View Full Version : Time to separate the pups for the Spring
MediaHound
05-09-2007, 11:46 AM
The following is a step-by-step guide to cutting a pup from a mother plant. This method is very quick and easy and I'm sure if you give it a try, you will be much more likely to move pups around, as you'll find it fast and fun. The result will be many more banana plants colonizing your property, much sooner. And you know what that means. So follow along with me as we seperate a Pitogo huli from it's mother...
Tools required - deep scoop, short handle shovel and a sledgehammer (I usually use a much bigger sledge than this though!).
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2871&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2871)
This is where we will be working. This plant has been growing quite slow for me, so I figure if I remove the pup and move it over a bit, the two stalks won't be competing for the limited nutrition in that area where they are together now. I'll also amend the soil before I'm done.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2872&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2872)
Positioning of the cut. Place your scoop close to the mother plant that will remain. Notice the pseudostem is nested right alongside the handle of the shovel, touching. The handle is also used to fold the leaf away from your line of sight. Now position the angle of your cut by moving the handle where you hold the shovel away from the mother plant. This gives you an angle that will cut a little bit under the mother plant, or at least cut away from the base of the pup, leaving the most valuable corm material to remain on the pup. This step is important! Line everything up properly.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2873&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2873)
Sink the blade. With one hand, hold the handle of your shovel in place so you do not tip your shovel and hit your head with the handle when you smack the scoop with your sledgehammer. If you do not hold the shovel steady, it may strike your head violently. Holding the handle in place also makes sure you keep the angle you want.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2874&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2874)
Here you see the blade is sunk almost to it's base. The corm is severed and now we can lift the pup up and away from the mother.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2875&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2875)
A look down the incision and we can see the umbilical has been cut. This is when you pump the handle to pry the corm and roots up and out of the ground.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2876&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2876)
A perpendicular cut is made in this case to assist with popping the sucker out of the earth. Don't worry so much about the roots, enough will remain. What we're after is corm, the potato-like white mass under the stalk.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2877&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2877)
Up, up, and away.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2878&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2878)
Now we take a break and walk to get some compost. I use and recommend the UCT-9 compost bins manufactured by Urban Garden Center.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2879&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2879)
I use the lid as a tray to dump some compost on to carry it back to the planting site.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2880&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2880)
We're back with some compost.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2881&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2881)
Using your hands, mix the compost with the surrounding soil and press it down into the hole where the pup was. The roots from the mother plant will bury themselves into the compost and the plant will get a boost of energy for some time to come.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2882&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2882)
After returning from a trip to the compost barrels, we prepare a new planting hole not far away from the mother in the same manner, amending the soil with additional compost.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2883&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2883)
The finished product. Now we have two happy Pitogo banana plants, they won't even know what hit them. You can water at this point or just wait for rain.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=2884&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2884)
The whole process can be done in under five minutes.
If you follow these steps, you will have great success in propogating bananas and you will see that by doing this often with your plants whenever the chance arises, the long term effect is plenty of plants that will grow taller, faster, and will be spreading the yard as fast as you can move them around.
:bananarow:
Update: there were also some videos added on page three of this thread showing the pry bar method. Pasting the videos here as well:
YouTube - Removing a Raja Puri Banana Pup Video #1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHtCEz-9Hc8)
YouTube - Removing a Raja Puri Banana Pup Video #2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCK3H90vUc)
AnnaJW
05-09-2007, 01:13 PM
Excellent tutorial! Thanks so much!!!
pitangadiego
05-09-2007, 10:38 PM
Already potted up several dozen this season. I use a digging bar with about a 2-1/2 wide blade. A lot less parent plant root damage than with the spade.
momoese
05-10-2007, 07:43 AM
Jon, do you use a hammer with the bar or just use your hands?
pitangadiego
05-10-2007, 09:02 AM
Nohammer, it is heavy enough to jab in between the pup and parent.
Similar to http://www.acehardware.com/sm-collins-axe-tamper-digging-bar-db16--pi-1274440.html
MediaHound
05-10-2007, 10:43 AM
http://www.leidytool.com
These guys have some good ones, too. They protect you from shock if you have to worry about that sort of thing for the other jobs you'll use it for.
I need to buy a digging bar to add to my arsenal, too.
Rmplmnz
05-12-2007, 08:12 AM
I have seen the digging bars for sale at local flee markets..
austinl01
05-12-2007, 10:19 AM
Media Hound,
Thanks for posting such a detailed thread. This is great! :blueskirtnaner:
MediaHound
05-12-2007, 11:20 AM
Thanks, Austin, you're very welcome.
:2759:
island cassie
05-13-2007, 11:38 AM
Very clear and informative Jarred. Thanks.
MediaHound
05-17-2007, 09:54 AM
Welcome, IC!
I just bought a digging bar, these nanners better watch out.
:2687:
bigdog
05-17-2007, 05:53 PM
Nice job, Jarred. I need to get a compost barrel like that. My girlfriend's mom was going to give us hers, but it's the kind that just sits there and you can't rotate it. Kind of pointless if you need to dig into it periodically to get the older stuff.
I have an easier job of separating pups in the spring, Jarred. You see, mine are all under the house bareroot (except for the cold-hardy ones in the ground). I just snap them off before planting, lol! :bananas_b
bigdog
05-17-2007, 06:10 PM
I use a digging bar with about a 2-1/2 wide blade.
Jon, are you talking about a San Angelo bar? Those things are awesome. I used one to remove a small tree, for crying out loud. Great for difficult jobs, prying stuff loose, etc. Never would have thought about using it to remove a little banana pup, but I bet it does the job very quickly and easily. Those things are like 6 feet long and weigh 17 lbs.
pitangadiego
05-17-2007, 09:32 PM
There are a lot of variations on a theme. Mine happens to be a "Roughneck" brand.
see http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=62496 or
http://www.tractorsupplyco.com/detail.asp?pcID=1&paID=1013&sonID=606&page=1&productID=25068
MediaHound
05-18-2007, 09:52 AM
That's the exact one I got.
Home Depot, I think it was $27.
MediaHound
05-18-2007, 10:09 AM
Frank, you can get them on eBay a for a little bit of a discount sometimes vs. getting them directly from the manufacturer. They burn through the material really quickly, keep it moist and in the sunlight.. it gets burning hot and things break down in there quite fast. I did a ton of homework before I decided to get this particular model, I reviewed most all the composters on the market.
I also use a Flowtron leaf eater and a chipper too.
kgbenson
05-18-2007, 10:22 AM
Do you like the flowtron, i.e. would you buy the thign again? How heavy duty is it. I bag about 40 bags of elaves a year and would love to be able to use them more effectively.
Keith
MediaHound
05-18-2007, 04:43 PM
I like it! It does a great job of pulverizing the leaves into a fine, usable substrate.
Keep a screwdriver nearby when you use it, so when the head gets jammed up with fiber, you can easily pop it off and clean it out and get back to mulching fast. It doesn't like damp banana fibers (the midribs), they get stuck, but it still gets them to the point where they compost faster in the barrels, so I don't mind mixing them in if I'm out there shredding things.
Flowtron sells refurbished ones on eBay, their username is flowtronproducs
http://myworld.ebay.com/flowtronproducts
It's built pretty good, it has a circuit breaker and is pretty durable, too. You won't be disappointed if you get one.
nucci60
05-19-2007, 08:55 AM
:birthdaynana: fabulous! a great lesson for us novices!
AnnaJW
05-19-2007, 05:47 PM
I am soooo glad you mentioned the diigging tool! I was just out struggling in our clay soil with a couple of shovels, then - DUH - remembered that we have a digging tool! It's making the planting alot easier! :giveflowersnana:
PhilMusa
06-28-2007, 10:16 AM
Media hound,
Thanks for putting together that lesson:discocrazed: . I will follow that process to a T. Too bad I didn't see this the other day when a separated a couple of Basjoos. Boy are they ever sulking right now. They almost immediately had limp leaves:2141: . Any advice in reviving them?
Thanks
MediaHound
06-28-2007, 11:46 PM
Phil, pot them up in a well draining soil, water them daily or better.
Mix a lot of humus and organic matter, compost, etc. into the soil.
That step is very important!
Don't trim anymore roots or leaves from here forward.
If you need to trim the leaves to keep the plant aesthetic, wait until they are dried and crispy brown!
In a few weeks, the plant should be better than ever.
Maybe offer it a somewhat shady spot, too, but with at least a little bit of sun.
Sulking or weeping leaves is common right after you cut the plant, it's amazing how fast it can happen, though! Makes you realize that in fact there's a lot of things constantly happening inside the tissues of the plant!
PhilMusa
06-29-2007, 10:25 AM
Thanks for the additional info. I have been watering them daily and the new leaves looks fine but the lower leaves are drying up. I will leave them as you stated.
Thanks again.
Phil
cactus6103
06-29-2007, 12:11 PM
Excellent article. I will do this when it’s time to separate. Thank you. Red
MediaHound
06-29-2007, 05:06 PM
welcome welcome!
:exercise:
D_&_T
07-02-2007, 04:25 PM
We would like to know if Spring is the only time of the year that you separate the pups, or if it depends on what area that you live in and the type of tree:2766: ??
momoese
07-02-2007, 05:22 PM
pot them up in a well draining soil, water them daily or better.
I have lost a lot of newly cut and potted pups to rot by over watering before the new roots grow out. In my own experiance it's best to use a 50/50 mix of perlite and planting compost, water once, then wait until you see new growth before watering again which usually takes 15-30 days. I have about a 90% success rate with this method. I should also note that I don't let the corms scab nor do I use any rooting hormone or fungal prohibiter.
Gabe showed me a little secret he has for rooting corms quicker where you peel off the bottom leaves exposing the fresh white area around the corm where the new roots will grow from. I still do it the old way but it's something to think about.
MediaHound
07-03-2007, 12:16 AM
I've never really had a problem with loosing pups, especially one out of ten.
(knocks on wood)
Allow me to add, though, with my plumeria cuttings, I water once, then not again for several weeks.
The bananas get water and they seem to thrive just fine.
momoese
07-03-2007, 12:26 AM
I've never really had a problem with loosing pups, especially one out of ten.
(knocks on wood)
Allow me to add, though, with my plumeria cuttings, I water once, then not again for several weeks.
The bananas get water and they seem to thrive just fine.
I wonder if it has anything to do with temps and humidity?
MediaHound
07-03-2007, 12:30 AM
It's hot and humid here!
One could gather to use their best judgement when watering banana pups, be careful to not over do it.
For the record and mathematicians, I don't use rooting hormone on my bananas, either...
Raules
07-08-2007, 04:50 AM
MediaHound, Original way!
Inoneear
07-14-2007, 11:30 PM
Jarred what about Musa Lasiocarpa? The pups seem to be coming out above the leaf stems. Gabe you can correct my interpretation -definition if you like.
MediaHound
07-15-2007, 10:45 AM
I've yet to attempt seperating any pups from my lasiocarpa, but it does have some.
Kylie2x
07-16-2007, 03:45 PM
OMG!!! I am ROFLMBAO!!!!!!
Diggin Bar????? Here in Texas that is what I use when Posthole Diggers don't work.. Is Digging Bar a Universal term??? Spent to many Freakin Hours on the backside of that thing!!! I guess I just don't get it...LOL
I use the Amazing Ginsu Knife!!!!!
Kylie
Kylie2x
07-16-2007, 07:29 PM
I am so sorry!!! That was just RUDE!!!!!!!
BUT the diggin bar thing threw me... I am certain we are not talking about the same piece of equipment... AGAIN I am so very sorry!!!
Kylie
Tangy
07-17-2007, 01:40 PM
The digging bar is one of my most used tools. MVP tool ever for transplanting or uprooting large plants.
Should I try to seperate these plants in the foreground at this point in the year?
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f321/mikemoran/IMG_5521.jpg
pitangadiego
07-17-2007, 10:02 PM
D and T
It is best to take the pups when they stil have several weeks of good warm growing weather ahead. That allows them to get rooted and established before they go "dormant" in cooler weather, and then they have less likelihood of rotting. Pups taken in Fall and Winter have a greater mortality rate, because it is so easy to over-water them. When the weather is cool, the plant uses less water, and there is less evaporation, so overwatering is easy.
D_&_T
07-17-2007, 10:37 PM
Thanks for the info, that answers that question!!:choochoo:
nucci60
07-30-2007, 01:51 PM
:2197: What works for seperating basjoo pups that can be 8 to 12 inches away from mom?
Steve L
07-30-2007, 02:26 PM
What's worked for me is to make the cut but don't lift the pup for a week or 10 days. Less stress.
Steve
nucci60
07-30-2007, 09:36 PM
steve, on basjoo, how big do you let the pups get? Mine are all sword pups. You make the cut right at the mother plant even if the pup is 8 inches away?My sikkis are pupping right next to the mother.One sikki has a sword pup and the other has a fat leaved pup.:2791:
marksbananas
08-02-2007, 09:15 AM
Thank very much for this thread i have tried several times to seperate and keep getting it wrong with this guide i cant go wrong now thank you!!:2182:
Thanks for taking the time to post this tutorial. It is very much appreciated.
MediaHound
09-17-2007, 05:44 PM
Here's some videos I just uploaded to the gallery. I took them a few months ago.
The plant is a Raja Puri and the videos show another easy way to seperate the pups - using a pry bar.
Please pause the second video and start it after the first one is finished.
What you do is jab the bar at the base of the plant and move it back and forth to pry the pup up and away. Then reach down at the base of the pup, grab it, and lift it up.
YouTube - Removing a Raja Puri Banana Pup Video #1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHtCEz-9Hc8)
YouTube - Removing a Raja Puri Banana Pup Video #2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCK3H90vUc)
buzzwinder
09-17-2007, 10:02 PM
Great visual on separating a pup, Thank You Jarred, I've never done this before and I should have with DC. just keep getting bigger pots and transplanting the whole nine yards, Wife says I'm chicken,( She's Right of course :bungejumpnaner: ) Scared of hurting them, now in zone 5 with winter approaching not sure if it's a good idea to separate or try and overwinter in the big pot, any suggestions? Thanks again for video:2791:
nucci60
09-18-2007, 09:59 AM
Great video, media hound. It just surprises me that mother does not get damaged. I have only had success with two bajoo pups, but no luck with my two attempts at my sikkis. I think I was afraid to apply that much pressure against the mother plant.
MediaHound
09-18-2007, 01:35 PM
Thanks for the comments guys.
Yes, its ok to use pressure against the mother plant.
It's pliable enough to take (some of) the pressure of using it as a wedge for the pry bar.
modenacart
09-21-2007, 07:27 PM
I removed a pup about a week ago using the same method. When I moved the mother plant around it made me really nervous but pup and mom are doing great still.
bananaboat
10-04-2007, 11:49 AM
Here's some videos I just uploaded to the gallery. I took them a few months ago.
The plant is a Raja Puri and the videos show another easy way to seperate the pups - using a pry bar.
Please pause the second video and start it after the first one is finished.
What you do is jab the bar at the base of the plant and move it back and forth to pry the pup up and away. Then reach down at the base of the pup, grab it, and lift it up.
very imformative
natedogg1026
10-16-2007, 09:43 PM
Infomative. I'll try next season. Thanx!:2735:
natedogg1026
10-16-2007, 09:45 PM
informative. I think I need to slow down when I'm typing. :hiiiiyanana:
Patty in Wisc
10-25-2007, 04:48 PM
Hi everyone. I haven't been here for a while, but need to know if I should leave the pups on my Ice Cream banana. Last spring I planted it inground after being in sunroom all winter. It is now about 14 ft tall & too tall to repot in there. I dug it up 2 days ago & it is laying on side in yard to dry roots out. I will lay it on it's side on floor in cool sunroom - covered of course. Thank God we are having record breaking warm Oct - no frost yet.
I left 4 leaves on top that are cut in half, & cut all 4 pups leaves except for the top ones. Is this OK?
I would like to cut the biggest pup (about 3 ft) & pot it, or should I leave them all attached to mother for winter & let them all sleep?
Thanks for any advice & opinions.
Patty
Patty in Wisc
10-25-2007, 06:43 PM
I just read Big Dog's "Time to put 'nanas to sleep" thread & it seems I'm doing OK.
I'd still like to know if this is a good time to cut the 3 ft pup off & pot it up. I'd like to give it to a friend for Christmas - who has a huge south facing window. Thanks again.
Patty
bencelest
10-26-2007, 06:55 PM
Hi Patty:
Welcome back!
I was gone too for 3 weeks.
I asked this question in another forum regarding my 2 dwarf cav that need to be separated and Joe Real replied to wait till Spring to do it.
Question:
Dwarf Cavendish.
Mom and daughters but it seems the daughter is bigger than the mom.
Should I separate them now or wait till Spring ?
answer:
osted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:34 pm Post subject: Reply with quote
Spring is the best time Benny. Plants easily recover from stress. If they have damages or cut and it is getting colder, they would be vulnerable to rotting away.
Patty in Wisc
10-27-2007, 01:58 AM
Thanks Benny, nice to hear from you too!
I have been busy all summer...workaholic this year.
I'm so anxious to take a pup and am thinking of taking second biggest one to pot up. If it does'nt make it, I won't feel so bad.
Anyway, the big IC banana is laying on floor in north side of sunroom with small piece of tarp under rootball, & then wrapped in old towel above tarp.
No water on rootball all winter huh?
The smaller IC is dug up & potted up in 5 gal. bucket & will be OK in S room w/ 12 1/2 ft ceiling. It will keep growing slowly
The reason one is smaller is that last winter one was in a smaller pot & that is all. I got them last year June (06) in 2 inch pots at about 2 inches tall. Maybe I'll get 'nanas off both next year!!??
I hope they will be OK in sunroom...the humidity is at about 70*-80* there & hopefully that is not too high for the one laying on floor...it is also cool in there too.
Joe Real always has good advice too! Thanks Benny
Patty
bencelest
10-27-2007, 10:48 AM
My opinion is that if you can put your bananas in your sunroom during the winter and can regulate the tempt not to go below 40 degrees then I think it is OK to separate now. That's my experience and it depends also the kind of banana you will transfer for its hardiness.
Yes, I am anxious to have flowers in my bananas like an expectant father whose wife is expecting a baby. That's what I am. I am a banana nut and I should put this in "are you a banana fiend... ".
The best candidate is Joe's dwarf Brazilian and everyday I am looking for a sign of a flag. I am hoping that it won't and wait till Spring but if it does, then I will have to do something to protect it. The other kinds are my dwarf cavendish who are growing very nicely in wine barrel.
It's nice to have a 12 foot ceiling and that's what I will add on not as a sun room but a cover for my bananas. I bought that thing at Costco and I just don't have time to put it up yet. A free standing I can't remember what it is called gazebo maybe.
Now I know what it is called. It is called "Pergola". It measures 110" x 140" and the height is 7'1" but I plan to adjust the height to 10-12 feet.
bikoro child
12-05-2007, 10:30 AM
hi to everyone ..Two months ago i had some pups on my maurelli plant ..Last month before the freeze i separate them whith a knife and put them in pots they grow fast inside in a room to 20°C ...Something amazing happens then ...I've put the bulb of the mother plant in a pot after separating the pups and now two new pups are growing...Is that a perpetual banana?468
469
470
471
472
bencelest
12-05-2007, 10:46 AM
Cool.
Same thing happenned to me with my dwarf cav but I did not put lights on it.
dablo93
12-05-2007, 10:49 AM
it's a great video!
I learned much of it:D
tribeone
12-05-2007, 08:48 PM
What size pots do/are you using with those banana plants?
hi to everyone ..Two months ago i had some pups on my maurelli plant ..Last month before the freeze i separate them whith a knife and put them in pots they grow fast inside in a room to 20°C ...Something amazing happens then ...I've put the bulb of the mother plant in a pot after separating the pups and now two new pups are growing...Is that a perpetual banana?468
469
470
471
472
magicgreen
12-05-2007, 09:27 PM
uhuhuh........In the Midwest we dont have to do that. Thankgod!
bikoro child
12-06-2007, 10:59 AM
they are in about 3 liters pots for the moment...
phantom17
12-16-2007, 01:07 AM
Thanks mediaHound for the info!!!!!:skateboardnana:
Patty in Wisc
05-04-2008, 01:28 PM
End of March I potted up the 11ft nanna that was laying dormant on floor & it now has a new 5 ft high leaf! One of the 3 pups died from rot I guess, so I'm taking it easy on water till it gets planted inground. When established, I'll chop pups off.
Could someone tell me what a "flag" is? I'm hoping for a flower soon & on the new big leaf, I don't see anything pushing thru --like a new leaf. But, please tell me what a flag is. Thanks
Patty
BIGDAWG69
05-04-2008, 05:32 PM
I have a pup that is around 18" tall and is 12"-14" away from the mother plant. How would I go about seperating this kind of pup?
xavierdlc61887
05-04-2008, 07:45 PM
dig until u see the corm underground and just slice right down the middle thats the easiest way to separate a pup cause its not really hurting the mother :D....lol thats what i would think is the answer :D just my 2 cents :D
BIGDAWG69
05-04-2008, 10:04 PM
Not sure what your saying by "slice down the middle".
Should I separate it right at the mother corm where the rizome comes off, just like as if the pup was 3" away?
Or.....should I cut the rizome about halfway between mom and pup, and hope the pup has enough corm of its own to survive?
xavierdlc61887
05-04-2008, 10:16 PM
well depends also how many roots the pup has, i mean if it has alot then its ready to leave the mom :P so to speak :P yeah right in the middle....but first dig down and expose the the attaching mom and pup then u will get an idea if it has enough roots to be divided :D
xavierdlc61887
05-04-2008, 10:18 PM
I have a pup that is around 18" tall and is 12"-14" away from the mother plant. How would I go about seperating this kind of pup?
that shouldn't be a problem if the pup is 1 foot away cause its really not attached to the mom it probably has a long rhizome looking thing instead of being 1 inch or right next to the mom
Westwood
05-06-2008, 06:11 AM
I still have my Big momma plant But No Pups ? What am i doing wrong?
PS i thought the hammer was for those onlookers to know you ment buisness if they touched your Nanas. Smiles missed u all been busy working gravyard .
Bought my Mantid eggs for the yr and will be setting up the back yard as soon as the Rain and frost season ends . Tammy
mskitty38583
05-06-2008, 08:53 AM
I still have my Big momma plant But No Pups ? What am i doing wrong?
PS i thought the hammer was for those onlookers to know you ment buisness if they touched your Nanas. Smiles missed u all been busy working gravyard .
Bought my Mantid eggs for the yr and will be setting up the back yard as soon as the Rain and frost season ends . Tammy
are you fert? is it getting enought sun? maybe its just a slow growing nanas, and it just pups slowley.
p.s. on the idea of a hammer to keep people from touching the nana tree.maybe they should try this:http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=6945 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6947)
Dean W.
05-06-2008, 09:37 AM
LOL!!!:o
MediaHound
05-06-2008, 08:39 PM
Not sure what your saying by "slice down the middle".
Should I separate it right at the mother corm where the rizome comes off, just like as if the pup was 3" away?
Or.....should I cut the rizome about halfway between mom and pup, and hope the pup has enough corm of its own to survive?
You got me wondering - how deep was the mother corm planted?
BIGDAWG69
05-06-2008, 09:44 PM
You got me wondering - how deep was the mother corm planted?
I have no idea how deep it is. These bananas are in a mat that was here when we bought the house 10 yrs ago. This are the only ones I have that I don't know what kind they are. I have removed many a nanner pup from this group to thin it out, but this is the 1st time I have had one be this far away from the mother.
MediaHound
05-06-2008, 09:56 PM
I thought perhaps if it was a newly planted banana plant, perhaps it was too deep and the pup had plenty of space to reach out so far.
I have had similar occurrences when a bermuda border was in the way, or an old root from a since removed oak tree being in the way. Perhaps a big old root or something buried made the pup travel what seems so far?
Anyway, cut it as close to the mother plant as you can, a digging bar makes it very easy.
Check out this photo from the diagrams gallery:
Banana Gallery - Banana Diagrams (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=593)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7946 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7946)
BIGDAWG69
05-07-2008, 12:56 AM
OK - thanks Jarred. I shall treat it just like it was a pup sitting right next to the corm.
BIGDAWG69
05-07-2008, 05:31 PM
I dug it up and guess what.............It wasnt even connected to the other corm. It had its own corm and root system. How did that happen?
dpren3275
05-19-2008, 12:55 PM
This is such a great tutorial! Thanks. How great to see it relisted at this time of year. I followed this tutorial method last fall and had great success.
lwabirds
05-28-2008, 09:14 PM
I followed the tutorial and divided up 9
bajsoo's on Saturday. They're
approx 3 feet tall. I've been keeping them on the
edge of the car port so
that they won't get the hot direct sun. They got
about an hour evening sun
today and really started to wilt (leaves). Is this
normal? Should I not
worry about the leaves and leave them out on the
patio unprotected? How
long does it generally take for them to grow root
mass and begin new
growth? how much sun should they get? morning, all day,
evening?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
LILDI_32
06-10-2008, 05:50 PM
Yayy! Thanks so much for this great tutorial, I successfully separated a pup and re-potted mommy and baby. Both are doing well. :) It was great to have those big pictures and fool-proof (me-proof) directions! And even though it was my first time, it went so quickly because your tutorial prepared me! Thanks bunches! Now all I have to do is figure out what kind of nana I actually have! See you all in that thread! :D
D.C._Palms_N_Sports_Fan
08-13-2008, 11:00 AM
I have a Basjoo that has 2 pups at the moment. One is alittle over 1 foot tall from soil line to leaf tip (its got 3 leaves now). My question is should it be 1-2 feet tall as I described? OR, should it be 1-2feet tall not including the leaves (pseudostem only)?
Thanks!
heynow
08-16-2008, 10:58 AM
:goteam::woohoonaner:Jared why do you separate and plant by the mother instead of just leaving the pup attached? DoI need to separate these pups and plant by the mother or just leave them attached for the 3 to 4 plants per mat ?http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12391&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12391)
MediaHound
08-17-2008, 09:45 AM
I would stagger the height of the pstems on that mat and remove two of them so it would have that little one and a bigger one. Look ahead, if they are all the same height you will have a big demand for nutrients (poor yields) and a lot of banana fingers all at once!
welmij
10-06-2008, 05:42 PM
Hello again to one & all, Thanks for the replies to my 1st post.
So now I am asking another beginner question. My seemingly rapidly growing Dwarf Cavendish had one 1 inch diameter 4 inch tall follower yesterday and this evening has 3 more shoots but they are all very small so far.
How many do I want to keep? When do I detach them? etc.
revolutionman
02-15-2009, 06:13 PM
LoL
Sounds like you've doinked yourself with the shovel handle a few times.
I've been doing this in such a rudimentary way. Basically lining the shovel up and applying my body weight until that distinctive crunching sound has passed and then wiggling the babe loose. I'm just now beginning to make compost, in a ditch, so it will be a good while before i have any usable material. been contemplating grabbing some cow pies from the dairy up the hill to help out or pass the time.
Now i can amend my practice though. Thanks for the info.
I just bought a Super Dwarf Cavendish. There are 3 stalks/plants in the pot. Should I separate them into different pots. If yes, how should this be done? Just cut it off/dig it out at the root level in the soil, as described by MediaHound?
They are all about the same height (about 1 foot each). Does it matter which one is the mother plant?
Any suggestions would be appreciated as this is my first banana plant.
Thanks.
Robert
brydon1
05-09-2009, 03:19 PM
great how to for us beginners
But can some one give a tutorial like that for my Musella Lasiocarpa??
What is the difference between a pup and a suckling??
xavierdlc61887
05-09-2009, 04:47 PM
great how to for us beginners
But can some one give a tutorial like that for my Musella Lasiocarpa??
What is the difference between a pup and a suckling??
they both mean the same thing, its actually sucker though, um theres also 2 types of suckers.....water suckers(NO GOOD.....DESTROY THEM) and Sword Suckers(GOOD.....these are what u want to keep)
bzbatl
06-25-2009, 01:11 PM
I've given away dozens of bananas to friends and family over the last few years digging them up at the end of the year and storing them through the winter.
I've never thought of transplanting them during growing season. Is this a good idea with our current 90+ degree weather? I have quite a few pups already, and if this will help them propogate even quicker, I'm all for it!
hilashes
08-17-2009, 01:21 PM
.....water suckers(NO GOOD.....DESTROY THEM) and Sword Suckers(GOOD.....these are what u want to keep)
hi there, how can you tell what is a water sucker and sword? I have two 2ft. tall pups and one little guy about 4 inches tall (which has stayed that size for most of the summer, would that be the water sucker?)
john_ny
08-17-2009, 01:47 PM
The water suckers have broad (banana plant like) leaves. The sword suckers have several narrow (sword like) leaves, before they start putting out regular shaped leaves. I wouldn't destroy any of them. The water suckers will make perfectly fine plants. It just might take a little longer.
hilashes
08-17-2009, 02:59 PM
Hey thanks John! Leaving them all alone just makes my life easier. lol
Heidi
hi there, how can you tell what is a water sucker and sword? I have two 2ft. tall pups and one little guy about 4 inches tall (which has stayed that size for most of the summer, would that be the water sucker?)
Here is a thread that talked about sword and water suckers - very helpful info from all the contributors:
http://www.bananas.org/f2/water-suckers-5285.html
cherokee_greg
08-28-2009, 12:04 PM
I do not know what kind of banana this is my question is should I take off the pups if there pups ? I have no idea.
I will try and attach a picture bare with me I just put this banana in the ground two days ago.
thanks
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=21678 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21694&ppuser=5959)
MediaHound
06-17-2010, 04:57 PM
I just moved the videos from page 3 of this thread to YouTube and updated the post. I also added those videos to the first post of the thread as well so they are not overlooked so easily, as they are pretty useful videos showing how to remove the baby banana plants.
This change also helps because the videos now play better on more people's computers, instead of being .wmv files, they are flash files now.
PAbananas
09-02-2010, 10:30 AM
Can you split the pups before winter and store for spring planting? If so how do you store them.I read not to remove pups but my plants never got higher than 5'.This winter I will leave 1-2 plants together but would like to save the rest for next spring. We have pretty cold winters here in PA so any help? Thanks
bananarama2
09-12-2010, 02:38 PM
Just read this now old post, but wanted to comment that for anyone contemplating removing pups and planting them on, this is an excellent reference. Thanks MediaHound!
ShearMe
09-21-2010, 03:25 PM
If anyone's still watching this, what do I do if the pups are only and inch or two away from the main stalk of my ice cream? I think I already buggered up 2 or 3 pups...
Cpatrikis
10-26-2010, 10:40 PM
ok i figured i would get better responses on this thread rather than creating a new one. ive had my basjoo for 2 ful summers now and its pretty big. you can look at my pics but i would say the p stem is about 6 feet or so.
at the moment i have it in a pot thats too small for it, but i was wondering why i havent seen pups yet, and when i can expect this.
is it just too early in its life? or the small pot? whats the dealio?!
thanks!
bananarama2
10-27-2010, 12:56 AM
Hey Chris, and welcome. I have a basjoo that's been in the ground here for two summers, probably a year old pup when I bought it. This summer, it produced 3 pups, the largest being about 10 inches tall. Depending upon the actual age of your basjoo, I'm thinking it could be too young, but I'd be more inclined to think it may be due to small pot size. I'm assuming you bring the plant in for the winter, but I think if you transplant into a larger pot with enriched soil in the spring, you'll see those pups you are looking for. Mine was showing a small pup when I pulled back the mulch this past spring, and two more were produced this summer. I'll wait until they're a bit bigger next summer before removing them though. Hope this helps a bit.:08:
Cpatrikis
10-28-2010, 12:21 AM
thanks!
thats actually what I was thinking. i got it from a greenhouse in VA when i was at school down there. i dug it up but im not sure it was a pup itself or not. possibly, they did have other larger nana plants with pups on them.
i was actually going to transplant it into a bigger pot for the winter with compost to give the roots some space and keep them more insulated in my garage. maybe that'll help em out come spring time.
another question tho, how often should i be watering it over the winter (if at all). last winter i had it steadily (but slowly) growing all year. i have read tho that people even dig them up and cut their leaves and give them no watter at all.
i was thinking just a little water here and there, but not enough to root the roots of have it freeze up.
thanks guys!
bananarama2
10-29-2010, 05:15 PM
I haven't been here all that long either, but the consensus seems to be either keep the plant actively growing if you have a warm and sunny spot inside, or dig them up, remove most or all of the leaves, and store in a dry, cool (no freezing temperatures), and totally dark place. The roots are very prone to rot, so must be kept just barely alive (I'd personally endorse packing in a large container of peat moss, check occasionally for problems)until the spring. It tends to be a hit or miss thing with most growers, some apparently having hit upon the right combination of variables. If wintering over inside, minimum water is the rule, and watching closely for tag along spider mites, white flies and the like. You have to "think like the plant" and give it what it needs to survive the conditions you create for it when you take it out of the jungle. Not an easy task for many members here, but we tend to be on the ditch side of mainstream, and enjoying pushing the envelope. Lots of luck with your bananas over the winter, whichever method you chose. :08:
bananarama2
10-29-2010, 05:23 PM
Hi again Chris! Just did a quick re-read, and realized I forgot a couple of comments. Repot if you want, but don't fertilize or water other than to maintain growth as you did last year. If your garage is not heated, you might think about placing your potted banana inside a second, much larger pot, filled with peat moss or similar insulating material to protect the roots and p-stem (primary) from cold and damp. I'm guessing that whatever you did last year can be repeated, since the results were positive. :2738:
sunfish
03-11-2011, 02:45 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40724&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40724&ppuser=2868)
Dalmatiansoap
03-11-2011, 02:59 PM
Are these on action sale already?
sunfish
03-11-2011, 03:11 PM
Are these on action allready?
Yes they are
Dalmatiansoap
03-11-2011, 03:49 PM
Great collection!
To bad U dont shipp plants overseas :(.
Any specials?
Raules
03-28-2011, 11:28 PM
All hello! Recently has separated puppies Helens Hybrid. One of them has already begun the independent growth. Best regards!:goteam::03:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41168&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41168)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41169&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41169)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41170&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41170)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41171&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41171)
One Helens start
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41172&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41172)
ladyflyfsh
06-12-2011, 10:35 AM
Hi everyone,
My banana plants didn't handle the winter too well here in Sarasota, FL and they really died back so I cut the main stem on the two red ones (don't know variety..got them from a neighbor down the road) and they have set out several plants where there used to be just one. The tallest one now might be about 2.5 feet high or so.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/2d74009f.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/3e6563eb.jpg
The largest most mature one is the dwarf Namwah which died way back but I did not cut it. Here is what it looked like after the frost damage:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/D7K_0172.jpg
Now it has two pups that are growing and I have a predicament. I feel like they should be separated but my right hand is in a cast right now post thumb surgery and I am unable to accomplish this right now, not to mention it is super hot and dry right now. Is it ok to leave these as they are or am I doing more harm than good by leaving them this way? These photos shot just now.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/1dbae34d.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/5be6a74f.jpg
Can anyone help me ID the red plants? I have one other dwarf namwah and a couple of Musa rajapuri (came two plants in one pot) should I separate them or leave them?
Thanks,
Mary
sunfish
06-12-2011, 07:04 PM
Hi everyone,
My banana plants didn't handle the winter too well here in Sarasota, FL and they really died back so I cut the main stem on the two red ones (don't know variety..got them from a neighbor down the road) and they have set out several plants where there used to be just one. The tallest one now might be about 2.5 feet high or so.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/2d74009f.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/3e6563eb.jpg
The largest most mature one is the dwarf Namwah which died way back but I did not cut it. Here is what it looked like after the frost damage:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/D7K_0172.jpg
Now it has two pups that are growing and I have a predicament. I feel like they should be separated but my right hand is in a cast right now post thumb surgery and I am unable to accomplish this right now, not to mention it is super hot and dry right now. Is it ok to leave these as they are or am I doing more harm than good by leaving them this way? These photos shot just now.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/1dbae34d.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/bananas/5be6a74f.jpg
Can anyone help me ID the red plants? I have one other dwarf namwah and a couple of Musa rajapuri (came two plants in one pot) should I separate them or leave them?
Thanks,
Mary
No problem leaving the pups as they are.
sunfish
06-12-2011, 07:12 PM
Musa Sumatrana (Rojo) - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_Sumatrana_%28Rojo%29)
Musa Bordelon - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_Bordelon)
Musa Zebrina X Grand Nain - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_Zebrina_X_Grand_Nain)
Maybe one of these
ShearMe
06-12-2011, 08:37 PM
I'm finally getting to the point of needing advice with my Ice Cream pups...
I've got 6 pups left after winter (the mother and it's oldest died) and they're rather tightly packed. Last summer I attempted removing 3 pups, but when I did, none of them had roots and they quickly died. I cut as closely to the mother's corm as possible, and the pups were J shaped on the ends. I think this might have been due to the dense clay soil we have here in Dallas, but I'm no botanist so any other explanation holds just as much weight as mine. :ha:
Anyways, question is, how do I break up this pack of pups without killing them? The mother and it's oldest's remains can be seen in the pictures below; I'm not sure how far down their rot goes...
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43480&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43480&ppuser=5606)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43478&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43478&ppuser=5606)
sunfish
06-12-2011, 10:04 PM
I'm finally getting to the point of needing advice with my Ice Cream pups...
I've got 6 pups left after winter (the mother and it's oldest died) and they're rather tightly packed. Last summer I attempted removing 3 pups, but when I did, none of them had roots and they quickly died. I cut as closely to the mother's corm as possible, and the pups were J shaped on the ends. I think this might have been due to the dense clay soil we have here in Dallas, but I'm no botanist so any other explanation holds just as much weight as mine. :ha:
Anyways, question is, how do I break up this pack of pups without killing them? The mother and it's oldest's remains can be seen in the pictures below; I'm not sure how far down their rot goes...
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43480&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43480&ppuser=5606)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43478&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43478&ppuser=5606)
http://www.bananas.org/f2/time-separate-pups-spring-1814.html#post12495
ShearMe
06-12-2011, 10:39 PM
http://www.bananas.org/f2/time-separate-pups-spring-1814.html#post12495
You just linked me to this very same thread... what does the accomplish? :ha:
I followed those steps last summer as mentioned, so I really just need advice on whether or not I should even attempt separation.
bananarama2
06-12-2011, 11:08 PM
Hi Zak, my name is Rik, and this is my first time back on the site since before Christmas so I'm not sure if you've had other feed back on your questions regarding separating pups. I have an almost identical cluster of pups that I'm going to separate this week. I would suggest separating into two clumps first (as indicated by your excellent overhead shot). Initially, these pups are just clones of the parent plant, forming off a common root mass, very much like bulbs or corms. Once old enough, they develop and independent root system, at which time they can be carefully separated from one another. I would suggest anything after about a foot and a half of height and a month of independent growth would allow for safe separation. As much as possible, think along the lines of cutting a pizza, where the mother plant is at center, the pups radiating outward, to avoid cutting off the vital feeder roots that the pup has developed. You should be able to lift out the clumps, wash off any soil to reveal the exact structure of each pup, separate to ensure root integrity, then replant as desired. Hope this was some help and that you now have a whole new "family" of bananas. Best Regards, Rik:08:
sunfish
06-12-2011, 11:43 PM
You just linked me to this very same thread... what does the accomplish? :ha:
I followed those steps last summer as mentioned, so I really just need advice on whether or not I should even attempt separation.
WELL that's how it's done .
Kostas
06-14-2011, 12:04 PM
These pups are certainly old enough to have their own corms and roots and not dying from separation. If you feel uncomfortable removing them,you can gently remove the soil between the pup to be removed and the mother plant,find the connection of the pup to the motherplant and generally see its corm,roots,etc before removing. Pups that have developed corms of their own dont need roots to survive,although they will certainly start growing earlier and retain some of their leafs if enough roots are preserved during removal and potting up. But they survive anyway,with their only lethal enemy being overwatering and cool weather,both of which can lead to rot...
Cpatrikis
07-17-2011, 06:07 PM
Hey All!
Just a quickie question for all you seasoned pup pros out there! I just separated 4 pups off my main cormb and repotted into a compost mixture about 48 hours ago. ive given them water both days (not too much), mulched the pots, and made sure to keep them out of direct sunlight however sat least a couple leaves on each plant seem to be flopping over and creasing the leaves stems. I trimmed off some of the "bad" leaves towards the bottom, but on one of the pups that was separated, it was the two newest leaves that folded over as well.
Is this just a preliminary shock to the plant/ root system that will shoot back in a few days? right now i kind of wish i didnt cut back the dying leaves seeing they were still green... rookie mistake?
thoughts anyone?
sunfish
07-17-2011, 08:59 PM
Hey All!
Just a quickie question for all you seasoned pup pros out there! I just separated 4 pups off my main cormb and repotted into a compost mixture about 48 hours ago. ive given them water both days (not too much), mulched the pots, and made sure to keep them out of direct sunlight however sat least a couple leaves on each plant seem to be flopping over and creasing the leaves stems. I trimmed off some of the "bad" leaves towards the bottom, but on one of the pups that was separated, it was the two newest leaves that folded over as well.
Is this just a preliminary shock to the plant/ root system that will shoot back in a few days? right now i kind of wish i didnt cut back the dying leaves seeing they were still green... rookie mistake?
thoughts anyone?
I think it's best to go ahead and soak the soil when you first pot them. This settles all the soil around the roots. Then after that go easy on the water.They should be fine.
Bradford
07-25-2011, 04:20 PM
I've grown bananas for several years, but this thread has a lot of good information and ideas. Thanks everyone!
ladyflyfsh
11-05-2011, 02:02 PM
Last spring I posted some photos of my Dwarf namwah after the hard winter we had and how horrible it looked. I also was concerned about the two pups that I was going to be unable to remove due to having hand surgery. Here are some updated photos so you can see how fast these things have recovered and grown!
This was the DN after winter got finished with her: shot on December 19, 2010
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/D7K_0172.jpg
then the photos showing the two pups that I was worried about leaving: shot June 27th, 2011
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/58890525.jpg
and now look at them! They are huge!! The two original pups are almost as big as the P stem! shot today, November 5, 2011
Also, when should I get a bloom on this plant? It is now over 12' tall and the two original pups are almost as tall.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/53969002.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/e7276204.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/76f59664.jpg
Now my question is, since there are more pups pushing up, should I remove them and transplant? How many should I keep in the mat? Is it ok to do now before winter?
The original post is on the page before this one (page 6)
Velutina
11-05-2011, 08:32 PM
This thread convinced me to thin the 'Ice Cream' mat before it got too cold! Here it is before..
http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt201/triterium/aa944631.jpg
I moved 2 'Ice Cream's to a new location and am growing 3 small ones inside. I also separated a Raja Puri. Here are the three in the new location
http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt201/triterium/9c7a73d0.jpg
Hopefully they survive the winter!!
ladyflyfsh
11-07-2011, 10:34 AM
I have now separated the two pups in the foreground of the most recent photo (2nd from bottom pic) above and planted one in the ground and potted the other. There are still two more smaller pups coming up but it's too soon to mess with them. Will it encourage flowering if I take them out of the mat? I am still waiting for my first bloom and it seems like it should happen soon, but the darn thing just keeps growing and growing! Is there any way to encourage a bloom?
oakshadows
11-07-2011, 08:08 PM
There is but am not sure if it works for bananas. Growth regulators, google it and see if you can find what you need. We used GA3, giberillic acid, on our tomatoes and it worked very well. Good luck, and watch out for the shadow.
sunfish
11-07-2011, 08:26 PM
I have now separated the two pups in the foreground of the most recent photo (2nd from bottom pic) above and planted one in the ground and potted the other. There are still two more smaller pups coming up but it's too soon to mess with them. Will it encourage flowering if I take them out of the mat? I am still waiting for my first bloom and it seems like it should happen soon, but the darn thing just keeps growing and growing! Is there any way to encourage a bloom?
http://www.bananas.org/f2/raja-puri-flowers-nov-ai-yai-14663.html#post178076
Raules
11-16-2011, 05:02 AM
Musa formosana and Musa itinerans India Form(Musa itinerans sp. nov.) pup:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=46809&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=46809)
stevelau1911
11-18-2011, 08:35 PM
Aside from the pups I took for myself on the musa basjoos, I have given away all of the rest of the pups because I would prefer having more energy going towards the main stem and I know this species can pup like crazy.
This way, it will be much easier to overwinter and I'm hoping for a nice tall main stem while growing smaller pups is fine instead of having like a dozen stems all clumped together.
bananafarmer
05-03-2012, 10:04 AM
Here is a pic of the desuckering tool that I use, it has a step to easy separate the sucker.There are also smaller ones available here.The are made from galvanized steel and are unbreakable.They can stay outside for years.
In my opinion the the best one, you can easily separate with giving your weight on the step.
http://s7.directupload.net/images/120503/temp/xqp6uvx3.jpg (http://s7.directupload.net/file/d/2879/xqp6uvx3_jpg.htm)
TommyMacLuckie
05-06-2012, 05:02 PM
I've always used a sharp shooter. Works great.
caliboy1994
07-16-2012, 04:45 PM
I just separated a pup for the first time, and I'd say I did a good job. I used the pry bar method.
Separated:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=49714&size=1
Potted up:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=49713&size=1
It's an Ice Cream. I'm going to give it to my cousins from Fresno, who are coming into town. :D
kaczercat
07-16-2012, 04:49 PM
How tall does a sward pup have to be before I cut it off? it is currently 13 inches.
Abnshrek
07-16-2012, 06:18 PM
If you wait till its 3 feet it should have some roots.
designshark
09-20-2012, 10:15 AM
I've had sword pups om by Basjoo all summer and they haven't grown up much but definitely wider, keeps getting wider and not taller with more sprouts. I'd like to separate them before winter but after researching this topic, I find they're just not tall enough. Woke up to 39F the other morning!
Should I try to separate them or leave them?
sunfish
09-20-2012, 12:24 PM
I've had sword pups om by Basjoo all summer and they haven't grown up much but definitely wider, keeps getting wider and not taller with more sprouts. I'd like to separate them before winter but after researching this topic, I find they're just not tall enough. Woke up to 39F the other morning!
Should I try to separate them or leave them?
It really does not matter how tall they are.More important if they have grown their own roots. I recently separated a pup about 8" tall and it had plenty of roots on it.
libracats
10-05-2012, 05:36 PM
Hey can someone maybe tell me what i did wrong? I separated 3 pups from the mother about a month ago and put them in pots. One was a little over a foot tall and the other two were quite small, just a few inches. I remeoved them because i didnt want the stalks growing in that direction. I thought I could get them going in the pot and then move them to another location permanently in the yard. But they dont seem to be doing anything since i planted them. The talest one looks about the same as it did, no new leaves, it just looks like it stopped growing but doesnt look dead. The other two small ones dont look so hot. The tiny leaves that were starting have just shrivaled up. They dont look completely dead but they dont look good either.
This is how they looked when i planted them. Disregard the 2nd one. its not a banana.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=50492&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=50492)
This is how they looked about 10 days later.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=50490&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=50490)
and this is how they look now.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=50857&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=50857)
caliboy1994
10-05-2012, 06:25 PM
As long as they're green and growing I think they should be fine.
david.
10-05-2012, 09:31 PM
Libracats.
Like Caliboy said as long as they stay green they are good. Some just takes alittle time to get going but once they take off be prepared!!
venturabananas
10-05-2012, 10:45 PM
Hey can someone maybe tell me what i did wrong?
Probably nothing. It's pretty typical for not much to happen above ground for a month or more. During that time they are growing roots. Once those are established, they'll take off.
libracats
10-06-2012, 01:10 AM
hm well, looks like I may have messed up a bit. I have watered them a lot, although, it does drain out. And I have them in direct sun. Ok wil try less water, more shade. Thanks.
venturabananas
10-06-2012, 05:28 PM
Yes, don't let them stay soggy. Easy on the water until you see active leaf growth.
notguilty-808
07-18-2014, 09:05 PM
So is it needed to chop all the leaves after transplanting? I just transferred two plants today they have still very many roots, I really would like the plant to just continue growing like nothing happened? Or are all the leaves going to die?
Dplaza
07-19-2014, 09:01 AM
No need to cut the leaves, the ones that die off you can always chop off later but it sounds like you got plenty of roots so you might not lose any. I have separated pups and got plenty of roots/corm, and they don't experience any shock. Of course, I have also separated pups where I get very few roots and they take weeks to recover. Same technique and height when I separate them but different results (sword suckers as well), anyone know why?
ifnull
04-11-2015, 04:58 PM
I don't know if anyone has posted this before in this thread but I found a great tool for separating pups. From what I have read, most people recommend a dig bar or shovel. I saw someone welded a horizontal bar to a dig bar and I really liked the idea but I can't weld. After searching Amazon I found something similar called a Dibble Bar with Steel T-Style Handle (http://amzn.to/1DUClro). I've always had a hard time getting leverage when removing the pups close to my fence and this worked out great.
Hands down the best tool I have tried so far.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7598/17086207386_3343068964.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s2Rhbw)
Here is a link for anyone interested in buying one:
http://amzn.to/1DUClro
venturabananas
04-11-2015, 06:04 PM
I don't know if anyone has posted this before in this thread but I found a great tool for separating pups. From what I have read, most people recommend a dig bar or shovel. I saw someone welded a horizontal bar to a dig bar and I really liked the idea but I can't weld. After searching Amazon I found something similar called a Dibble Bar with Steel T-Style Handle (http://amzn.to/1DUClro). I've always had a hard time getting leverage when removing the pups close to my fence and this worked out great.
It is a very handy tool. I use one, too.
bananimal
04-11-2015, 11:42 PM
I still like mine. And if you can't weld just take the bar to a weld shop and you're in bidness. Thirty bucks or so.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41807&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41807&ppuser=820)
Going Bananas
06-01-2015, 11:35 AM
Hello Everyone!
Recently took up interest in growing nanners
and new member to this site.
This is my first post so pardon for being wet around the ears....
Ive been told that it is best to produce a mat of 3 to 4 pstem
so you have a continuous plant that produces regularly in a rotative cycle.
I dont know the details or the timing or the height/age of the pups.
Requesting advice or link to read.
Thank you.
Ritchy from SoCal.
venturabananas
06-01-2015, 12:26 PM
Welcome Ritchy.
If you haven't already read Jon Verdick's website, it's a good starting place for info about growing bananas in So Cal.
http://webebananas.com/culture.html
He suggests staggering pups by 6-9 months, i.e., so they differ by that much in age. I'd go a bit less than that, maybe 3-6 months.
kaczercat
02-20-2017, 05:24 PM
Separated 2 dwarf cavendish pups today which will be growing in no time!
http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv17/Kaczerm/IMG_1116_zpskhrvfi12.jpg (http://s665.photobucket.com/user/Kaczerm/media/IMG_1116_zpskhrvfi12.jpg.html)
kaczercat
03-26-2017, 11:03 PM
One out of the two have started with leaves.This was the one on the left that had more of it's own corm.Two new pups came up after these were separated. Could be trading all summer long at this rate :nanadrink:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=61308&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=61308&ppuser=3715)
gnappi
05-04-2017, 01:27 AM
A manual grass edger works too, welding skills not required.
https://s7.postimg.org/plspk7em3/edger_manual.jpg
cincinnana
05-31-2018, 08:09 PM
I have been doing this for the last few days.
Repot ,refresh,and retire.
Richard
06-01-2018, 01:03 AM
Time to separate the pups for the Spring
What Spring? :bed:
Tytaylor77
06-01-2018, 02:23 PM
I have removed 1 or 2 myself!
riyengar
06-03-2018, 07:37 PM
What if I do not separate the pups? will they all survive. I had 2 pups and I tried to separate one and it died - i just do not want to take a chance with the second one. any suggestions, i appreciate.
Tytaylor77
06-04-2018, 12:07 AM
They will get larger and larger! Just wait till it grows larger to remove it. You can dig down and find the connection between it. Cut up against the mothers corm! You could also take a water hose and spray off a lot of soil so you can see better! I have friend who does the water hose trick and cuts them perfect every single time! Makes it easier.
subsonicdrone
06-17-2018, 07:04 AM
IMG_8129_zpsqcczza1g.jpg Photo by subsonicdrone | Photobucket (http://s253.photobucket.com/user/subsonicdrone/media/IMG_8129_zpsqcczza1g.jpg.html)
not sure why photobucket rotates my pictures
IMG_8128_zpsfd0o3wau.jpg Photo by subsonicdrone | Photobucket (http://s253.photobucket.com/user/subsonicdrone/media/IMG_8128_zpsfd0o3wau.jpg.html)
dont worry they were watered thoroughly after this!
mackmccaleb
07-13-2018, 09:21 PM
Is there an optimum time or size to remove a pup? Before it becomes a drain on the mother, but large enough to thrive soon after transplant? How many leaves should you wait for or is there a general height that seems to work best?
cincinnana
07-14-2018, 03:30 AM
Is there an optimum time or size to remove a pup? Before it becomes a drain on the mother, but large enough to thrive soon after transplant? How many leaves should you wait for or is there a general height that seems to work best?
I grow most of my plants in containers .
There are different ways to separate the pups.This is how I choose to separate.
I wait till the pup has some supporting roots and then sever from the main plant.
Take as much undisturbed rootball as possible and replant.
Pup in photo is knee high.
Then I replant them and set them off in the shade so they sort themselves out in a few weeks.
There are some good you tube videos out there that have some good detail too.
.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/926/42299396335_c8824c6ac4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27rRsQP)
Pup separation of a container plant
(https://flic.kr/p/27rRsQP) by Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/), on Flickr
venturabananas
07-14-2018, 02:15 PM
Is there an optimum time or size to remove a pup? Before it becomes a drain on the mother, but large enough to thrive soon after transplant? How many leaves should you wait for or is there a general height that seems to work best?
That's sort of a myth -- the pup draining energy from the mother plant -- from what I've seen and understand. If the pup gets big enough that it is shading the mother plant or restricting it's growth by taking up limited nutrients or water via its roots, but that would be a very big pup.
Too small (a nubbin) and you will a lower chance of success, as well as too large (near the size of the mother plant), but under good conditions and with practice, those can work, too.
I prefer pups that are about knee high and have a big corm with some roots on it, but the size of the pup isn't crucial.
ronke
08-08-2018, 04:37 PM
Thank you, Mark, for answering the very question I had come on here to ask. Obviously my Gros Michel are going to have a taller baseline that some of the dwarfs being discussed, but I wanted to dig out some of the pups to donate to my CRFG chapter's raffle and just couldn't decide whether they were already too big or not.
On both plants, there is a 10' (minimum) pup I am not going to touch. But the rest range from 6' down to maybe 18". I figured I could leave the itsy-bitsy ones and take the 5' and 6' pups. You think that will be okay?
On this one you can see the biggest pup is bigger even than the Momma (but then Momma is leaning over somewhat)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=63375&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=63375&ppuser=22470)
On this one, the Momma has been removed (somewhat; little old lady has trouble sawing these things down) and her kids are gathered round her corpse.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=63376&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=63376&ppuser=22470)
venturabananas
08-09-2018, 12:04 AM
On both plants, there is a 10' (minimum) pup I am not going to touch. But the rest range from 6' down to maybe 18". I figured I could leave the itsy-bitsy ones and take the 5' and 6' pups. You think that will be okay?
I'd choose the ones more in the 18" - 3' range, personally, but the taller ones will probably do fine. And if you want to get rid of the larger ones anyway, there's no reason not to.
ronke
08-09-2018, 10:21 AM
Thanks! I'll be heading out with my digging bar tomorrow.
ronke
08-13-2018, 11:01 AM
I want to thank everyone in this thread (especially venturabanana!) for their guidance on the removal of pups. I dug out my first three on Friday for donation at my local CRFG chapter. Charles Portney -- my fruit-growing god -- took my medium size pup and later wrote that I had dug it out with "just the right amount of tissue and roots". I owe it all to you!
Cathypiper
05-29-2019, 09:54 AM
My name is Cathy I live n western ky. I transplanted a banana tree that's 3ft tall yesterday an this morning it is wilted. Is this normal or is there anything I can do? Thanks
ronke
05-29-2019, 12:44 PM
Cathy, I am by no stretch of the imagination an expert on bananas. You would be better off starting a new thread. I do know a lot depends on the quality of the roots on the pup; although a couple of months ago I hurried to pull a Gros Michel pup out of the ground before I had to jump on a plane, and it finally emerged without most of its roots. I stuck it in a pot of compost and cactus mix in the shade and over a four week period it remained good and green at which point I gave it away. Some people here actually pull all the leaves off before transplanting except for the growing tip at the center, so if it is merely the outside leaves that are wilting, that is not a problem. If the whole plant looks limp, I'm sure someone with a lot more experience can guide you. Good luck.
IsleWalker
06-02-2019, 08:43 AM
Hi-
I can't seem to find out WHY one has to separate pups if it is the method of propagation. In the wild, do they not just continue to make a stand of banana plants?
In other words, if my goal is to grow a bunch of banana plants, why would I need to separate the pups? Will it cause the main (I can't even tell which that is now) to not fruit?
IsleWalker
venturabananas
06-02-2019, 09:35 AM
Hi-
I can't seem to find out WHY one has to separate pups if it is the method of propagation. In the wild, do they not just continue to make a stand of banana plants?
In other words, if my goal is to grow a bunch of banana plants, why would I need to separate the pups? Will it cause the main (I can't even tell which that is now) to not fruit?
IsleWalker
If your goal is to grow a bunch of banana plants in one big clump, then there is no reason to separate pups. If you want to propagate more plants or manage the size of your clump (which affects fruit production per plant), then separate pups. Otherwise, just leave your clump alone.
beam2050
06-02-2019, 02:57 PM
If your goal is to grow a bunch of banana plants in one big clump, then there is no reason to separate pups. If you want to propagate more plants or manage the size of your clump (which affects fruit production per plant), then separate pups. Otherwise, just leave your clump alone.
that and many here are zone benders. by keeping one or two in a mat you can force it to fruit faster.
PlantDad
04-07-2020, 06:39 PM
Hello everyone, I'm new and I'm not sure how to navigate the site very well. Where do people post bananas they are selling? Thanks for the help.
edwmax
04-08-2020, 07:30 AM
Hello everyone, I'm new and I'm not sure how to navigate the site very well. Where do people post bananas they are selling? Thanks for the help.
Look at the forum index and find the 'For Sale ' section.
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