Hello from Zone 9A!

nanamama · 08-15-2016, 07:25 PM

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

Kat2 · 08-15-2016, 08:21 PM

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!

nanamama · 08-15-2016, 08:33 PM

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!

sputinc7 · 08-15-2016, 08:33 PM

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.

Kat2 · 08-15-2016, 08:43 PM

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.

nanamama · 08-15-2016, 08:50 PM

Ha, thanks!

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

nanamama · 08-15-2016, 08:57 PM

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

Kat2 · 08-15-2016, 09:37 PM

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.

crazy banana · 08-15-2016, 10:12 PM

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.

edwmax · 08-16-2016, 07:48 AM

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.

Snarkie · 08-16-2016, 08:20 AM

Hi Ary-

Welcome aboard the Banana Express.

nanamama · 08-16-2016, 12:12 PM

Thank you so much for the advice, guys! Much appreciated.

I'm planning on putting her in the ground in a week or two!

cincinnana · 08-16-2016, 05:53 PM

Welcome to the Jungle...

Have fun here.

a.hulva@coxinet.net · 08-16-2016, 10:18 PM

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

nanamama · 08-16-2016, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.hulva@coxinet.net

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

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

cincinnana · 08-17-2016, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanamama

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

Here is a helpful link to grow your plant further.
.Richard's Guide for homegrown bananas

nanamama · 08-17-2016, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincinnana

Here is a helpful link to grow your plant further.
.Richard's Guide for homegrown bananas

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

bre · 08-17-2016, 04:50 PM

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

sputinc7 · 08-17-2016, 09:40 PM

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.

nanamama · 08-17-2016, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bre

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

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

08-15-2016, 08:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kat2 Location: Now nesting in Titusville, FL Zone: 10A or 9B ish. Like it matters? Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,153 BananaBucks : 239,975 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 2,921 Times Was Thanked 2,669 Times in 1,322 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 595 Times	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! __________________

08-15-2016, 08:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
nanamama New to the Banana Game! Location: RGV, Texas Zone: 9A Name: Ary Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 13 BananaBucks : 4,027 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 11 Times Was Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	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!

08-15-2016, 08:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
sputinc7 Location: Palm Bay, Florida Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Steve Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 1,394 BananaBucks : 101,968 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 352 Times Was Thanked 2,430 Times in 971 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 295 Times	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. __________________ If you lose your head and give up, you neither live nor win. https://sputinc7.wixsite.com/covwc Varieties I supposedly bought: Manzano, Cavendish, Blue Java, Sweetheart, and Gros Michel. What it seems I actually have: Brazilian, Cavendish, Namwah, Dwarf Red, Gros Michel, Pisang Ceylon, Veinte Cohol and SH 3640, and American Goldfinger. FHIA 1, Paggi and FHIA 17... Always room for one more.

08-15-2016, 08:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Kat2 Location: Now nesting in Titusville, FL Zone: 10A or 9B ish. Like it matters? Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,153 BananaBucks : 239,975 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 2,921 Times Was Thanked 2,669 Times in 1,322 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 595 Times	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. __________________

08-15-2016, 08:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
nanamama New to the Banana Game! Location: RGV, Texas Zone: 9A Name: Ary Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 13 BananaBucks : 4,027 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 11 Times Was Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	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!

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08-15-2016, 08:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
nanamama New to the Banana Game! Location: RGV, Texas Zone: 9A Name: Ary Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 13 BananaBucks : 4,027 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 11 Times Was Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	Re: Hello from Zone 9A! The tag reads Banana Dwarf Cavendish, Kat (hahaha)!

08-15-2016, 09:37 PM	#8 (permalink)
Kat2 Location: Now nesting in Titusville, FL Zone: 10A or 9B ish. Like it matters? Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,153 BananaBucks : 239,975 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 2,921 Times Was Thanked 2,669 Times in 1,322 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 595 Times	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. __________________

08-15-2016, 10:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
crazy banana Location: San Diego Find me on the map! Zone: 9-11 Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,641 BananaBucks : 10,295 Feedback: 73 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,021 Times Was Thanked 2,961 Times in 1,115 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,969 Times	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.

08-16-2016, 07:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
edwmax Location: Cairo, Ga Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 2,891 BananaBucks : 88,771 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,741 Times Was Thanked 4,440 Times in 2,095 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 414 Times	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. __________________

08-16-2016, 08:20 AM	#11 (permalink)
Snarkie The Cat Whisperer Location: Charlotte, NC Zone: 8b, pushing 9a Name: D.A. Hänks Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 2,119 BananaBucks : 155,412 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,218 Times Was Thanked 1,970 Times in 1,145 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,049 Times	Re: Hello from Zone 9A! Hi Ary- Welcome aboard the Banana Express. __________________ Doug (D.A. Hänks) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2955582/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 The Only Eastern Redwood Forest in America "Nuke my 'nanners, will you?!"

08-16-2016, 12:12 PM	#12 (permalink)
nanamama New to the Banana Game! Location: RGV, Texas Zone: 9A Name: Ary Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 13 BananaBucks : 4,027 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 11 Times Was Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	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!

08-16-2016, 05:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
cincinnana container grower Location: Southwest Ohio U.S.A.🇺🇸 Find me on the map! Zone: HZ 6/5 Microclimate - Elevation 750 feet- 228.60 meters Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 8,784 BananaBucks : 904 Feedback: 7 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,865 Times Was Thanked 11,706 Times in 4,870 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,943 Times	Re: Hello from Zone 9A! Welcome to the Jungle... Have fun here. __________________ Cincinnana/Hostafarians Photo Gallery 🌴

08-16-2016, 10:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
a.hulva@coxinet.net Location: Edmond, OK Zone: 73034 Name: Al Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 456 BananaBucks : 48,329 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 3,695 Times Was Thanked 779 Times in 317 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 437 Times	Re: Hello from Zone 9A! I agree with Sputinc7. It's not a Dwarf Cavendish. Maybe a Basjoo?

08-17-2016, 04:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
bre Location: united kingdom Name: bre Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 29 BananaBucks : 5,183 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 8 Times Was Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 3 Times	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

08-17-2016, 09:40 PM	#19 (permalink)
sputinc7 Location: Palm Bay, Florida Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Steve Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 1,394 BananaBucks : 101,968 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 352 Times Was Thanked 2,430 Times in 971 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 295 Times	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. __________________ If you lose your head and give up, you neither live nor win. https://sputinc7.wixsite.com/covwc Varieties I supposedly bought: Manzano, Cavendish, Blue Java, Sweetheart, and Gros Michel. What it seems I actually have: Brazilian, Cavendish, Namwah, Dwarf Red, Gros Michel, Pisang Ceylon, Veinte Cohol and SH 3640, and American Goldfinger. FHIA 1, Paggi and FHIA 17... Always room for one more.

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