alleycatsmith

I have a young potted musa basjoo - was 4 inches tall in April, now in October it is about 2 feet tall and lives on my back porch with south light. I live in upstate New York we have had one frost a few days ago but it seems ok right now.

It is not as big as I expected it to grow (thought about 8 feet) Since it is still little and easy to carry, I think I can find a place to store it in our unheated downstairs area (gets as low as 30 or 40 degrees down there).

My question is: Do I protect it with bag of leaves or stuffing to just keep it warm or to keep the light out so it won't keep growing over winter? And do I store it in a room with or without light? I have both.

And I was planning on watering it once a month - or will that promote growth - and do I want growth or not?

Alley Cat

Chironex

Hi Alley, there are several threads on over-wintering and storing bananas, Basjoo as well. Just do a search for posts/threads with the keyword: storing or overwintering. You should be able to get the answers you seek. Good luck!

Here's one link: Overwintering Bananas

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Scot

Bob

Hey Alley Cat. Hows Elmira these days? I used to go there often and stop at the waterworks bar on the way to hardware store in Horseheads. I wouldn't say you got bad growth for a container basjoo. You didn't mention how big a pot and how much fertilizer/ water. I got a foot tall one in May,actually a couple my puppy trampled one, the untouched one got to about 5 ft with what I thought was a lot of fertilizer(fish emulsion 5-1-1) and water. Hindsight being 20/20 I should have used more of a balanced fertilizer and more water. You might want to try it in the ground next year. If you have a warm enough spot with some light ,I would try to keep it growing during the winter so you have a head start for next spring. If not cool and dry for the winter should also work.....Bob

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alleycatsmith

I would guess its in a 3 gallon container now. Gave it a lot of water and probably should have done more fertilizer. Can't plant in ground - don't have any. I live in a second story apartment - but have a great porch for plants and pets. Basjoo is living in the living room right for the winter.

Alley Cat

Bob

Next year move it up to a 5 gallon size or bigger if your able. You should be pleasantly surprised. Just make sure to fertilize fairly heavy and LOTS of water as pots tend to dry fast.....good luck.

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