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nealnick5
11-02-2017, 03:08 AM
I figured since y'all like bananas with huge foliage you'd love this plant too. 2nd biggest leaves in the world! The largest in the world belong to its close relative, reaching an astonishing 10ft x 10ft. I got 2 in the mail today and they're very small

This is called Gunnera tinctoria: foliage reaching 8ft by 8ft... much easier to find tinctoria online for sale compared to gunnera manicata

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6e/5b/65/6e5b65701c096c495dff3eae6e0edd34.jpg

sputinc7
11-02-2017, 07:44 AM
Those are some big leaves. We saw some very large elephant ears on Kauai on our honeymoon 13 years ago near the top of the canyon... These are bigger, though.

beam2050
11-02-2017, 10:50 AM
do they like lots of water? where was the pic took.?

I looked it up. invasive species. comes from chile and argentina. loves, needs lots of water. doesn't care about soil. edible. giant rhubarb.

long time since I had rhubarb pie. I have just the place, very giant self watering pots.

just bought 2 of the gunnera tinctoria, from direct gardening from Illinois. thanks for the post

nealnick5
11-02-2017, 05:21 PM
that sounds like an awesome place for a honeymoon!

sorry i had fallen asleep.. congratulations on your new plants! i'm about to post a pic of mine in their small pot

also i was wrong.. some palm has the largest leaves in the world reaching 82ft in length. wow. these plants still have insane foliage though.. much larger than anything I have now! can't wait for the summer to watch them grow

[img]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/24271608388_79ba1c9311_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CYNkyG)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4539/24271608338_1247b974c5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CYNkxQ)

beam2050
11-02-2017, 07:28 PM
been to Illinois. cant imagine a honeymoon there :ha: :ha: :ha:

keep up the pics.

nealnick5
11-03-2017, 02:37 AM
I was referring to kauai! haha thanks... sure thing! i'll post a new pic in a few weeks when there is growth!

MusaZombie
11-14-2017, 07:08 PM
How big do they get in a season? That is impressive

nealnick5
11-14-2017, 08:16 PM
According to a thread on another site, it took one man's 2 years to achieve 3ft leaves, but that was also in a zone where it went dormant for the winter (but not cold enough to kill it... they become more cold hardy as they age). I plan on digging mine up at the end of next fall and putting them in pots to keep them growing all winter to expedite this maturation process.

The two I purchased are growing incredibly slowly but I have moved them to the room with all if my plant lights to speed up the process. Also, once the roots fully establish in this pot, they should grow substantially faster.

I would still say probably say at least 3-5 years to reach maturity, though (if you take them in during the winter). There is not a whole lot of information about this I can find. Hope this helps! Mine haven't don't anything significant but I'll definitely post some pictures when they do!

cincinnana
11-16-2017, 09:01 PM
Just tossing this out....

This could be another plant to add to the dino food specimen garden


Gunnera tinctoria will require DEEP rich soil with ample(a lot) amounts of moisture. If you cannot give this plant the soil and water it needs to make monster roots then this plant will disappoint.

In a 12-20+ gal container this accent plant is still manageable and awesome.


I have grown Gunnera but have settled on another large leafed hardy plant Tetrapanax Aka T.Rex


Tetrapanax is alittle more forgiving pant in unforgiving zones and soil structures.


Both plants are awesome in the landscape though.

cincinnana
11-18-2017, 07:04 PM
How big do they get in a season? That is impressive

The saying goes....
And this true.


The first year they sleep.
The second year they creep.
The third year they leap.

nealnick5
11-20-2017, 03:49 AM
Bro according to wikipedia the t-rex plant reaches leaves at only 50cm max.. which is less than 2 feet. I'm going for that big foliage :0517: watering is easy.. I'm trying to get those huge a** leaves! :0519:

Thank you for the share though. Though the leaves do not amount to much, 3-7 meter height is amazing. I kind of hate you because I kind of want one now but am running out of space in the yard!!! :waving:

nealnick5
11-20-2017, 03:50 AM
Also do you have any pics of your Gunnera??? I would love to see them and also know the age as well. Seems like an awesome plant so far.. very fast growing for me under a lamp right now in VA

nealnick5
11-20-2017, 04:08 AM
Here are 2 pics from just now https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4565/38537684371_375b6a42e9_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21HrGVZ)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4527/37650207055_f611ee2eab_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Zn29QX)

P.S. Had to cut literally every leaf off that was on it when it arrived so it could root without the leaves browning. the largest leaf was at a standstill as of 2 days ago but obviously they love the surplus of light

edwmax
11-20-2017, 08:36 AM
[quote=nealnick5;311114]
...
P.S. Had to cut literally every leaf off that was on it when it arrived so it could root without the leaves browning. the largest leaf was at a standstill as of 2 days ago but obviously they love the surplus of light[/quote

Please send me those leaves and stems. Warp them in a wet paper towel.
I'll root 'em.

cincinnana
11-20-2017, 09:35 PM
Bro according to wikipedia the t-rex plant reaches leaves at only 50cm max.. which is less than 2 feet. I'm going for that big foliage :0517: watering is easy.. I'm trying to get those huge a** leaves! :0519:

Thank you for the share though. Though the leaves do not amount to much, 3-7 meter height is amazing. I kind of hate you because I kind of want one now but am running out of space in the yard!!! :waving:

I never even thought of that ......wow...
thanks for the update ......bro

You newbies have no clue.......

nealnick5
12-06-2017, 01:01 AM
Dude what wikipedia are you reading lol I swear I did not edit this Wiki page.. this for the plants I have (trust me I do not make purchases without researching): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnera_tinctoria

Here's a bonus page: How to Grow Gunnera Tinctoria | Home Guides | SF Gate (http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-gunnera-tinctoria-24444.html)

These are 2 different sites saying up to 8ft leaves. If you want to go even bigger, buy the Gunnera Manicata (good luck finding one online.. I couldn't).

And here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25kZjhEndiA

Edwmax, unfortunately you can only propogate them via seed or by rhizome ("crown") separation. Plus, the old stems are long gone. If you can prove me wrong, and that you can grow them from stem cutting, I will happily send you some. Here's where I got mine from: https://www.etsy.com/listing/480383610/2-gunnera-tinctoria-plants-live-potted?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gunnera&ref=sr_gallery_3


*Also, just a quick update* The plants now look exactly as they did when I received them, so things are looking good. I have been keeping the soil relatively wet and have a lamp pointing right at them and they seem to love it.

cincinnana
12-07-2017, 08:11 PM
Fellas, just saying this plant needs very enriched soil to reach its potential.
A lot of it .

If one cannot provide that ...then a T-rex is a good alternative.
I am not denying the size at all.....I know the plant is a thug.
But you have to give it what it wants.




The plant can also be grown as a cutting.... however very young leaves are used.

Once a plant starts introducing leaves in spring you can start the cutting process to create new plantlets.

For details :google/rex begonia/cuttings/happy ending:)

There are some related detailed videos which there are some takeaways also.

cincinnana
12-07-2017, 08:43 PM
Dude what wikipedia are you reading lol I swear I did not edit this Wiki page.. this for the plants I have (trust me I do not make purchases without researching): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnera_tinctoria

Here's a bonus page: How to Grow Gunnera Tinctoria | Home Guides | SF Gate (http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-gunnera-tinctoria-24444.html)

These are 2 different sites saying up to 8ft leaves. If you want to go even bigger, buy the Gunnera Manicata (good luck finding one online.. I couldn't).

And here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25kZjhEndiA

Edwmax, unfortunately you can only propogate them via seed or by rhizome ("crown") separation. Plus, the old stems are long gone. If you can prove me wrong, and that you can grow them from stem cutting, I will happily send you some. Here's where I got mine from: https://www.etsy.com/listing/480383610/2-gunnera-tinctoria-plants-live-potted?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gunnera&ref=sr_gallery_3


*Also, just a quick update* The plants now look exactly as they did when I received them, so things are looking good. I have been keeping the soil relatively wet and have a lamp pointing right at them and they seem to love it.

Great links and videos..

You will love your plants once they mature.

cincinnana
12-07-2017, 08:52 PM
Dude what wikipedia are you reading lol I swear I did not edit this Wiki page.. this for the plants I have (trust me I do not make purchases without researching): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnera_tinctoria

Here's a bonus page: How to Grow Gunnera Tinctoria | Home Guides | SF Gate (http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-gunnera-tinctoria-24444.html)

These are 2 different sites saying up to 8ft leaves. If you want to go even bigger, buy the Gunnera Manicata (good luck finding one online.. I couldn't).

And here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25kZjhEndiA

Edwmax, unfortunately you can only propogate them via seed or by rhizome ("crown") separation. Plus, the old stems are long gone. If you can prove me wrong, and that you can grow them from stem cutting, I will happily send you some. Here's where I got mine from: https://www.etsy.com/listing/480383610/2-gunnera-tinctoria-plants-live-potted?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gunnera&ref=sr_gallery_3


*Also, just a quick update* The plants now look exactly as they did when I received them, so things are looking good. I have been keeping the soil relatively wet and have a lamp pointing right at them and they seem to love it.

Great links and videos..

You will love your plants once they mature.

MusaZombie
12-09-2017, 06:32 PM
Interesting how the infloresence doesn't sprout later in the growth cycle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz1fsqQ_aPg

aruzinsky
12-14-2017, 09:44 AM
Why are you calling it "dinosaur food?" According to Wikipedia, most of the flora of the cretaceous period were conifers and ferns. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cretaceous#Flora .

MusaZombie
12-14-2017, 09:53 AM
Why are you calling it "dinosaur food?" According to Wikipedia, most of the flora of the cretaceous period were conifers and ferns. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cretaceous#Flora .

Because "Dinosaur Food" and "Giant Rhubarb" are both common names for the plant. Look up "dinosaur food plant" or Gunnera seeds

aruzinsky
12-14-2017, 12:25 PM
Because "Dinosaur Food" and "Giant Rhubarb" are both common names for the plant. Look up "dinosaur food plant" or Gunnera seeds

Thanks, I didn't know that. The only "dinosaur" misnomer that I knew was "dinosaur bones" for beef back ribs.

cincinnana
12-14-2017, 07:17 PM
Marketing tool for the Dino food...:08:

Large foliage somehow makes this plant"prehistoric"

I have all the mentioned plants.....but no Dinos:woohoonaner:


Just Whitetails.
.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4360/35792519464_ce84ddbab0.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WwS23y)
White tail deer (https://flic.kr/p/WwS23y)
by
Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/), on Flickr

nealnick5
01-01-2018, 03:51 PM
Yep definitely marketing.. I think they call it this because in theory the foliage would be large enough to feed a dinosaur.. haha.

My 2 plants now each have 1 pup.. I will post pictures tomorrow. So far it is an awesome plant and pretty easy to care for!

Yeah we have tons of white tail deer here too.. they better not touch my gunneras this summer

cincinnana
01-01-2018, 09:04 PM
Yep definitely marketing.. I think they call it this because in theory the foliage would be large enough to feed a dinosaur.. haha.

My 2 plants now each have 1 pup.. I will post pictures tomorrow. So far it is an awesome plant and pretty easy to care for!

Yeah we have tons of white tail deer here too.. they better not touch my gunneras this summer

Here are two more plants with larger than normal foliage and hardy for your area and are good spreaders.

A number of local gardeners grow these and they are awesome in mass.

These would complement your big guns.

Petasites (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjmqby_krjYAhUrSt8KHab9BOEQFggrMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.missouribotanicalgarden.org%2FPlantFinder%2 FPlantFinderDetails.aspx%3Fkempercode%3Da645&usg=AOvVaw3tHx8zqtp5ns7T0MDWJFZr)

Ligularia (http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=261541)

nealnick5
02-05-2018, 04:11 PM
I think I will get some of these in the spring. They look awesome. Thank you!

Leaf if already about 7" across just from being indoors

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/140393987@N02/39205522785/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20180205_161210"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4748/39205522785_12b559b374_k.jpg" width="1536" height="2048" alt="IMG_20180205_161210"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

cincinnana
02-07-2018, 09:35 PM
Looking good........


That plant is doing well indoors...

beam2050
05-03-2018, 03:17 PM
ordered these last fall, gottem this spring. gunnera tinctoria. destined to go into 2 giant in ground pots

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=63041&size=1

nealnick5
05-05-2018, 04:02 PM
They look great!!! Mine are in the ground so once they establish good roots I will upload pictures! Keeping them watered very well until then. I plan on digging them up this fall/winter when temperatures approach 32 F and potting them.

nealnick5
06-24-2018, 10:33 PM
well, they both died. BUT i ordered a manicata from PlantsDirect.. going to keep this one potted lol

beam2050
07-19-2018, 08:53 AM
well, they both died. BUT i ordered a manicata from PlantsDirect.. going to keep this one potted lol

this plant I s the complete opposite of a banana plant! I went off for a week and a half, forgot to have the wife water them. one is struggling to survive and the other well...... short of half submerging the pot in a barrel they cant be left unwatered.

nealnick5
08-23-2018, 10:05 PM
manicata bulb has grown pups (the main never sprouted again after shipment).. currently growing in a fish bowl with a lid. will post a pic of the pup tomorrow probably.. very small but definitely living!

Richard
08-24-2018, 12:27 AM
For big in your zone (7b), consider Chestnut.