Maintenance Landscaping Design

Blue java banana tree is a fruit bearing tree that is known for its unique blue color. The blue color is a result of the anthocyanin pigment, which is found in the skin of the fruit. The blue java banana tree is native to the country of Indonesia, where it is known as the "blueskin banana". The blue java banana tree is a popular choice for ornamental and landscaping purposes due to its attractive blue color. The blue java banana tree is also a popular choice for eating, as the fruit is said to have a taste that is similar to that of a vanilla ice cream.

Alternative name

• Ice cream bean
  
• Cenizo
  
• Purple cenizo
  
• Rock flower
  
• Wax flower

Basic info

• Blue Java banana trees are native to Southeast Asia.
  
• The trees can grow up to 20 feet tall.
  
• The leaves of the tree are large and blue-green in color.
  
• The flowers of the tree are white and fragrant.
  
• The fruits of the tree are long and blue-skinned.
  
• The flesh of the fruit is white and creamy.
  
• The fruits of the tree are sweet and have a vanilla-like flavor.
  
• The tree is drought-tolerant and can thrive in tropical climates.
  
• The tree is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
  
• The tree can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue

Growing Steps

1. For blue java banana tree, first step is to find a sunny location. The tree grows best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade.
   
2. Choose a location that has well-drained soil. The tree does not like wet feet, so make sure the area does not stay soggy after a rain.
   
3. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure to help improve drainage and provide nutrients.
   
4. Plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in the container.
   
5. Water the tree deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help it establish a strong root system.
   
6. Fertilize the tree monthly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
   
7. Prune away any dead or damaged limbs as needed to keep the tree healthy.
   
8. Place a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and keep down weeds.
   
9. Protect the tree from cold weather by covering it with a frost cloth or tarp if temperatures are expected to dip below freezing.
   
10. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor when the tree begins bearing fruit in 2-3 years.

Related plant:
Blue Atlas Cedar

The Soil

About soil condition, blue java banana tree need a loose, well-drained and fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The tree will not tolerate boggy conditions. If the soil is too heavy, it can be amended with organic matter to improve drainage. Blue java banana tree is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular applications of banana fertilizer or a general-purpose fertilizer.

Light condition

So, like the other banana trees, blue java banana trees need a lot of sun to grow. They should be planted in an area that gets at least 8 hours of sunlight a day. If you live in an area with hot summers, you might need to provide some shade for your blue java banana tree during the hottest part of the day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a blue java banana tree is one that is warm with little to no humidity. This type of tree prefers a temperature that is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the tree will not produce fruit. If the temperature gets too hot, the tree will produce less fruit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is about 60-70%. This can be achieved by regular misting or by placing the plant on a pebble tray. The plant should never be allowed to sit in water, as this will lead to root rot.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant needs more nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate than other minerals. The tree's roots are very efficient in extracting these minerals from the soil. In return, the leaves of the tree provide these minerals to the soil in the form of fallen leaves.

About light

Pruning your blue java banana tree is an important part of keeping it healthy and promoting new growth. You should prune your tree every few months, or as needed, to remove any dead or dying leaves and branches. When pruning, be sure to cut back to a healthy bud or branch to encourage new growth.

The Propagation

Propagation is by seed. Select a plump, ripe fruit and remove the skin to expose the pulp. Within the pulp are small black seeds. Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the seeds. Rinse the seeds and blot them dry on a paper towel. Fill a planting pot with moistened soilless potting mix. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in the potting mix. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture. Place the pot in a warm location, such as on top of a warm furnace or water heater. Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. When the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic and place the pot in a bright location. Gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoors conditions over a period of seven to 10 days before transplanting to the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1.5 to 2 feet (0.5 to 0.6 meters) per year. However, some exceptional cases have been recorded of blue java banana trees reaching almost 4 feet (1.2 meters) in a single year. This dependable growth rate, along with its other attributes, makes the blue java banana tree a desirable choice for many landscapers and home gardeners.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mainly due to incorrect watering, over-fertilizing, and pests. If the tree is overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off. If it's underwatered, the leaves will turn brown and dry. Over-fertilizing will burn the roots, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale can infest the tree, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.

List to Know

• Do not forget to water your plant regularly. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize your plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Place your plant in an area where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to remove any dead or dying leaves or branches.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and act quickly if you notice any problems.
  
• Train your plant to grow the way you want it to by tying the branches to a support.
  
• If you live in a cold climate, you will need to protect your plant from the cold weather.
  
• When the weather is hot, make sure to provide plenty of ventilation for your plant.
  
• If you are growing your plant in a pot, make sure to choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
  
• Enjoy your

Alternative Plants

• IRACA
  
• IRAD
  
• IRED
  
• IRID
  
• IRIN
  
• Moirai
  
• Pomum
  
• Purua
  
• Pyxis
  
• Turdus
  

Source:
Banana | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation
Banana | Tropical Punch - Gardening with Tropical Plants
Morphology of Banana Plants – Banana Varieties and Tropical Fruit Trees