How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Japanese Banana Trees

The Japanese banana tree is the ultimate option for growers in colder climates who want to add a beachy, tropical atmosphere to their yard or pool area. A banana tree is sure to catch the eye and add vertical appeal to the landscape.

In the cooler end of its perennial spectrum, this tree will die down and start again in the spring, similar to perennial flowers, and in warmer regions, it’ll grow to its maximum height with time. Cold-hardy banana trees really are a unique experience for temperate climate growers.

Like the idea, but not sure how to care for a tropical tree? Growing a subtropical in zone 5 or 6 can be intimidating, but the this cultivar proves that it’s possible. Fret not; they are easy to care for, and you can even keep them indoors. 

What Is It?

Though these trees are actually from China, it was originally thought that they were native to the Japanese Ryukyu Islands, where many can still be found, hence the name. In fact, basjoo derives from the Japanese word bashoo, which means banana. Overtime, due to their cold-hardy nature, these perennials have become staples in Europe and in the United States as well.

While they do fruit, growers take note: These are not the bananas you see at the grocery store. These fruits are inedible, and in cooler regions where the plant dies down to the rhizome and rises from the ashes in the spring, you may never even see the fruit. Nonetheless, you can experiment with steaming dishes within the leaves, though the leaves may not offer much flavor.

Characteristics

Japanese banana trees are herbaceous perennials that grow quickly, ultimately reaching about 14 feet tall. Cold-hardy down to zone 5, these plants stand out as a tropical surprise in cooler regions, though they’re prized in warm areas, too. In the summer, yellow, tubular flowers and corresponding fruits can be seen among the large, green leaves, though the fruits are inedible. 

It is the perfect choice for a poolside garden, adding a tropical vacation atmosphere. These perennials are easy to care for as long as you give them enough water and fertilizer. Plus, it’s crucial to plant them somewhere where they’ll be protected from strong winds, which can tear up their large leaves.

Native Area

Japanese banana trees are native to subtropical southern China, specifically the province of Sichuan, though it was originally thought that they came from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. 

Their ideal subtropical climate involves warm weather, frequent precipitation, and consistent humidity. That said,they can get by in temperate areas as well. The underground rhizomes are cold-hardy, so even if the above-ground plant mass is killed, the tree can resprout in cool regions.

Planting

These trees make excellent landscape plants in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10, where they should be planted in moist but well-draining soil and in an area that receives partial to full sunlight. Freezing temperatures will kill the above-ground growth, though the rhizome below can survive temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

In cooler areas, they can also be planted in containers and brought inside for winter. Even in zones 5 and 6, this may be advantageous so that winters don’t slow down their growth. If you plan to keep a Japanese banana in a container for this purpose, keep in mind that these trees can grow up to 14 feet tall in proper conditions, and be sure to choose a large, well-draining pot.

Transplanting

Japanese banana trees are often propagated by division, with a small pup that can be transplanted. Perhaps you want to transplant a pup, a purchased young tree, or your potted tree. Fortunately, they are fairly easy to transplant.

Choose an area where it will get adequate sunlight, and dig a hole deeper than the root ball. Prepare moist, well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients, and transplant the tree, backfilling the hole with your soil mix. Water thoroughly, and until the plant is established, water regularly without letting the soil completely dry out. If you’re transplanting multiple plants, be sure to leave at least 10 feet in between them.

Growing from Seed

How to Grow

Once your tree is established and in the right conditions, it should grow readily and without issue. Don’t let its soil dry out for long, fertilize it somewhat regularly, keep its large leaves safe from the wind, and your cold-hardy subtropical will be happy.

Light

Japanese banana trees prefer full sun to partial shade, so about six hours of direct sunlight or more is ideal. If you’re growing your tree indoors or have it moved inside for the winter, put it near a bright window or consider placing it under grow lights. Indoors, these trees will need bright, indirect light all day or a good half-day of sunlight directly through a window.

Water

These trees prefer moist soil and are not drought-tolerant. Water whenever the top couple of inches of soil are dry, and do so as often as needed. Be sure to water thoroughly each time. If watering a potted plant, water until excess begins to drain out the bottom of the pot.

During the hottest months of the year or in dryer regions, you may find that you need to water more often. However, be sure not to overwater, which can cause root rot. Only water when the top inches of soil are dry, and consider recent rainfall.

Soil

Growth will be best in moist, fertile soil. Prepare soil that is humus-rich, loamy, and won’t dry out quickly. Soil that is enriched with compost is ideal for outdoor growing. That said, it’s also crucial that the soil be well-draining to prevent root rot. This is especially a concern for potted houseplants. If growing indoors, add some perlite or orchid bark to increase drainage.

Temperature and Humidity

These subtropical plants appreciate warm temperatures and higher humidity, but they don’t require these conditions to grow. The rhizomes can survive cold down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, in fact, but the cold in zones 4 or lower will kill the plant completely.

If growing indoors, room temperature is perfect. Keeping the humidity at 50 percent or above may also help potted Japanese banana trees grow, so consider using a humidifier or keeping them in a more humid area of your home.

Fertilizing

Provide plenty of nutrients four your Musa basjoo to thrive. Start them off in nutrient-rich soil, perhaps amended with compost, and then fertilize somewhat regularly. If planted outside, add slow-release fertilizer or more compost at the beginning of each growing season. These trees are heavy feeders, and you may notice slower growth if they aren’t fed properly.

If growing indoors, feed regularly during spring and summer, following the directions of an all-purpose fertilizer, ideally one designed for tropical houseplants. Slow down or skip fertilizing altogether in winter.

Maintenance

During the growing season, these trees don’t require much maintenance. You may want to remove any wind-damaged leaves, but this is optional.

If you are in one of the colder perennial zones, then some pruning will be helpful in winter. The above-ground portion of the plant will die back with freezing temperatures, though the rhizome below ground still lives. Simply prune away the dead foliage, and make sure the plant is well-mulched to provide moisture and warmth to the rhizome over winter.

Propagation

Japanese banana trees are most often propagated by division. A good rule of thumb is to divide them every five years or so to prevent the clumps from getting out of control. You can also separate pups from the host plant more often if you desire. After dividing, you can plant your separated specimens elsewhere or give them to a friend.

Division

To divide a clump of Japanese banana trees, use a sharp shovel or trowel, either removing a specific pup or breaking up the clump in as many portions as you see fit. Be sure to dig up the roots attached to the portion you are removing. Do not tear at the roots; cut them wherever necessary to avoid straining the plants.

Plant the divided portions directly where you want them to grow, using fresh, nutrient-rich soil. Pay extra close attention to the soil in the coming weeks, keeping it moist until the new plants are well-established.

Common Problems

Common problems are minimal for these cold-hardy trees. If planted out in the open, you may find that their leaves get damaged by summer storms. You can prevent this by planting them in strategic locations where they are shielded. Additionally, over time in warmer areas, dividing large clumps will become necessary, but these trees are not aggressive spreaders.

Pests

Your tree may fall victim to a variety of pests, including root nematodes, borers, and even grasshoppers. Correspondingly, nematicides, granular insecticide, and neem oil can make a difference.

Indoors, these plants fall prey to classic houseplant pests, including aphids, spider mites, mealybug, and scale. Neem oil, isopropyl alcohol, and other popular houseplant pesticide products may be helpful. Keeping humidity high can prevent some of these pests as well.

Diseases

When it comes to disease, keep your eyes open for anthracnose fungal disease, wilt, and mosaic virus.

• Anthracnose may reveal itself via dark spots on the leaves, and you can attempt to control the spread by cutting off any infected portions of the plant.
• Wilt may be visible with wilting, yellow leaves and is very difficult to contain. Your best bet is to replace these plants.
• Mosaic virus looks like odd mottling on the leaves or stalks, like a mosaic. This virus is also difficult to reverse. Infected plants should be removed and burned.

Frequently Asked Questions