Chironex

I've been reading about them, eaten thousands, bought many seeds, but today I became the proud owner of 3 banana trees! Truly Tiny, Raja Puri and Dwarf Namwah!!!

There is something so fascinating about bananas and to find such a large number of banana fans is incredible. It confirms the natural beauty of the Musa around the world.

Although growing them in IL as a container plant, I plan to move to Las Vegas soon where they might be more challenging to grow. Any advice, tips or suggestions on growing our favorite tree in the desert are appreciated.

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Scot

buzzwinder

Welcome to the Org. Chironex, where in Illinois are you?

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Bill for my friend

mskitty38583

congrats on the new nana babies.

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WELCOME TO THE GATOR NATION

dablo93

welcome here and succes with your naners!

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lorax

Welcome, welcome! Enjoy your nanners - you know it only takes one pup to hook you for life, right?

Chironex

Rockford, IL but moving to Las Vegas in a month or so. I hope to find a way to grow bananas there successfully although I realize that the soil is crummy and the water is scarce - but full speed ahead! Thanks for the warm reception and advice.

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Scot

Chironex

Hi Bill, Just down the road in Rockford -for another month or so. Just got started with bananas after spending a bunch (unintentional pun) on Bonsai and other plants/trees. Bananas seem to be magnetic in their appeal (oops, another unintentional pun)!!!

Even though it will be warmer year round in Las Vegas, I think it will be more of a challenge than Northern IL. Yet, I will adapt, overcome and modify my approach to make it work.

What are you growing now? I went crazy on eBay before learning of this forum and bought a ton of seeds too. Hope that at least some of them will germinate. I will probably send a box of them to my fiance in the Philippines so that they have a chance to grow.

Hope to learn more from you and the rest of the the 'bananas' here.

Scot

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Scot

buzzwinder

Hi Scot. didn't see it, or realize in your intro post you were in Rockford, Yeah, small world, as of right now I have Three Dwarf Cavs. in 25 gal. pot ,two GranNains in separate pots and two Zebrina Rojo's in their own pots, and a Veluntina that went south on me last week, but still holding out hope. This is the start of my second year for the Bananas, got them last May so my step kids and I could have a project,well, worked fer about a day, now they ( the nannners ) are relegated to being my measuring stick as to their and the DC"s growth. These plants are so cool, you actually see the growth from day to day. Amazing!!!!!!!! This Forum is filled with the most amazing people I've never met, but truly look forward everyday to see what they have to say. For me, this site is a GOLD MINE of info and friendly advice. Nanners Rule

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Bill for my friend

Dean W.

Congrats on your nana plants!

Dean

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Gardener972

Welcome Chironex... keep us posted on growing bananas in the desert!

Chironex

Being the obsessive-compulsive that I am, my banana collection is growing day-to-day. This is so addictive! Just bought 5 more banana trees (small ones because I am moving soon) Ice Cream, Musa Brazilian Dwarf, Musa 'Johnson' Dwarf Cavendish, Musa 'Manzano' Sweet Apple, and a 'Double' Mahoi. Also just found out that I got an AeAe on ebay (sorry if I got crazy and outbid someone - I just got paid and well.....I really wanted one). My Musa X Paradisiaca just popped through the dirt and I have several more seeds waiting to germinate. Do I have a sickness, or what?!!!
Can anyone give me some specifics on the Aeae? I am going to grow it in a container to try and make it survive in Las Vegas. I will mist it and take it inside whenever it gets too hot or windy. What else can I do to give it the best chance for survival? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

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Scot

Rmplmnz

Well drained soil....

Good soil mix for bananas is 1/3rd compost (if available), 1/3rd rich potting soil and 1/3rd perlite (for good drainage) you can put them in almost any kind of soil but remember drainage is key. If you don’t have access to compost, just mix the parts ½ and ½ and they will do just fine. They do prefer a more acidic soil and compost will do that for you. You can’t really go wrong, bananas are not too particular with soil type but the worst type of soil is a clay/loam soil.

Water thoroughly at planting, keep on the moist side ( NOT WET ) if base of plant begins to soften or look discolored , this is a sign of to much moisture, stop watering until healthy growth appears. Once planted resumption of growth is quick as new leaves unfurl from the top center of the pseudostem, or stronger new growth will emerge from underground portions of the corm (suckers) and produce a new banana plant.


I also add coffee grounds to Ae Ae.....do not plant it too deep.

Good luck!!

Chironex

Do you add the coffee grounds to all of your bananas or just Aeae? How much and how often? Do you just dump it around the basre of the p/s or how is it applied? Thanks for all of your tips!

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Scot

Rmplmnz

Do you add the coffee grounds to all of your bananas or just Aeae?

I just add them to the Ae Ae...if I had enough I would add them to all of the bananas...excellent organic matter.

How much and how often?

As often as I can as much as I can get. If the plant is still in a pot initially apply sparingly until the plant gets in gear.

Do you just dump it around the base of the p/s or how is it applied?

Yes...apply similiar to granular fertilizer under the leaf spread.

Thanks for all of your tips!

You are welcome....

Kylie2x

HEY!!! Welcome!!!! Congrats on your new Banana's... I love my Raja Puri!!! Very easy to grow... I look forward to seeing you around.. AND Congrats on your move to Vegas..
Sin City here he comes...LOL A great place!
Kylie