates significantly.
Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, placing them about 1–2 cm (0.5–1 inch) deep. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water thoroughly.
Place the seed tray in a warm, humid environment with temperatures around 25–30 °C (77–86 °F). Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Germination can be slow and may take several months.
Once seedlings emerge, provide them with bright, indirect light and gradually acclimate them to more direct sunlight as they grow. Transplant seedlings into larger pots or directly into the garden when they are large enough to handle.
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Bringing tropical paradise to gardens across 190+ countries
At VIRIAR, we specialize in delivering premium tropical plants, exotic palms, and rare seeds from our nursery in Topoľníky, Slovakia to plant enthusiasts worldwide. Every shipment is carefully packaged with phytosanitary certificates and expert care instructions to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
We've perfected the art of shipping live tropical plants internationally. Each plant is bare-rooted, wrapped in protective materials, and shipped with moisture-retaining packaging. Our plants are quarantine-certified and come with all necessary documentation for customs clearance.
Real-time tracking from our nursery in Slovakia to your doorstep anywhere in the world
Professional bare-root prep, moisture control, protective wrapping for long journeys.
Official EU certificates and health inspections for international transport.
Track plants from nursery to doorstep with real-time updates.
Weather monitoring and insulated packaging for temperature protection.
Detailed planting instructions and aftercare tips included.
100% alive arrival promise or free replacement.