View Full Version : Greetings from Panama
markopanama
11-05-2010, 01:13 PM
Just discovered Bananas.org while looking for information on potash fertilizer for same. We are living at 4,200ft. altitude on the side of an 11,000ft. volcano among many native species of bananas (and the cash crop up here, Boquete Geisha coffee). Temps are 65-80 F 24/7/365. We have many banana trees growing on our property and I would like to be more knowledgable about them and how to care for them. Although they seem to be doing fine, I understand that they deplete potassium from the soil and need to be fertilized. Now that I have found this resource, I can also start identifying the varieties and find out what's what.
For anyone interested, there are pics of the area at Picasa Web Albums - marcopanama (http://picasaweb.google.com/marcopanama)
Check out Where is Panama and Living in Boquete
Mark
stumpy4700
11-05-2010, 01:46 PM
Welcome to the site Mark.
Jack Daw
11-05-2010, 03:24 PM
Welcome Mark!
Must be boring to have the same weather 24/7/365. :ha:
Just kidding, of course I'm jealous. Mark, your Picasa album doesn't work. :|
Welcome from New Jersey:woohoonaner:
Caloosamusa
11-05-2010, 04:30 PM
Welcome Mark to Bananas dot org from the Sunshine State! :jalapenonaner:
The Hollyberry Lady
11-05-2010, 04:36 PM
A BIG friendly Canadian http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/thwelcome3.gif to you!!! :waving:
: )
kelehawaii
11-05-2010, 04:58 PM
Just discovered Bananas.org while looking for information on potash fertilizer for same. We are living at 4,200ft. altitude on the side of an 11,000ft. volcano among many native species of bananas (and the cash crop up here, Boquete Geisha coffee). Temps are 65-80 F 24/7/365. We have many banana trees growing on our property and I would like to be more knowledgable about them and how to care for them. Although they seem to be doing fine, I understand that they deplete potassium from the soil and need to be fertilized. Now that I have found this resource, I can also start identifying the varieties and find out what's what.
For anyone interested, there are pics of the area at Picasa Web Albums - marcopanama (http://picasaweb.google.com/marcopanama)
Check out Where is Panama and Living in Boquete
Mark
Aloha from Hawai'i Mark
As to fertilizers, Potash is indeed very important. However bananas also crave nitrogen. Maintaining both in abundance will yield best results. As an example, my regular fert is 22-0-32. 22% nitrogen, 0% phosphorous (which the banana needs in minute amounts) and 32% potash. In addition, during rainy periods, I also supplement with 41-0-0 in between the regular applications of fertilizer. Both nitrogen and potash are highly water soluble so they leach out very rapidly with as little as a few inches of rainfall or irrigation. Any period of nutritional deficiency as the baby plant grows to maturity will result in a poorer quality of fruit and, often, a bunch weight that is below average.
The healthiest banana plants have very deep, dark green leaves and if the nitrogen level is up to par (or even a little above what is necessary) the new leaves will emerge as pale yellow but they will deepen in green color as they unroll to fullness.
The secret is to fertilize lightly but OFTEN! They like consistency in both nutrition and water.
Hope this helps.
Aloha from the 'Big Island'
palmtree
11-05-2010, 07:26 PM
Welcome from New York! Your weather sounds perfect for many tropical plants including banana plants! Hope you learn a lot from the site especially since there are really cool banana varieties! One of my favorites is Musa Ae Ae. If you dont have one yet, it will definitely stand out from any of your other banana plants!
saltydad
11-05-2010, 11:11 PM
A warm welcome, Mark, from the beautiful state of Maryland.
Jezebel
11-06-2010, 02:10 AM
Welcome from Turkey !
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MediaHound
11-08-2010, 08:56 PM
Hi Mark, from across the Gulf, Florida.
PennyG
11-09-2010, 02:14 PM
Hello there and Welcome. :waving:
mbfirey
11-09-2010, 04:27 PM
Nice to have another member from la gran colombia...Ok I'm a gringo but my Wife's from Cali. Love tropical plants and Bananas- though it's not as simple here in SC!
Welcome aboard.
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