viola2572

I have Ensette Maurelii and this year it will have to be left outside how cold can it get before it dies
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musa_monkey

These are not cold hardy plants. Much below 4°c and it will suffer badly. I am in the south east and over winter mine in the house.

viola2572

So would it be ok to cut the top off and surround it with hay and bubblewrap or would I need some heating cables inside with a thermostat

musa_monkey

You could cut the leaves off or leave them on depending on the size of the enclosure you build. In your location you should get away with mulching and insulating it inside an enclosure outside. A heating cable would be a good idea "just in case" you do see some low temps. Good drainage will be key to avoid rotting over winter.

dablo93

I dont know ere it was, i think on the GOTE forum but I saw some picutres of an ensete maurelii that was overwintered outside without protection and it even had some frost, -2 or so and the stem was still healthy.
so it is possible but I think they will grow much slower the year afther that.

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chong

I had 2 of these that I got from Ty Ty Nursery in GA, that I overwintered outside in my yard in Seattle, WA, in 50 gallon pots, without any protection and they survived temperatures as low as 14°F(-10°C) for 4 years. During the fifth winter, we had continuous rain for over three weeks, with average temperature of 34°F(1°C), and the pseudo-bulb rotted. The Pseudo-stem and leaves were undamaged, so until I tried to prop them up, I was unaware that the p-bulb was rotting. In the ground, if protected from over watering, they should do better.

raggedyredhead

Just bought one. Card says zone 10 & 11. Min temp. 30 to 40 degrees

Lagniappe

This plant has been discussed in several threads regarding it's hardiness .
Mine put out growth before any other plants and after a snow they lost parts of leaves but kept on going . I'm in zone 8a .
Ensete pics

raggedyredhead

Hey guys, that's good news for me. I'm just going by what the card says that came with the plant. Monrovia is supplier. they have a website,
Monrovia.com.
Raggedy

viola2572

My wife loves watering plants during the winter, so you think it will rot

raggedyredhead

I have a large collection of plants. Less is always better. Plants need rest in the winter. Over watering a plant is the quickest way to kill it. I have a moisture meter. When in doubt I use it. One can be bought at any Walmart for under $5.00. Take away her watering can! Ha Ha! Good Luck!

tophersmith

If you have a dark basement or crawl space, just dig it up cut of the leaves let it dry for about 5 days and store it there for the winter. It will come back fine.