View Full Version : Growing a Super Dwarf Cavendish Indoors
bluegreeneree
11-17-2010, 07:28 PM
Hey everyone! This is my first post here, and I am really excited about my new Super Dwarf Cavendish plant that is on its way very soon. I am hoping to soak up all your wisdom and give my plant a happy life that rewards me with bananas:woohoonaner:
I will try to record the progress of my new plant and the system I've got going on when I finally get the plant.
My question for you experts out there: Is a 12" self-watering pot a good or bad idea?
sandy0225
11-17-2010, 07:31 PM
I'd say for indoors a bad idea, unless you're a chronic underwaterer. Outdoors, a good thing as long as you don't water it too much in the spring or fall when it's not needed.
Darkman
11-17-2010, 08:07 PM
Seems I read somewhere that you have to be careful as salts and other things will build up in the water basin. Then if you don't water the plant and it needs water it will pull from the reservoir and get a drink of concentrated minerals, salts and fertilizer which could be detrimental to the plant.
The Hollyberry Lady
11-18-2010, 01:07 AM
I'm growing my super dwarf cavendish indoors too...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSCI2937.jpg
I transplanted it to a bigger pot and it's just recently sent up two pups for me. :08:
Personally, I wouldn't go for the self-watering pot but that's only my opinion. I'd just get a regular pot with some excellent drainage. ;)
: )
sandy0225
11-18-2010, 08:07 AM
I've been growing one indoors at church for a year or so. It's been really easy inside a large plate glass window. We have a bordelon there too that we've been growing for about 2 years now. It keeps on getting too tall and I have to chop it down from time to time. The first time everyone just went crazy when I chopped it. The second time the minister took the leaves home and made a pork roast. He has a standing order for next time now!
bluegreeneree
11-18-2010, 10:41 AM
Way cool HollyBerry Lady!!! We can compare notes as we're going here! Just for my reference, what size pot is that currently in your pic? My plant still has not come yet, but in all fairness I only ordered it 2 days ago :)
Thank you everyone for your quick feedback!! I'm still tempted to try the self-watering container, but you guys make it really difficult because I know you are all more wise than me and I probably shouldn't :) Is there a way to tell your plant is being over-watered physically?
The Hollyberry Lady
11-18-2010, 11:19 PM
Yes Bluegreeneree, we can compare notes for sure! :waving:
Mine was in a 8-10" pot but now it's in a 3 gallon pot in my south window.
You know, if you really feel strongly about using the self-watering container, then I say go for it! ;) Sometimes we just have to experience things for ourselves to see what works best for us. Plus too, what works well for one gardener, may not be successful for another. Experiment, and see how things go.
Also, if the pot doesn't work out for you after all, you can always transplant the banana plant later. Good Luck. :goteam:
I'll show my two new pups and a more recent shot of my SDC soon...
: )
Great first choice for a first as well as potted banana plant! Unlike some who tend to "Bonsai" their plants in smallish containers I like to move them up rapidly in pot size to allow for improved root and corm development almost as if they were in the ground. . I don't like the self watering pots and tend like the others to maintain a well drained soil mix. With attention you'll get a feel for what the plant likes in relation to watering in relation to temperature/pot size etc. Here's mine that I expect to flower next year for sure in a 25 gallon container after I had removed 7 or 8 smaller pups just keeping the one biggest to replace the mother plant while keeping the entire corm when the time comes. This plant is just over 1 year old from a tiny starter plant.
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss149/bob_075/DSCN0535.jpg
jeffreyp
11-19-2010, 09:30 PM
If you can put it in a 25-50 gallon nursery pot with a high quality potting soil that will help lots! Yes you could put it in a smaller pot but I am always thinking of producing fruit...so the more leg room the better...Placing it in a location where it gets good amounts of sunlight helps too. I found spider mites can be a problem so you need to keep an eye out for those critters...
bluegreeneree
11-20-2010, 12:43 AM
Hi everyone!
Thank you all for your positivity, feedback, and advice!! Today is a great day, and I am really excited, because I GOT MY SUPER DWARF CAVENDISH BABY TODAY!:woohoonaner:
I'm going to be real honest. This is my first non-cactus plant, so we'll see how it goes! Right now, I have it in a 10-inch pot with cactus/citrus potting soil. I have some organic fruit and citrus fertilizer, apply now vs apply later? Any thoughts?
Plant standing about 10" in the picture. 2 out of 3 leaves in pretty good shape. Third leaf slightly damaged.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38619&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38619&ppuser=8692)
The Hollyberry Lady
11-20-2010, 12:56 AM
Congrats on your great new plant, Bluegreeneree! :08:
It's looks good and I like the nice big pot you've got it in too. I can see why you're happy and excited. :goteam:
I like to get my banana plants, and all my plants actually, on a consistent feeding schedule right away, even if just a mild solution while they are young. It's easy to over-fertilize though, especially if you're new to it...so remember that less is more. :ha:
I like to keep my banana plants showered regularily as well, to keep mites away and it works well for me. Weekly trips to the bathtub and hard sprays of water have sent the mites packing for good. :D
I'll show shots of my two SDC pups in the morning...
: )
bluegreeneree
11-20-2010, 10:52 AM
HollyBerry Lady,
Thank you for all your great advice! I'm really looking forward to seeing your pup pants! Your plant is so beautiful, I can't wait for mine to grow. :) I checked the height this morning and it grew one inch from last night! yowza! About when did your pup first appear?
I went ahead and put some organic fruit and citrus fertilizer on top, and watered it a good amount (maybe a liter). What's good for watering amounts? Also, I have a moisture meter, am I shooting for the green zone basically?
Thanks again and take care,
Kevin / bluegreeneree
Kevin, I'm betting since you're using a citrus/fruit fertilizer that maybe it's the espoma organic Citrus/ Avocado blend. I've used that one and its great but now tend to favor the regular Espoma tomato fertilizer and have had pretty good success with getting my mature plants to flower this year with it. It has a little better ratio of N-P-K for bananas. Just realize that its a slow release as opposed to chemical ferts and works gradually over time.
Forget the moisture meter! The more inexpensive ones are notoriously unreliable. Just water very well when you do and when the pot dries to about 2" down water it agin very well. I use my finger if in doubt. It shouldn't need excessive watering indoors over winter in a pot but if you choose to plant it inground or in a larger container next summer it will require a lot more to keep it healthy and growing well.
The Hollyberry Lady
11-20-2010, 12:25 PM
Great advice, Bob!
Here are my two pups this morning...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC00041.jpg
They're just young yet, and only popped up within the last week or so, but I expect to see even more shortly...
Bob sent me the plant several months back, in later Spring, as a pup and it's already producing it's own offspring! :eek: I'm kind of surprised because banana plants I've had three times as long have yet to send up any! :(
I fertilize my plant weekly though with a heavy blooming water-soluble organic solution and it's in an extremely bright south-facing window. :D
I guess every gardener has their own way of determining when their plant pots are in need of water. I've always judged by the weight of the pot and can tell if it's heavy with water still or in need of some more. ;)
I agree with Bob that they don't need a whole ton of water over winter. As long as your soil is very well-draining and your pot has good drainage holes, you won't have any worries at all. :)
Thanks for the compliments about my plant, Bluegreeneree. I really hope it will produce a flower for me someday. I am totally encouraging it to, so we'll see...
: )
bluegreeneree
11-20-2010, 11:15 PM
Hi Bob,
Thanks for stopping by and offering your 2 cents. Very valuable to a simpleton like me:) Your tree is so cool!!! These trees are beautiful!
Just so you know, my fertilizer is Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus. It's a new type of fertilizer that uses Archaea, so the claim is on the package:ha: The Ratio is 3:5:5. It says to only use the fertilizer in early fall, late winter and late spring. So that's what my knowledge is limited to, so I appreciate you telling me what you use, I will probably look into it after I go through this 4 pound bag.
Holly Berry Lady,
Awww! Those pups are so cute!!! I cannot wait to get some pups, I've already been talking them up to my friends, and now they all want a banana tree. Who doesn't want a banana tree?:nanadrink:
Surprised that you fertilize so frequently, once a week sounds like a lot. If you say so... :)
Great that there is such a generous, open community here willing to exchange plants and wisdom! Very glad I joined this site; know I'll be sticking around.
Thanks again and keep me updated on your plants, too!
The Hollyberry Lady
11-21-2010, 08:37 AM
Kevin...
I fertilize my plants with a light to medium solution once a week, over the Spring, Summer, and Autumn months, but sometimes I cut back to once every 2 weeks over the winter, using a lighter solution...keeping in mind that my plants are actively growing, even over the cold months, and they aren't dormant.
I am huge into feeding my plants and keeping them well nourished, so I promote regular fertilizing, and getting plants started on fertilizer especially when they are young and just starting out. ;)
Good luck with your plant, Kevin. I bet you'll have pups in no time! :08:
: )
tbaleno
11-21-2010, 05:18 PM
How come you guys all have distance between the leaves and the ground. Mine tends to only have 5 inches or so between the bottom leaf and the dirt.
My mistake. I just took a closer look. I do have a bit of a gap.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5196508834_fb1ae357cd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34712576@N08/5196508834/)
bluegreeneree, this is what your plant will look like in 9 months ;) Mine was about the size yours is in march.
The Hollyberry Lady
11-21-2010, 05:22 PM
Tbaleno...
It's because that's how I want mine to look and I've removed the lower leaves. It also makes more room in my window for other plants but mostly it because I like the look of it. ;)
: )
bluegreeneree
11-22-2010, 08:59 AM
tbaleno,
Thanks for stopping by and showing your pic of your beautiful SDC! Yours looks really lush and healthy, good job! What is the approximate height of your plant after 9 months?
HollyBerry Lady,
You grow holly berries I take it? Can you tell me more about this plant i.e. why you like it, etc? I have never even heard of a holly berry!!??
My 4th leaf is almost fully emerged! I think my plant is going to make it!!! yay!
The Hollyberry Lady
11-22-2010, 09:28 AM
Well Kevin, the following thread will tell you all about why I love Hollies so much...
http://www.bananas.org/f8/thank-you-hollyberrylady-12212.html
It would be more appropriate to discuss Hollyberry bushes there, since this thread is about
SDC's. ;)
There's lots of shots for you to see, which will leave no doubt in your mind as to why I'm crazy about them! :goteam:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
11-22-2010, 09:35 AM
Wow Tbaleno, that is one cute little healthy plant you've got there! :08: Thanks for sharing. How old is your plant now?
Are you trying to get it to flower?
: )
bluegreeneree
11-22-2010, 04:11 PM
Beautiful, sunny day in Dallas! A perfect banana-growing 79 degrees and breezy. Window's open, a good day for my little baby plant!
The newest leaf is almost out, looking healthy:08:!!! This is so exciting!!!!!! It's cool you can see the little vine thingy coming through the center to form a new leaf!!! I am so easily excitable... Just wait until I get the bananas!!!!!!!!!:woohoonaner:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38652&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38652&ppuser=8692)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38651&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38651&ppuser=8692)
The Hollyberry Lady
11-22-2010, 09:44 PM
Nice plant, Kevin! Hope you get some fruit on that thing in record time. ;)
Hope too that it grows nicely for you over winter...
: )
tbaleno
11-22-2010, 11:06 PM
My plant is about 9+ months. I got as a pup in march. I would like it to fruit. Don't know if I'll ever get it to though.
The Hollyberry Lady
11-23-2010, 11:22 PM
I was told it could take 2-3 years so don't lose hope yet, Tbaleno. :08:
Just keep encouraging it with lots of sunshine & blooming fertilizer! :ha:
: )
bluegreeneree
11-24-2010, 12:37 PM
Went to Lowe's today because I had some money burning a hole in my pocket :) (Bad idea btw).
Hooked up my banana plant, who is now named George, with a new, spiffy 15W fluorescent grow light for $15.
It saddened me on the cloudy days like today that my plant is not getting lots of energy. I also want to grow more stuff near my window here.
George is loving life, this is his perspective below. New leaf is coming in nicely.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38763&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38763&ppuser=8692)
The Hollyberry Lady
11-26-2010, 05:29 PM
Very cool Kevin, that you're keeping your plant so happy...and congrats on your new light! :D
Now your plant is going to grow like crazy! :eek:
I can see why you're so excited and I know all about having money burning a hole in my pocket and landing in a nursery or greenhouse! :ha:
I'm hoping that my plant will send up more pups soon...
: )
alpha010
11-30-2010, 07:24 AM
A little tip for you Kevin and Sherry, keep a spray bottle of copper fungicide on hand and systemic pest control. I have had problems with my SDC's with white flies and spider mites. Also, I lost my first SDC to white mold last fall when I brought it into the house for the cold weather. The mold showed up as white patches between loose petioles and the main p-stem, so careful on the watering and give it a good visual check every week or so.
Your guys' (and gal ;oD ) plants look very good! Hope they do well for you! I have had mine for going on 3 years now and just absolutely love them. Since I purchased my first one, I have had numerous pups, and the 8 or so plants I have now are all from that very first one. I have also given away 4 or 5 and lost a few to "experimentation". It is not uncommon for me to cut 2 or 3 pups off in the early spring just to have another 3 show up by august. These are prolific little buggers but fun to have.
I also noticed that they seem pretty happy in the pots I use, not sure of the gallonage (literage if you're canadian, eh! -- yes I'm poking you Sherry) but the pots are 18" across the top and 20" tall, and I try to not have more than 2 pups at a time in each pot and remove the pups each spring.
Congrats on the new found desires and Good Luck! Can't wait to see them grow!
bluegreeneree
11-30-2010, 11:44 PM
Hi Sherry, thanks for your support, it is very valuable to me!
Also thanks to alpha for coming by to offer your wisdom!
Guys, I have a problem with my newest leaf! A weird dark brown spot has developed. I felt it and it feels dead. I have no idea what I've done wrong. The only thing I can think of is over-watering. Any suggestions?
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38953&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38953&ppuser=8692)
jeffreyp
12-01-2010, 02:28 AM
the best stuff for killing spider mites...
Concern Insect Soap 32 Oz. RTU at YardLover.com (http://www.yardlover.com/concern-insect-soap-32-oz-rtu)
alpha010
12-01-2010, 06:08 AM
Jeffrey has the right idea, I get stuff like this frequently.......also, check the tips of other leaves to see if there is some really light webbing and look on the undersides of leaves for little white-ish/reddish/brownish moving particles and let us know what you find! Don't worry too much about the spot on the leaf, things like that will happen more often than you like. This time of year though, try to only water the little guys no more than once a week or when the soil is dry almost 2 inches deep. Bananas are succeptible to hidden rot (at least in a few of my experiences) and can turn bad quickly.
Always happy to pass on some of my experience to another nanner lover!
bluegreeneree
12-03-2010, 09:04 PM
Hey guys,
Wanted to thank you for your inputs! I do not believe that these spots are parasite-based, as I have checked the plant very thoroughly. I believe strongly that these spots are a case of me over-watering, because shortly after watered it, the plant's growth seemed stunted, and the spot appeared.
Also, I mention spotS above. Yeah, a really big spot is damaged on the new leaf as well.... We'll see what happens, but all in all I think my plant will be fine. It seems healthy otherwise.
Interesting how each leaf gets bigger! This leaf is 1.5 inches longer than the last one!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=39043&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=39043&ppuser=8692)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=39042&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=39042&ppuser=8692)
The Hollyberry Lady
12-04-2010, 09:18 AM
Did those spots start after you got your new light?
Is it possible the light was too close to the leaves, because those look similar to burn marks to me. Did you wet the leaves and then put the plant right back under the bright bulb? This could cause burn marks like that and I've experienced it myself in the past. :eek:
Just a thought and something to consider...
: )
bluegreeneree
12-04-2010, 10:18 AM
Hi Sherry,
Thanks for offering up your opinion! I had considered it could be the light, but it seemed strange to me that only one leaf would suffer? Perhaps new leaves are more sensitive to light? Also, since it is only on the new leaf, it could be the watering. I am up in the air.
EDIT: Also, after I watered the plant and the spot appeared, the leaves felt a little softer, almost soggier. The spot especially had a weak and moist(ish) consistency.
What I'm going to do is leave the light as it is and NOT over-water it. If the new leaf turns out fine, we have our answer.
Did those spots start after you got your new light?
Is it possible the light was too close to the leaves, because those look similar to burn marks to me. Did you wet the leaves and then put the plant right back under the bright bulb? This could cause burn marks like that and I've experienced it myself in the past. :eek:
Just a thought and something to consider...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
12-04-2010, 10:22 AM
The leaf that had the mark on it...was this the leaf closest to the bulb?
I'm not saying this is the reason for certain yet though...that's what I'm trying to figure out. ;)
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
12-04-2010, 10:25 AM
A good tip when you have a plant light...
If you shower or wet your plants, be sure to wait for the leaves to dry completely before placing the plant back under the bulb...to avoid burning the leaves. :D
: )
bluegreeneree
12-04-2010, 10:26 AM
Yes, that's another good thought, but the new leaf was coiled still in the dead center of the plant when the spot developed. There were other leaves closer. One has extremely minuscule spotting similar to my new leaf, but I would barely count it. All the other leaves are just like when I initially got them.
The Hollyberry Lady
12-04-2010, 10:32 AM
I noticed there's a new leaf coming on your plant, so let's see how it turns out when it unfurls...
Not sure what's going on with your little banana plant but the only other thing I can think of is too much or too little water....and over-fertilization.
Doesn't sound like any of those are the case either though so hopefully some other members will give their opinion too...
Good luck solving your problem. ;)
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
12-04-2010, 05:29 PM
By the way...
Here are my two pups today...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC00528.jpg
Getting lots bigger now. :08:
Hoping for a few more shortly. The plant is due for a watering and fertilizing tomorrow morning...
: )
bluegreeneree
12-04-2010, 09:51 PM
Awwww Sherry, what cute little pups you have! How exciting! I can't wait to get some pups myself!
BTW, Sherry, I don't want to speak to soon yet, but I think you may end up with the prize because the leaf that was closest to my fluorescent light started to develop its spots further, making me believe it was light related after all. Also, thanks for the tip on spraying the plant and NOT leaving it under the light, because I was doing that.... :)
Long story short, plant has been moved from RIGHT next to the light and I am optimistic
The Hollyberry Lady
12-05-2010, 06:11 PM
It's ok Kevin, because when I first got my light systems I learned the hard way too about having plant leaves too close to the bulb. :eek:
When you wait for leaves to dry off thoroughly before placing plants back under the light system, this helps too. Just a few tips that you weren't aware of, so no big deal.
Sometimes too, plants that have come from a low-light atmosphere, or that have experienced a lot of dark days, will need to be weaned onto the stronger light gradually over time, and not just all at once. This could be another reason for your plant's spots. :(
Just move the plant a bit further away from the bulb and gradually move it closer to the bulb every 2-3 days. It sounds like you've already done this.
Guess you'll know soon what the problem and what the solution is, by the way the plant responds...
Thanks about my pups...I sure am proud of them! :D
: )
bluegreeneree
12-15-2010, 11:44 AM
Hey guys,
I know it's been a while. My phone was dead, and I couldn't take any pictures. Guess what! I have another problem! LOL. This thread should be called SDC Troubleshooting.
So I have these numerous flies flying around my banana tree (picture below). I assume they are eating something, I am just hoping it's not my banana tree. Should I be worrying?
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=39373&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=39373&ppuser=8692)
The latest leaf looks really nice save for one minor brown spot that hasn't become dead yet, which surprises me. All in all, the plant seems fine, just looks a little charlie brown-esque with the light damage.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=39371&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=39371&ppuser=8692)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=39372&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=39372&ppuser=8692)
jmoore
12-15-2010, 01:04 PM
I get those, I think they are called soil gnats. They haven't done much harm to anything growing in the soil, I think they feed on the organic matter in the soil and not anything growing.
Hope this helps.
sunfish
12-15-2010, 08:20 PM
Garden Article: All About Fungus Gnats (http://www.learn2grow.com/problemsolvers/insectsanimals/insectdamagecontrol/fungusgnats.aspx)
alpha010
12-16-2010, 06:23 AM
I second Tony........Fungus Gnats. Grab some stick cards or nematodes.
The Hollyberry Lady
12-19-2010, 04:51 PM
Yup, fungus gnats! :eek:
They screw with roots too and eat them, so despite what people will tell you, they do interfere with healthy growth and can kill seedlings off easily as well. :(
Sorry to hear you're having such a tough time with your plant, Kevin! A mist bottle filled with dishsoapy water makes a great spray to kill gnats, and if you water it into the soil, it'll kill the ones hiding beneath, yet not harm your plant. :D
Then you can sprinkle some cinnamon (a natural anti-fungus remedy) on top of the soil, to deter them further. If you stay on top of the problem and keep coming at them and not allowing the adults to lay more eggs, you will soon be rid of them for good. :)
Another thing you can do, along with the other stuff I mentioned, is leave a bowl or cup of water near the plant that's infested with the gnats...in the morning you'll see that many of them have drowned in the water. :08:
I noticed yesterday, that my SDC is sending up a 3rd pup!!! :goteam:
: )
bluegreeneree
12-19-2010, 11:53 PM
Thank you guys so much for your help in all my many issues! You are on the money (as usual), they are fungus gnats. I ordered some yellow fly stakes, and have captured 40 flies, poor little devils :) Also, have tried cinnamon and will now try soapy water. There are still a couple of flies lingering around, I can't really see them all the time, but I think they're definitely still there.
They took my basil seedlings! Oh well, I'm over it. Congratulations on your new pup Sherry! I'm amazed, this latest one happened so soon! Picture Picture!!!!
tbaleno
12-20-2010, 02:25 PM
Sherry has some mystical connection with plants. Her plants always do very well. I wish I was half as good a gardener as her.
The Hollyberry Lady
12-22-2010, 09:24 PM
Wow Tom, that's really nice of you to say that! ;)
I think I just put a lot of time and effort into my plants and it's like anything...what you put in, you get out! :D
Very kind of you to compliment me though, so thank you. :)
Ok, here's a night time shot of the two existing pups you guys have already seen. Look how much bigger they are now...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC00851.jpg
and here's the new 3rd pup that only sprouted up a few days ago. It's a very tiny sprout but you can still see it...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC00854.jpg
At this rate, I should have a 4th pup before long! :goteam:
: )
tbaleno
12-22-2010, 11:26 PM
I need more pups from mine. I only have one left. It had a total of 3 I think. I killed two of them when trying to transplant them.
The Hollyberry Lady
12-22-2010, 11:32 PM
I just keep hitting mine with tons of blooming fertilizer, week after week, and it seems to be responding well.
Bob thinks I'll have 4 more pops by Spring! :eek:
: )
tommyg
09-26-2011, 10:32 PM
What a great thread. How are the banana plants doing now? Any new pics to show?
I am on day 2 on my SDC plants and am learning a lot from you guys.
Hope you can show me an update.
Thanks,
TommyG
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