I have a basjoo in a gigantic pot, but it still stunts the growth to about 6ft.

Then, can I dig it up and bring it in when it gets cold? I don't want to lose this one, I really like them.

Can't you leave it in situ with a heating cable wrapped round the stem plus warm insulation. In England we can buy the items in the link below. No use for you as our electric is different voltage, but I would expect you can get an equivalent in Ohio.

Here is a link that might be useful: frost guard cables

I have a Musa Basjoo in a pot, and it has been like that, for 3 years. It's about 8ft tall now. I have high ceilings, and it is doing really good. I fertilize it about every three months, and water it every month or so. It has given me about 8 pups. Diana55

Whats a basjoo?

Oh Oh! it's that nasty Aussie again! By the way dianna55,do you have any experience with ensete Maurelli? Mine was growing fine and was potted up twice and now it's new leaves are tearing like the plant is choking. Ever happen with your 'nanas?

No, I don't have any experience with those Banana's, but it might be root bound. Maybe check it out, by posting on the Forum. Diana55 P.S...Now Rug13y you behave yourself!!!LOL

There is no reason why your basjoo wouldn't survive a winter in Ohio - how did you protect it for the winter - these plants will survive in Ottawa Canada - 10-20 degrees colder than Ohio - did you get it planted early in the season or did you plant it later - it might have not had a chance to develop a good root system so as to survive the winter - did you fertilize near the fall - this will take away from its hardiness - cover with something to keep it dry like a tarp or a compost container.

You can plant a basjoo in a pot, but if you're going to grow a banana potted, why not grow a different one that would be more attractive like a zebrina or bordelon, or an edible fruited variety like a dwarf cavendish or ice cream or rajapuri? The basjoo are a little harder to overwinter in pots in my opinion, and the easiest ones that I've overwintered in pots in the house have been the bordelons. I think it defeats the purpose to grow ones that are hardy outdoors in pots.