Enthusiastic beginner

As this is my first post, I just wanted to say hello and look forward to discussing my limited experience of growing banana plants and look forward to hearing you views as and when I post the highlights and challenges I face moving forward.

andy17

Hello Enthusiastic beginner and welcome to bananas.org! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have!

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"Gardening is the purest of human pleasures." --Francis Bacon

Enthusiastic beginner

Thanks Andy17, I will be posting some pics soon of the challenges I am facing with my plants. I recently moved to Southern France from the U.K. and therefore growing bananas is new to me, along with many other tropical plants, which just would not survive the cold temperatures of northern England.
I do have one quick question as the advice I see on line is so conflicting. My banana plants are currently 1.5 metres tall and I would like advice on on frequent I should water them? I mainly grow musa basjoo but I also am growing a more rare dwarf red banana, which appears to require so much more water and are looking very healthy. Any hints and tips would be very welcome thank you

Jeff zone 8 N.C.

I know this will sound simplistic but it works for me. I am not an expert so some may disagree but that is ok. I will learn too. Most bananas like a rich well drained soil with even moisture. Too soggy soil can rot them. There are some variegated ones, as well as others, that are more sensitive to too much water. If bananas are in strong sun they may sometimes fold their two leaf halves down away from the sun. If the soil is not already wet, this may mean they need water. If watering them corrects this then they needed more. If it does not then you may have problems with rot or other root issues. Some bananas have more upright leaves and others have more drooping lower leaves. If a particular banana variety you have, usually has more upright leaves but is showing the length of the leaves droop down towards the ground then they definitely need water. After you start noticing this watering will be easy as you will soon determine the correct amount. The goal will be to not let the leaves droop over their length. As they grow and get bigger you will need to add more water. As weather cools they need less.

cincinnana

Welcome to the Jungle.....
Basjoo and Dwarf reds are wonderful plants to grow.

Have fun here..

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andy17

Hello, I'm sorry I missed your post! Bananas in my experience, which have mostly been in containers, seem to generally really like plenty of water. The only thing I have seen with them is they do not like to be in soggy, water-logged soils, so fast draining soil is best, and they do best with consistent moisture. Bananas unfortunately won't let you know there's too much water until it's very difficult to save them from root rot. One of the methods I use to tell with bananas if they are needing water is to look at the leaves. When they are water or heat stressed, the leaves will fold along the midrib, giving it an appearance like a sheet hanging over a branch. If it's really warm outside, they will also do this to conserve water and stay a little cooler. I like to water them when the top two or more inches of soil are dry to the touch. I have a Dwarf Namwah in the ground and I water it about three times a week. Basjoo seems to be more drought tolerant than the fruiting species and cultivars, but also seems to do best with consistent moisture. From what I've heard about the Red's, they are a true tropical cultivar, and grow best with ample heat, light, and moisture. I hope this helps some! Best of luck with your bananas. Please keep us posted!

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"Gardening is the purest of human pleasures." --Francis Bacon