2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Enset (lat. Ensete) - an exotic perennial from the Banana family, outwardly very similar to a banana tree.
Description
Enseta is an exotic plant, the length of oar-shaped leaves of which often reaches two and a half meters, and the width is seventy centimeters. And in natural conditions, there are specimens with a leaf length of ten to thirteen meters!
The enset rhizomes located underground are always very powerful, and its shortened stems are usually tuberous. These stems practically do not rise above the soil surface, releasing spectacular leaves arranged in a spiral almost from the ground itself.
Where grows
Enseta came to us from Africa: from the North-East, Central and South. It can be found both on river banks and on forest edges. In general, she prefers sunny, open areas. Occasionally, this plant can be seen in shady forests, but under such conditions it quickly ceases to bear fruit and gradually dies altogether.
Usage
In Ethiopia, enseta is the most important source of starch - it is obtained from tubers (i.e. roots). However, in addition to dessert, there are also decorative varieties of this plant, for example, the swollen enset, which is often called the "Abyssinian banana".
Growing and caring
Anseta should be planted only in well-lit areas - soft diffused light is especially favorable for its bizarre leaves. If the plant was planted in the southern corner, then it must be shaded from the midday sun, since direct sunlight can provoke burns on it. And in winter, the light-loving enset needs additional lighting - for this purpose, a fluorescent lamp can be installed about one meter away from it.
Also, thermophilicity is characteristic of the Enseta, which means that the thermometer in the room during the summer period should in no case fall below fifteen to twenty degrees. In winter, the temperature can be lower, but ideally it should not fall below twelve degrees. And this plant should be protected in every possible way from drafts that are destructive for it!
Fading and dry leaves that noticeably spoil the appearance of the enset should be removed in a timely manner. As for pests, this plant can be attacked by mealybugs, aphids or spider mites.
In the autumn period, the enseta enters the period of the most active growing season, and at this time, more than ever, it needs abundant watering. It is important not to forget that the earthen lump should always be well saturated with life-giving moisture, however, in no case should moisture stagnation be allowed - waterlogging of the soil will do nothing but harm.
For watering ensets, you should take only warm soft water that has been previously settled (at least a day). At the end of autumn, the frequency and volume of watering is reduced, and winter watering in general should be rather scarce.
Enseta also needs frequent spraying. The water intended for spraying should be at room temperature, and the spray should ideally be finely dispersed. Also, in the spring, this green pet must be fed with high-quality complex fertilizers - it is not forbidden to add such fertilizers to the water intended for irrigation.
Enset reproduces mainly by seeds, however, it is important to take into account that for their successful germination, a sufficiently high temperature regime is required in the range from twenty-five to thirty degrees. However, if this plant is at home, it is almost impossible to get seeds from it, which is why the home enset is propagated extremely rarely.
