Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Hi guys :). Leolady traded to get 3 banana corms that have dry roots. I've never grown bananas from corms before so I wasn't sure what to say.
What she'd like to know is, do these corms (photos below) stand a chance and, if so, how?







Thanx :) !

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

They look fine. Just put them in some soil, make sure they are covered, keep the soil slightly moist and in a few weeks (sometimes over a month or more) they will start growing.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

You said to make sure the corms are covered. How much soil should be over them?
The largest one has about 4 inches of the stem above the corm. Do I leave that exposed? I would think so, but want to make sure as I ama newbie at growing bananas.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

It doesnt really matter honestly, but a good guideline would be: plant the one without any stem about 1-2in underneath the soil, and plant the one with the stem so that about 3/4 of the stem is exposed still.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Gabe, Thanks for the info. I am really concerned about the large one. The stem has no green whatsoever and it feels rather soft.

Bonnie

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Don't worry about it, its quite normal and will be fine.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Hi Leolady! Glad Gabe jumped in! If anyone knows how to grow bananas, he does. I've had a Lot of luck but I'm still kind of a newbie myself. As for growing from corms, my 1st (and only) experience was given a decent burial. But, who knows, with a little more lurking, I might try again someday... maybe.
I'd wish ya luck But, with Gabe helping out, I'm sure they'll do great :) !

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

I have found a little bottom heat helps to speed things up.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

I think you'll be fine with these as well. As Gabe mentioned, don't overdo it with water until you see some growth.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Eric, you're so kind/helpful with all the new people! I've seen so many threads you started asking questions for others....way to be a devoted community member!! I'd give ya some kinda award if I could!

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

here ya go give Eric this one



I think it has his name on it bro

:woohoonaner:

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Dang! Guess I got beat to it! You really DO deserve that, though, Eric!

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Hey Eric (MJ) put them in as big a pot and keep them as warm as you can possibly keep them. My guess is they'll take a month or so to develop a big root system and then spring up pretty fast. That's what mine have done anyway.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Jeeps, Greg, Brian :o ! Think i'm gonna cry.... not right now, though, it'd get in my hot fudge sundae, well, maybe later. Thanx guys but I think you guys are really helpful too & deserve an award.... I'd send ya a hot fudge sundae if it wouldn't melt :) !

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

I potted the ones in the pics Eric posted for me. Now I have received 4 more similiar to the small one pictured or smaller.

My question on these is, what happens if I do not pot them? Will they just dry up and die? Actually they look that way already.
I am running out of room to put things that will get large, since I have to winter them indoors. Please help!!!!

Bonnie

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

I am really hoping someone will respond soon. I need help with these corms.

Bonnie

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Leolady, I would store them like a canna, card board box or cloth bag & in to the darkness they go.............just remember when you pot them up it takes a while for them to get going.... & not very much water.....

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

Moe's advice is right on-target. Corms are like tubers & will keep through the winter if stored in a cool, dry place.

Re: Need expert advice on corms, pics included
 

UPDATE ON BANANA CORMS"

Well here it is approximately 7 weeks after my corm pics were posted here. I followed the suggestions given by members and stored the small corms, like my canna rhizomes. I potted the large corm. After about a month, I got up one morning and noticed a stem growing out of the center of the large stem. To make a long story short, it has grown rapidly since then. About an inch or 2 a day. The p-stem is now almost 3 ft. tall and it has 3 large lovely leaves, and a 4th getting ready to unfurl.

I am absolutely amazed at how fast it is growing. At this rate, it will be touching the ceiling long before I can put it outside. (I am in zone 5. Very cold nasty winters here.)
But I will enjoy it for now and worry about that when the time comes.

Now I need to determine what kind of banana plant it is. I will try to post a pic as soon as I can. First I have to find out how to get a pic in a post.

Thanks to all for your help and suggestions.

Bonnie