mewdeeone

This is my 2nd year with Ensete Ventricosum....I had HORRIBLE luck overwintering last year. I am Zone 8, so I'm going to simply leave mine in the ground this coming winter, but I'm going to put a chicken wire cage around them and fill with leaves. Keep the soil moist but not soggy while you still have them potted and don't feed 'til they're either in huge pots or in the ground, as they'll push deformed leaves. I read that they like a high nitrogen fertilizer and I'd throw that around the base of the Ensete and scatter it outward almost to where the leaf tips are so that the roots get plenty. They are HEAVY FEEDERS like any banana, so make sure they stay watered in without standing in water. While they're small, they like warm water...unlike a banana, they will SHUT DOWN growth if watered with cold water. I would use lukewarm water to take care of them 'til you get them in the ground. Below 55 degrees they won't grow, so keep them warm 'til last frost!!! Wish me luck with mine this year too!!