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View Full Version : newbie here and need advice.


New2Cavendish
10-06-2016, 09:57 PM
Well I need advice and suggestions. I have two dwarf Cavendish banana trees that are 3 feet tall and about 13-14 leafs on both. There in big containers and there going in my spare bedroom. The room don't get good light till the afternoon hours so should or can I use my t5 6500k bulbs till the sun gets over to where the banana can get good lighting or just wait for the sun to get to them. I also have a 400 watt metal halide setup if the t5 won't do the job. My goal is to let them grow as if they was outside. Putting a leaf out every 7_9 days.

I live in Ohio and if someone in Ohio has done what IM wanting to do I'd love to hear what you've done. I can buy more lights i do nt have what I should. ( hide from the wife).

Also during winter should I remove some of the leaves to help with stress?.

Thanks in advance.:woohoonaner:

Moongrass09
10-06-2016, 11:31 PM
Well I am also from Ohio and also doing the same. This is my first winter trying so I really can't give much advice. Last winter I just left my banana in my south facing window and it did great. This year it is too big for my window so I have it under fluorescent lights.

New2Cavendish
10-06-2016, 11:37 PM
I just want to make sure IM using the right light.

JP
10-08-2016, 03:41 PM
My T8's do the job. My goal is that they stay alive and healthy and it works. If you want fruits, that's completely different...

New2Cavendish
10-08-2016, 03:52 PM
I do want fruit

cincinnana
10-08-2016, 04:38 PM
I do want fruit

To eat?:woohoonaner:

sputinc7
10-08-2016, 05:16 PM
To eat?:woohoonaner:

Why else? I mean he is growing Cavendish... :D
You can container grow Cav and get a bunch if you keep em growing during winter, can't you?

cincinnana
10-09-2016, 07:46 AM
Why else? I mean he is growing Cavendish... :D
You can container grow Cav and get a bunch if you keep em growing during winter, can't you?

If all the plants requirements are met, absolutely.

JP
10-09-2016, 08:39 AM
I do want fruit

A greenhouse would help then. It's hard to get fruit without a greenhouse with cold climates.

cincinnana
10-09-2016, 09:12 AM
Also during winter should I remove some of the leaves to help with stress?.

Thanks in advance.:woohoonaner:

Once you bring the plants indoors the older leaves (bottom ones) will yellow...... this is normal just cut them off.
Cut back on water.
Your plants will self adjust in about 2-3months let them do their thing.

Post photos, we like photos.

New2Cavendish
11-26-2016, 07:30 AM
Little update.. Since I brought my Cavendish banana trees in and put them under 4x T5 6500k 4ft lights OMG they are growing like crazy. Putting up a new leaf every week like nothing. The leafs are about 3ft plus in length and beautifully green. They look very very healthy and I can't imagine what if I turn on the other 4 lights. 8x t5 lights setup.

New2Cavendish
11-26-2016, 07:33 AM
I'll add some pics later today. I think I can put up a before and after pictures.

sputinc7
11-26-2016, 07:57 AM
Be sure the pot is big enough before it outgrows it. Sounds like you got things going good. Lookin forward to those pics.

SocalYellowBanana
11-26-2016, 07:03 PM
Welcome to the Jungle :nanadrink:

New2Cavendish
11-27-2016, 12:09 PM
I have a cheap smart phone and I can't get the picture to work or upload.. can I email or text pics?

JP
11-27-2016, 12:20 PM
Yes you can.

CraigSS
11-28-2016, 08:25 AM
How big is the area that you have your plants and lights?
When taking pictures make sure that the image size is not too large.

Good luck on your plants.

Craig:santananer:

eharriett
12-10-2016, 03:06 PM
I'm in Ohio too. My banana is in my downstairs bathroom under a MH light. growth kind of stunted for the first 45 days after I brought it in, but it seems to be booming now.

Only problem is aphids. But I'm spraying it with an insecticide soap daily to keep that in control.

So yes, it can be done. I've had to move the light up several inches already because of the growth. I expect this sucker will be ready for a repot in April/May when I can take it back outside.

Good luck with the light.

CraigSS
12-11-2016, 07:24 AM
If you have time and patience, hand wipe the leaves with soap solution.
Those nasty little buggers and get to be a problem. I have the same thing with my citrus trees.

Happy Holidays:goteam:

Craig