v1rtu0s1ty

Received the bananas today from Sandy. They are big. That's why he had to fold the leaves since it wouldn't fit on the box but that's fine since it will grow new leaves. I planted them in pots since I will be bringing them in as house plants.

I'm really in love with my new banana. I think, it's even more gorgeous than my Cannas.

Since winter is coming very soon, I would like to seek your guidance regarding caring for her.

1. How to water
2. How many times to fertilize
3. I have humic which is organic, how many teaspoons per gallon

And next year after spring, I know that it should be planted on a sunny location. Do I have to stake it? I know that there are times wind is so strong. How deep should I plant it? Do they like strong winds? Did yours do well in windy location?

What about during fall, what low temp should it be brought in for overwintering? Do you guys wait for the leaves to wilt before you dig it up and put on a bigger pot?

Or can I dig it, remove as much soil(don't wash) and put in a dark cool place?

Do you guys have a website or a thread that discussed detailed overwintering techniques for this type of banana?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

Here she is.

pitangadiego

Water and fertilizer questions, as well as understanding the "seasons" of the banana plant are answered at http://webebananas.com/culture.html

In general, overwintering requires keeping it above freezing, and avoiding frost. Some varieties, generally red and hawaiian varieites are more senesitive and generally not very happy below 50F - so care accordingly.

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Encanto Farms Nursery
http://encantofarms.com
We Be Bananas
http://webebananas.com

buzzwinder

Neil, I've gotten several plants from Sandy this year, been super satisfied with all aspects of the deal, the plants are good size and healthy, very well packaged and shipping is quick, all at a great price, the plants I've gotten include 2 basjoo's, 2 maurelli's, 1 siam ruby, and three datura's- double purple(my favorite), triple yellow, triple white, and of course my Lasiocarpa, all mine will be over wintered in the spare room in my basement, I hung flourescent grow lights and it doesn't get below 70 degrees in there, so I'll watch very closely how I water them and moniter all winter long as to need for ferts. allot better set up than last year- that was scary to say the least. Congrats on your new plants, Enjoy

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Bill for my friend

v1rtu0s1ty

Bill,

I brought mine down to the basement near the window this afternoon. The window faces south. It gets sunlight for 20 mins but that's it. I placed it on top of a chair so that it won't absorb as much cold from the floor. I don't know how it will perform with this kind of environment. I also watered it with a little bit of humic acid. I'll be monitoring it daily.

And yes, I'm so happy with the purchase from Sandy. I will have to check back in spring about other plants he is selling.

Thanks!

buzzwinder

Neil, I went to walmart and bought 2 flourescent fixtues and four flourescent grow bulbs Total cost about $45.00, I have plastic pet cage basins from Farm and Fleet that I bought last year and I put thin wooden boards under the basins to keep off the floor to prevent conducting cold from the cement, drilled holes in the bottoms of all the pots to help with drainage and put the pots on more thin 1/4 inch boards to facilitate drainage, the excess water runs into the basin, as long as it's not touching the base of the pot, the pot drains ok and the water left in the basin helps with humidity in the air, so it's kind of a win win situation with the set up and supplying water and humidity to the plant over winter, last year was long cold winter here and all I had was an unheated three season room on a cement slab, so I had to improvise, I got got my Ye ol' pot of Dwarf Cavendish and my Gran Nains and zebrinas to survive, This year we moved and mama gave the spare room in the basement to play in so it's all a growing experience, but I'm really looking forward to next spring as I think with some luck I can get Dwarf Cav. to bloom.

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Bill for my friend

sandy0225

When I grow plants in my basement under the MH 1000 W, I set a piece of styrofoam on the floor under the plants I'm growing to stop the cold from radiating up. I have risers made from 2x4's and cement blocks to use like benches down there too.
Thanks for all the kinds feedback on my plants. I'm just glad to hear that they're doing well!
Sincerely

Attached Images

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Sandy Burrell



Northern Tropics Greenhouse
1501 East Fuson Road
Muncie, IN 47302
www.northerntropics.com


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