Noob

[Sockmonkey]

Hi guys! Noob here obviously. I'm in eastern NC, zone 8b.
Got 2 Dwarf Cavendish TC plants from Wellspring gardens about 2 weeks ago. Repotted a few days ago. First new leaves rolled out around that time and they're a little droopy at the end of the leaf now. Is that normal? There's also a drop or two of water on the leaves in the morning, almost like its leaching out of the plant. Idk if that's normal for a banana or not.
Anyways, glad to be here and excited to be growing bananas!!

[HMelendez]

Noob,



Welcome to the banana gang!....

[JBijl]

Hello Noob welcome here

[beam2050]

welcome they look fine. do not water to much.

[Kat2]

If you have space to do so, take those puppies outside about the time you'd transplant eggplants and peppers; they'll grow very fast if adequately watered and soon fill in what seems like ambitiously large pots. (I assumed they have drainage and that you plan to feed them.)

Glad you put your info on your profile; we have several members in NC so you can get good advice (and commiseration as needed). I know there are a few members in my city but they're not active which means I'm on my own. Being a lone wolf ain't as romantic as it sounds.

[bananimal]

I lived in Charlotte for 12 years and struggled with bananas. Got fruit now and then. Grow those pups out in the house and plant after frost danger has past. The best banana to fruit in this short growing season is Viente Cohol. I didn't know it then but I do now. Here in S Fla I get 2 bunches a year per mat from this guy.

Dan

[edwmax]

I recommend you get 2 spray bottles. Then mix Miracle grow (or similar) using the small end of the scoop per directions for 1 gallon. This is your MG stock mix. Then pour the spray bottle 1/4 to 1/2 with MG stock mix and finish filling with water. Fill other spray bottle with water.

Now in the mornings, lightly mist the TC leaves & pstem with the MG spray. You don't want or need run off. The fertilizer will feed the plant and supplement the roots. In the afternoon mist with the water. These plants do not need direct sunlight for about 2 weeks. Then slowly increase exposure to direct sun. ... If the plants look like they are wilting, increase the water spray. Do not add extra water to the pot.

Why the misting: these plants came from a green house with a misting system and 50% to 60% shade while the root were growing. The roots may or may not have completely acclimated to full plant support. IMO, why take a chance on losing your TC plants due to the lower humidity in your house or the roots are not able to support the plant yet. ... Actually this is what the USDA research station does with their TC plants: repot to 6" pots with fertilizer, Then place in the green house under 50% shade for 10 to 14 days and a misting system. The TCs are transplanted to the field when they are 10" to 12" tall at the pstem about 30 to 45 days in the green house.

Next, get a moisture meter. The roots of the TCs will not take up a lot of water, so keep the pot soil slightly moist to slightly dry. Do not add water until the meter is showing the soil starting to be dry. Then water with the Miracle grow mix. ... A lot of water will cause the roots to rot or cause a fungus.

Get your plant to 12" tall and double the number of leaves before moving them outside into the sun.

[edwmax]

Originally Posted by Sockmonkey

... they're a little droopy at the end of the leaf now. Is that normal? There's also a drop or two of water on the leaves in the morning, almost like its leaching out of the plant. Idk if that's normal for a banana or not.
....

Probably low humidity in the house is drying the plants causing the droopy leaves and morning moisture droplets on the leaves. ... In the morning the pore of the leaves open up to collect dew. This is why folar spray (aka: misting) works so well with bananas. The droplets you see will be reabsorbed if if doesn't drip off.

[Sockmonkey]

Originally Posted by edwmax

I recommend you get 2 spray bottles. Then mix Miracle grow (or similar) using the small end of the scoop per directions for 1 gallon. This is your MG stock mix. Then pour the spray bottle 1/4 to 1/2 with MG stock mix and finish filling with water. Fill other spray bottle with water.

Now in the mornings, lightly mist the TC leaves & pstem with the MG spray. You don't want or need run off. The fertilizer will feed the plant and supplement the roots. In the afternoon mist with the water. These plants do not need direct sunlight for about 2 weeks. Then slowly increase exposure to direct sun. ... If the plants look like they are wilting, increase the water spray. Do not add extra water to the pot.

Why the misting: these plants came from a green house with a misting system and 50% to 60% shade while the root were growing. The roots may or may not have completely acclimated to full plant support. IMO, why take a chance on losing your TC plants due to the lower humidity in your house or the roots are not able to support the plant yet. ... Actually this is what the USDA research station does with their TC plants: repot to 6" pots with fertilizer, Then place in the green house under 50% shade for 10 to 14 days and a misting system. The TCs are transplanted to the field when they are 10" to 12" tall at the pstem about 30 to 45 days in the green house.

Next, get a moisture meter. The roots of the TCs will not take up a lot of water, so keep the pot soil slightly moist to slightly dry. Do not add water until the meter is showing the soil starting to be dry. Then water with the Miracle grow mix. ... A lot of water will cause the roots to rot or cause a fungus.

Get your plant to 12" tall and double the number of leaves before moving them outside into the sun.

Great stuff! Thanks. I already have 2 misting bottles on order but didn't think to use fertilizer in them. Looks like a moisture meter will be the next thing to order...

[edwmax]

Walmart or garden center should have these. An empty 'cleaning' (409; windex) spray bottles will work. But utility spray bottles from the hardware store (Walmart?) will last longer.

[Sockmonkey]

Originally Posted by bananimal

I lived in Charlotte for 12 years and struggled with bananas. Got fruit now and then. Grow those pups out in the house and plant after frost danger has past. The best banana to fruit in this short growing season is Viente Cohol. I didn't know it then but I do now. Here in S Fla I get 2 bunches a year per mat from this guy.

Dan

Thanks for the tip! Anyone know a reputable place to get one? I found this but is priced a little high.

[bananimal]

Originally Posted by Sockmonkey

Thanks for the tip! Anyone know a reputable place to get one? I found this but is priced a little high.

Sure do --- me. I have 2 mats and a few pups on them. Just checked and found a few developed small corms also.

Send me a PM.

Dan

[Iowa]

Welcome and good luck with your Bananas. This is the right place for info and help.

[Snarkie]

Welcome aboard the Banana Express.

I'm a Charlottean (not to be confused with a charlatan).

[Sockmonkey]

Misting bottles are the deal!! The wilting had stopped and new growth is coming!!! I'm so excited!