Hello from Zone 9A!
 

New to the plant growing game. Just recently started growing mangos and (unsuccessful yet) avocados! After seeing the saddest banana plant at the store earlier I thought I'd bring it home and (try) to fix it up. Thing is, I have no clue really where to start.

I've attached images (hopefully they've uploaded) of the Dwarf Banana I purchased. I've watered it, but now what?

I'd love any tips / tricks on improving its health!

Thank you, and best of luck growing your plants!

- NanaMama

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

How do you know she's a dwarf? Was there a tag? I would guess she's a dwarf Cavendish because that's what is grown in that pot here. (I think they also offer an unnamed plantain.) I think she needs a new pot but how you approach that depends on whether she'll spend her life in one or be planted outside.

Welcome!

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

There was a tag, yes! I'm thinking of keeping her indoors (in my garage) until she's gotten a bit stronger. Wouldn't mind placing her in a new pot for the time being, though. I'm looking into the proper soils now. :) Do you recommend any soils/fertilizers?

Thank you for the welcome, Harold!

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

I doubt it is a Dwarf Cavendish as there is no red on the petioles, PS or the leaves...

Oh, yeah, welcome to the banana nut gang, we were "bread" for this stuff. :D

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Oh, Harold's my funnin' name; I'm really Kat.

So don't be shy. Tell us what the tag said. IF you purchased it at Walmart and it says "Dwarf Banana" it's a DC or would be where I live.

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Ha, thanks!

I'm just going off the tag. :') Perhaps I'll post a picture on the Banana Identification forum sometime!

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

The tag reads Banana Dwarf Cavendish, Kat (hahaha)!

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Hehe! I may not know my bananas but I know my pots!

She's not reliably winter hardy for outside in your zone. How often do you get into the 30s? Any time in the 20s? I had a DC in Jacksonville (same zone) who did fine with tarping on the few 30 degree nights. (She was very tall so I missed some leaves and they got "burnt" but the p-stem was fine and she took off once spring came.) If you plan to set her out, repot in good compost and put her under a tree; that's what I do until I figure out where to plant. (I have a lot of plants in pots--shame on me.) I don't fertilize anything much but occasionally mix up some miracle gro and give everybody a healthy dose. If you don't have compost, well, I'm not sure what mix you should use.

Your lady will probably be quite the little hussy when it comes to producing progeny. Make sure you pot up a few pups this fall to take inside so you have backups should you have a harsh winter.

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Welcome to bananas.org.
Your plant looks the way it does, because the pot is way too small.
I don't know how cold it gets were you are, but I would just plant it in the ground. Amendments like compost or manure will perk it up quickly.

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Actually, your plant looks good. As already stated the pot is tooo small. Because the pot is small for the tree indicated the plant is growing and the bottom leaves turning brown and dying is normal. So don't let the bottom brown leaves scare/bother you. There are new leaves & 'cigar' leaf showing. ... Re-pot with a pot about 4 x's bigger (5 gal ???) and plenty of compost & mulch on top.

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Hi Ary-

Welcome aboard the Banana Express. :nanerwaveytrain:

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Thank you so much for the advice, guys! Much appreciated. :)
I'm planning on putting her in the ground in a week or two!

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Welcome to the Jungle...:woohoonaner:


Have fun here.

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

I agree with Sputinc7. It's not a Dwarf Cavendish. Maybe a Basjoo?

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Hmm, perhaps we'll find out soon. I'll be posting more photos as it grows. :)

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Here is a helpful link to grow your plant further.
.http://www.bananas.org/296373-post1.html

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Whoa, thank you so much! I really appreciate it. :)

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Try putting the avocado with tooth picks thru the top, so its balanced on a glass of water. Make sure the water doesn't touch the tooth picks. I have a pic. Have a look

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

FYI .. Avocados grown from seed take 12-15 years to bear fruit, whereas ones that are grafted only take 5-6, or so I have read.

Re: Hello from Zone 9A!
 

Hm, that's how I've got mine set up! I also have two in soil atm. Hopefully something happens soon!