Caring for Wind-Damaged Abyssinian Banana Plants

Don't Cut Back the Main Stem

An Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) with tattered leaves should not be cut back. It grows from a central crown; cutting the stem forces regrowth from the cut point, delaying maturity and fruiting.

Correct Care

• Remove only lower yellowed/brown leaves.
• Leave green tattered leaves—they still photosynthesize.
• Water and fertilize regularly; new leaves will emerge intact.
• If it has flowered/fruited, cut the whole plant down; pups will replace it.

Growth Habit

Ensetes are monocarpic: they die after flowering. Until then, they need all foliage to build energy. Wind damage is cosmetic; the plant will outgrow it.