Thai Ensete Superbum
 

I recently purchased a Thai Ensete Superbum (or so it was named by the seller)... I had given up growing Ensetes after being unable to keep all my Ensete maurelii standing up (got too big to stay standing during tropical storms, etc., and nothing I would try roping them with or to would hold), BUT I ended up buying this new creature. I was wondering if anyone could tell me any growing specifics for it, and especially info regarding its performance during cold/cold tolerance.... Thanks everyone!

Barry
Brunswick, GA (zone 9)

Re: Thai Ensete Superbum
 

Cant help you out with info...but heres a cool thread about superbum and what to expect...

http://www.bananas.org/f16/ensete-su...ieri-6887.html

Re: Thai Ensete Superbum
 

This rare ornamental banana is indigenous to northern India and the higher elevations of Thailand. Its bright green leaves may reach 8' with a width of nearly 2' with a short petiole. This Ensete may reach 10' - 12' in height while its trunk is nearly 6' tall with an enormous swollen base of 7" - 8" in circumference at the base, narrowing to 3" below the leaves. Flowering begins with a one foot wide globose inflorescence, later drooping and elongating to 2' in length and 1" bracts which are laden with a huge quantity of 1" flowers. The numerous small fruits are 1 1/2" x 3" with a triangular shape and swollen with seeds. This plant is hardy to 30 F. If left out in cold regions it must be mulched to keep from freezing.

Re: Thai Ensete Superbum
 

Thats somthing you all are talking about this plant. I found this picture the other day and thought how cool this plant is if its the same one you all are talking about here is the picture

Re: Thai Ensete Superbum
 

I have a couple in their third year. Have stayed a lot smaller than my Maurelli. I bring them in and put them in a room that doesn't get a lot of heat in the winter. Probably doesn't get less than 50 degrees. Give them some a little water and put back out in the spring. First year they overwintered great. This year I almost lost one. I think due to being too afraid of over watering.

Re: Thai Ensete Superbum
 

Hi Barry,

The photo in post #4 might be a little deceiving regarding the size of this plant. Grown in a pot they stay much smaller but when planted in the ground they can get HUGE!

My plants thrive on heat and lots of water, other than that I don't give them any care. They have not been fertilized since they were planted. Sorry I can't help you with cold hardiness.

This particular plant (photos taken today) has leaves 10-12 ft long and the base of the plant is about 4 ft across. It's a monster plant! It was planted on 5/28/08 and still has not flowered.