This banana plant is probably the most cold-resistant of all bananas.

Despite its somewhat misleading name, Musa basjoo does not originate from Japan, but from southern China. However, it was brought to Japan by sailors long ago, where it has been cultivated as an ornamental plant for generations.

Musa basjoo can withstand temperatures down to -12 °C, but leaves and stems are damaged at around -5 °C. Then everything above ground withers, but the root survives and shoots new shoots in the spring.

The plant grows to about 3 to 4 meters tall, with leaves that can be 2 to 2.5 meters long and a stem that reaches up to 2 to 3 meters.

Botanical description

Care

Musa basjoo is a very fast-growing banana plant. It thrives best in bright and warm conditions all year round and should be placed directly by a window to get as much light as possible. Preferably a south or west facing window. In the summer it does great when it is allowed outside, but it needs to be gradually acclimated to direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves.

When it is warm and bright it grows quickly, so it should be planted in a large pot with nutritious soil. During the growing season it needs to be fertilized every week, and the soil should always be kept moist, the plant must absolutely not dry out.

During winter, growth slows down due to reduced light, and then both watering and fertilizing should be reduced.

If the plant is grown outdoors in a pot, it must be protected from freezing during the winter. It can also be planted directly in the garden. It can withstand temperatures down to about -12 °C, but the leaves and stem are damaged at -5 °C. The above-ground part then withers, but the root survives and shoots new shoots in the spring.

Create a tropical atmosphere in your garden with this cold-resistant banana plant. Buy Musa basjoo online!