The most cold-tolerant banana plant.
Musa Basjoo
Musa Basjoo is an impressive herbaceous perennial with a vigorous growth habit. It is known to be the most cold-tolerant banana out there. This decorative, subtropical stunner has a slender reddish trunk topped off with huge, shiny green leaves.
Jungle-Look
Musa Basjoo is a cool crop and an excellent Musa for jungle-look-borders, as container plantings for patios and indoor pot plants. Once mature, it can grow small inedible bananas when not exposed to cold conditions.
Musa Basjoo Indoor Care Tips:
- Lighting: Musa Basjoo plants require bright, indirect light to grow. Place them near a window that receives plenty of light but is protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Temperature and Humidity: Musa Basjoo plants prefer temperatures between 15-25° Celsius (60-80°F) and high humidity. Keep the temperature consistent and place a humidifier or a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity.
- Watering: Water your Musa Basjoo plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil frequently and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
- Fertilizing: Feed your Musa Basjoo plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Musa Basjoo Outdoor Care Tips:
- Sunlight and Shade: Musa Basjoo plants thrive in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day.
- Soil: Musa Basjoo plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Amend the soil with compost before planting, and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Watering: Water your Musa Basjoo plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry weather, increase watering to twice a week.
- Fertilizing: Feed your Musa Basjoo plant with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Protection: Musa Basjoo plants are hardy, but they may require protection from frost during the winter months. Cover the plant with frost cloth or a blanket if temperatures drop below -5° Celsius (20°F).
