Musa basjoo
TAXONOMY
FamilyMusaceae
GenusMusa
Zone5
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Musa basjoo, commonly known as the Japanese banana or hardy banana, is a species of banana native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It is a herbaceous tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. This plant is known for its ability to withstand colder climates compared to other banana species, making it a popular choice for subtropical and temperate gardens.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Japanese Banana
Japanese Fiber Banana
Japanese Fibre Banana
Basjoo
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD5,475
Dormancy3 Months
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Musa basjoo thrives in bright, direct sunlight and requires moderate temperatures. It prefers high humidity and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. This plant can tolerate cooler temperatures but will benefit from protection during extreme cold.Harvest
Musa basjoo, commonly known as the Japanese banana, is typically harvested when the fruit is fully mature but still green. This usually occurs around 12 months after planting. To harvest, cut the entire bunch from the plant using a sharp knife or machete, ensuring to leave a few inches of the stalk attached to the bunch. After harvesting, the fruit should be allowed to ripen off the plant in a cool, dry place. It is important to handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising, which can affect the quality and shelf life of the bananas.Soil
Musa basjoo prefers well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support its rapid growth and large foliage.Repotting
Repot Musa basjoo every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in the spring.Propagation
Musa basjoo can be propagated through division of the suckers or pups that grow at the base of the plant. These can be separated and planted individually. Propagation is best done in the spring or early summer.Pruning
Prune Musa basjoo by removing any dead or damaged leaves. Cut back the plant to ground level after the first frost if you live in a colder climate. This will help protect the plant and encourage new growth in the spring.Toxicity
Musa basjoo is not toxic to pets or humans. All parts of the plant are considered safe.Additional
In colder climates, it is advisable to mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots during winter. The plant may die back to the ground in freezing temperatures but will regrow from the roots in the spring.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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