~ My plants are not growing very fast and are producing smaller leafs. The SDC Banana plant has not grown much in the last few weeks. As I feel I am getting most of the light to my plants as is possible for me to provide
(14 hrs. on of a 4ft. 6 tube T5 6400K fixture). I feel my weakest point is not enough fertilizer based on my research here at Bananas.org. The Natural Dr. Earth 6-4-6 tropical fertilizer I bought is not enough and it is not water soluable so is not being released/absorbed into the soil as fast as the plant needs it. Banana plants needs a LOT of nutrients and they want it now
~ For plant growth it seems an ideal choice for my Banana plants would be
Grow More Fertilizer with an N-P-K of 20-6-16. As shipping cost can almost be as much or more than the product itself at "Plants that Produce". The closest to this ideal product I have found locally is Miracle Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 5 lb (product #1001232) at 24-8-16.
~ I purchased and fed my Cavendish some Miracle Grow at the rate of ONE Tablespoon 24-8-16 to ONE Gallon of water.
(I also purchased a galvanized one gallon watering can) This is more than the recommended amount on the packaging but I wanted to give my plant a good boost. The package states 1 teaspoon per Gallon for indoor potted plants. I will at least reduce this amount to 2 teaspoons per Gallon even if I do feed my SD Cavendish more than the recommended amount. Ideas from others with success at other feeding rates are welcome.
~ To encourage the fruiting phase I have not yet found a local alternative to
Fruit Gel with an N-P-K of 16-8-24. I will keep an eye out for something but it appears it is without a local equal. Suggestions welcome.
Super Dwarf Cavendish fed with Miracle Grow 24-8-16 and new watering can