ryanlkab2

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member and a new banana dad. I did a bit of searching and couldn't quite find my answers.

I just recieved my blue java and its about 3ft tall with 10 leaves. I do plan to keep this potted. I know how big they can get, but I'm up north (Michigan) and will only get 6-7 hours of direct sun in the summer. We'll see how it goes! I'm not expecting fruit, just expecting to have fun with it. I was told to wait at least a week to repot since the plant went through a lot of stress during shipping.

When can I safely start fertilizer? I assume now. I found a supplier on eBay called Kelp4less. They have a fertilizer called Banana Fuel - 16-8-24. Anyone tried this before? https://www.ebay.com/itm/352497098412

How can I make a good well draining potting mix? I don't want to use MG or anything else with fertilizer already included.

Any other tips are welcome!

Thanks!
Ryan

ellenmarie

Congratulations Ryan!

I grow bananas for fun too and in in NH although I grew up in Michigan. My zone is 5 and it is about the same as mid-Michigan. I would give it a couple weeks before re potting jut to make sure it is over the stress. I make a mix of peat, pearlite & mini pine bark chips but those are hard to find. Just make sure that the pot drains well. I've also used a mix of composted manure, peat & pearlite about 3-2-1 or something there abouts.

Hope some of this helps and you should get lots of other info too. BTW - where did you purchase your Blue Java? I'm always interested in new resources.

-ellen

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ryanlkab2

Thanks for the reply!

I am actually in zone 6b. The big lake keeps us a bit warmer. I live about 5 miles from Lake Michigan.

I purchased from Plantvine.com. They are based in Miami.

There are just so many different opinions about fertilizer and soil mix. I think I can get a bag of black manure, perlite, and peat from Lowes. Is the pine bark just for drainage? I noticed that the potting mix the plant came with has some sort of wood chips.

Still don't know if I should start feeding right away. It did grow 2 inches since I got it 2 days ago, so I assume it handled the shipping well.

Thanks,
Ryan

ellenmarie

Yep, the wood chips are for drainage but the perlite does the same thing. I found if you buy a really big bag at Home Depot the perlite is bigger in size, not so fine. I only fertilize with Miracle Grow but that's just me. I personally would give it a shot of MG now. My growing season is short enough and I'm not patient.

Nice living so close to Lake MI.

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cincinnana

Welcome to the Jungle.....

have fun here

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ryanlkab2

The new leaf has grown 6 inches in the first 3 days. I think it handled the stress of shipping quite well. It sure does drink a lot, too!