MusaRojo

I became aware of this site because of the banana forum at Garden Web and lurked here for several weeks before creating an account. My main reason for joining is to be able to search the archives, which I believe will grow into a valuable resource for people looking for information about banana plants. I don’t see myself becoming a major player here.

My parents grew both Orinoco and Lady Finger bananas in Florida, where I spent much of my childhood. About five years ago, after living in Southern California for many years, I acquired a Rojo banana plant from Stokes Tropicals. Of course having one banana variety with variegated foliage wasn’t enough, so about 18 months ago, I bought an Ae-Ae from Natural Selections. My addiction continues to grow; several weeks ago, I saw what look like Novak banana plants in 4" pots at Big Lots. I bought one for $5 and repotted it when I got home. The soil was slimy and full of algae, but I think the plant will make it. Of course I want many other types of banana plants, but have to restrain myself because my home is on a tiny lot.

My banana plant addiction is only one of several that I have. I am also into aroids, plumeria, morning glorys, and tropical plants in general. I have lived in apartments or condos until several years ago, so I haven’t amassed a large collection yet. I am slowly getting rid of the generic big box crap that was growing on my lot when I moved in. For the sake of domestic harmony, I am obligated to maintain a rose bed the previous owner put in. My Sunset Zone 24 climate isn’t ideal for roses so I would rather fill this space with aroids and the future offspring of my Ae-Ae.

Of course my fantasy is to one day move somewhere where I can buy a large plot of land to grow tropicals either outdoors or in a greenhouse. My father had a small nursery after he retired and the idea appeals to me. Thanks to me, many of my family and friends have Rojo bananas, plumeria, black elephant ears, and other tropicals. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch for me to begin propagating plants on a commercial scale.

My other horticultural interest is guerrilla gardening. Starting a few years ago, I began planting vacant lots, fields, and industrial areas with plants that require little or no care. So far I have only put out annual flowering plants that reseed themselves or root hardy perennials. I need to do a bit of research to determine what kinds of attractive shrubs or trees would do well in my area with no aftercare. As I drive around my area, I see I am not the only person involved in this activity, but don’t know how to get in touch with the other guerilla gardeners in order to coordinate our plantings. One area I planted with spring wildflowers had a stand of drought and heat tolerant flowers come up after my planting had run its course. Of course I took note and will incorporate some of these plants into my future projects.

Thanks for reading and good luck with your bananas and other plants.

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