Bananas.org

Welcome to the Bananas.org forums.

You're currently viewing our message boards as a guest which gives you limited access to participate in discussions and access our other features such as our wiki and photo gallery. By joining our community, you'll have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos, and access many other special features. Registration is fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Go Back   Bananas.org > Banana Forum > Main Banana Discussion
Register Photo Gallery Classifieds Wiki Chat Map Today's Posts

Main Banana Discussion This is where we discuss our banana collections; tips on growing bananas, tips on harvesting bananas, sharing our banana photos and stories.


Members currently in the chatroom: 0
The most chatters online in one day was 17, 09-06-2009.
No one is currently using the chat.

Reply   Email this Page Email this Page
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 06-09-2009, 03:18 PM   #1 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Cool Orinoco Flow...

Orinoco Flow... Enya...


Into the (Dwarf Orinoco) 'flow' of the bananas we go...

I know this is a 'discussion' section, but, I am going to Journal our 'goings on' with our banana endeavors here.
Feel free to stop in, read, comment and/or guide us in the right direction regarding our journey to raising PRODUCTIVE BANANA PLANTS!!!

Week 1:



Still researching & looking to put a good transplanting soil mix together.
I have Perlite & Peat Moss...picked up some seedling potting soil.
It appears to have good draining qualities. I have some 15-5-30 fertilizer...

***How much & when to fertilize are my 1st Questions***

***When to repot is my next Question***


Thanks for letting us 'Hang out' here...and thank you any & all your help!!

~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:

Join Bananas.org Today!

Are you a banana plant enthusiast? Then we hope you will join the community. You will gain access to post, create threads, private message, upload images, join groups and more.

Bananas.org is owned and operated by fellow banana plant enthusiasts. We strive to offer a non-commercial community to learn and share information. Receive all three issues from Volume 1 of Bananas Magazine with your membership:
   

Join Bananas.org Today! - Click Here


Sponsors

Old 06-09-2009, 03:52 PM   #2 (permalink)
Bob
Orang Puteh
 
Bob's Avatar
 
Location: Washington Twp N.J.
Zone: 6a
Name: bob
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,528
BananaBucks : 218,493
Feedback: 12 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 9,537 Times
Was Thanked 4,058 Times in 1,694 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 565 Times
Default Re: Orinoco Flow...

Hi Cheryl, I have a recomendation that you don't use a lot of sand to amend your potting mix. I recently sent some bananas out to a few members and those that were heavily amended with sand I noticed had the least root developement. Those with more bark chips or perlite had a whole lot more, so even though it makes for well drained soil I guess the banana roots don't like it as much as I used to think. I wouldn't use the seed starting mix in combination with the peat moss. I think a regular potting soil amended with eother perlite , bark chips or all the above has been the best for me to date. Let the plant get established a few weeks in warm weather and then fertilize. The ratio of what you have should be great.
Good luck.
__________________
Click for Morris Plains, New Jersey Forecast
Bob is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Bob
Said thanks:
Old 06-09-2009, 10:34 PM   #3 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Default Re: Orinoco Flow...

**Sigh**

Reading alot of posts...y'all are busy & prolific growers!!

Wanted to list the other things we have going on in the yard.

2 Nana Dwarf Pomegranates
1 Wonderful Pomegranate
1 Kinnow Mandarin tree
1 Miho Satsuma Mandarin
3 Dwarf Orinoco Bananas

Garden:

Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Thornless Blackberries
Cukes, Eggplant, Squash

Green, Yellow & Orange Mangoe Peppers
Cubanelle, Patio, Jalapeno & Banana peppers
Red & Yellow Sweet onions
Tomatoes..too many
(We put in a Salsa Garden)

(No Parsley ) Sage, Rosemary, Thyme
Cilantro, Chives, Sweet Basil, Oregano
Spearmint, Peppermint

Then there's the flowers...that's another day!!

Have a good night Y'all!! ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 06-10-2009, 10:01 AM   #4 (permalink)
Ensete nut
 
Tog Tan's Avatar
 
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Name: Tog
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,757
BananaBucks : 450,374
Feedback: 2 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 1,011 Times
Was Thanked 2,723 Times in 787 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 204 Times
Joy Re: Orinoco Flow...

Hi Che, it's nice for you to start a journal so we can see your progress. It is weird with 'naners (or just any plant) that once you get into it, the numbers tend to increase very quickly! To keep the frustration level low, I keep plants which are suited to my climate. This prevents the heart pain of losses of the plants rather than the money spent! All the best!!!
__________________



____
Tog Tan has sadly suddenly passed away 6/16/09. We will miss you Tog Tan.
Tog Tan is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Tog Tan
Said thanks:
Old 06-19-2009, 09:17 PM   #5 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Unhappy Re: Orinoco Flow...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tog Tan View Post
Hi Che, it's nice for you to start a journal so we can see your progress. It is weird with 'naners (or just any plant) that once you get into it, the numbers tend to increase very quickly! To keep the frustration level low, I keep plants which are suited to my climate. This prevents the heart pain of losses of the plants rather than the money spent! All the best!!!

We are all feeling 'heart pain' Tog, when people, like plants, take root in our hearts & grow forever.
We will miss you my friend...
Our memories of you multipy daily, keeping you fresh in our hearts & minds...

________________________________________________________________ _
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Sponsors

Old 06-20-2009, 08:02 AM   #6 (permalink)
Bananaculturist
 
Bananaman88's Avatar
 
Location: Houston, TX area
Zone: 9
Name: Brent
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,019
BananaBucks : 241,830
Feedback: 22 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 1,339 Times
Was Thanked 2,263 Times in 1,178 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 191 Times
Send a message via Skype™ to Bananaman88
Default Re: Orinoco Flow...

You said it, Cheryl. As I was reading your post and came across Tog's reply it tripped me up there for a minute. I'm happy though that everytime I come across one of his posts that it brings good memories of him.
Bananaman88 is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Bananaman88
Said thanks:
Old 06-20-2009, 11:02 AM   #7 (permalink)
un-Retired
 
Richard's Avatar
 
Location: Vista, CA
Zone: USDA 10b
Name: Richard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,674
BananaBucks : 637,298
Feedback: 9 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times
Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times
Default Re: Orinoco Flow...

Quote:
Originally Posted by CValentine View Post
How much & when to fertilize are my 1st Questions
From Info:Fertilizer - Bananas Wiki

Specific Needs of Bananas
  • Very Young Plants: 1/4 teaspoon (TC's) to 1 teaspoon (TC starts in 2" or 4" pot) of a water-soluble such as 20-10-20. More phosphate is needed during this stage to promote root development.
__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com
Richard is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Richard
Said thanks:
Old 06-23-2009, 09:18 AM   #8 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Cool Re: Orinoco Flow...

Well,

It's Tuesday & 2 weeks since my banana's made it to their new home here in Texas.

Growing nicely...new leaves emerging...I am Happy!!



The center banana has had that chronic yellow leaf & I am letting it weather itself out & try not to worry & let them be.
The toads have been trying to bed in the soft soil, but there isn't enough for them to burrow into it seems, LOL.

-----------------------------------------------
Other News:

I have had a couple of baby praying mantis make the scene here...they are camera shy & I always seem NOT to have a fresh battery handy when trying to get a good photo of them.

My son Joe turned 6yo yesterday...More Monster Trucks to jump over the bananas!!

In the past week on the truck we have replaced the u-joints on the front drive shaft, installed hood louvers, timed the engine & tuned the carb. Last night we repalced the steering bushings and installed an oil cooler. Today I anticipate wiring in the Corvette dual cooling fan.

And how was your week-end? ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 06-25-2009, 06:58 PM   #9 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Cool Re: Orinoco Flow...

I am only posting weekly pictures to document their growth, but my DO are growing beautifully!!!

The outer & inner banana plants pictured above are putting out leaves like crazy, while the center plant has only pumped out an(1) extra one. I will be applying fertilizer to just that one tonight with their watering.

The Grand Nain I put in the ground the day before yesterday, its lower leaves burnt somehow. They were crunchy, so I trimmed them off & crumbled them into the soil. Having seen the reaction of that one plant, I am keeping the other GN & DC in their pots until I see a turn for the better from the one in the ground.

I have a Brown Turkey fig sittting at Aafes waiting for me to pick it up tomorrow!!!

I am looking at buying a variegated calamondin...will hubby let me slide that one into the backyard...

Hope it's been a good week for everyone!! ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 06-30-2009, 02:32 AM   #10 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Hiya Re: Orinoco Flow...

Week 3 for the Dwarf Orinoco's!!!


Considerable growth and leaf output.
Twice a day watering, 12 hours apart, no fertilizer applied as of yet.
Really pleased with their development!!!

The Grand Nain that I put in the ground had developed brown in the leaves, slightly crunchy as before. No panicing, I will watch. It is sending up a new leaf, so there is positive growth & as I've read all over this Forum...'Do not PANIC!!! It will come out of it's FUNK!'

The children and I are going to sit down tomorrow and view Dr. Nelson CD on 'Growing Bananas'.
Excited to see what else we can learn about these beautiful plants!

The kids (esp. my 10yo Che') takes growing them as a challenge as it seems they are not a predictable growing plant. Each one of the bananas that we have - have a personna per say, all their own. One likes more sun and water and one likes to be left alone and not watered for 2 days. One likes more shade...and the Orinoco siblings, 2 like the sun all day everyday, while we have found that the middle one likes some shade and has perked up from last week.

...Who'd a thunk...Bananas with personalities...

Well, gonna wind it up here.
I purchased my Fig, and they didn't have the variagated, so I bought a solid leaved Calamondin...the blossoms smell WONDEFUL!!

Hope it's a good week where you are!! ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 07-06-2009, 03:06 PM   #11 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Smile Re: Orinoco Flow...

Week 4 of Orinoco Flow!!

Considerable leaf output & some Fertilizer burn on some of the leaves.

LH plant seems to have acclaimated quite well!!
Middle plant still the lagging.
RH plant is trying to boost, leaves burnt.

Stems on all have markable increased thickness.
Waiting to see a heavy height increase before potting up.

Any hints anyone?

Grand Nain in ground is adapting better, I may have not mixed in quite enough lightweight matter to 'loft up' the soil. It appears slightly 'mucky' even though it is draining well. Will try adding mulch to the top to see if it degrades and helps the situation.

DC in pots are doing well, no problems.
GN in pot, being problematic. May put in ground to see if it remedies it.

Am expecting my newbie bananas to arrive this week....SO EXCITED!!!

Hope it's a good week for all!
Happy Growing!! ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 07-13-2009, 05:18 PM   #12 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Cool Re: Orinoco Flow...

Here they are @ Week 5!!!

Look at them GROW!!!



Definitely kicking into gear!!! I am so happy with them!

I am going to use some fertilizer with tomorrows watering & hope that it will bump them up even further!!

Wondering though...should I repot already?

I have some new babies() coming this week & need the pots...Opinions Please!!!

Thanks for checking in!! ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 07-13-2009, 06:14 PM   #13 (permalink)
 
kaczercat's Avatar
 
Location: Southern ON
Zone: 5b 9b
Name: Matt
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,874
BananaBucks : 232,975
Feedback: 3 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,116 Times
Was Thanked 2,111 Times in 750 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 11 Times
Default Re: Orinoco Flow...

wow the progress is amazing they are really moving now! id say those pots should be okay for at least another 2 weeks but some time before Aug you might want to upgrade to a few inches bigger
__________________
Matt
kaczercat is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To kaczercat
Said thanks:
Old 07-20-2009, 12:26 PM   #14 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Smile Re: Orinoco Flow...

Week 6:



Slight transformation...not as big a jump as I've seen in the prior 2 weeks.
The children want to repot, we will wait 'til the end of the week.

Definitely strong plants...just slower growth this week.

May try fertilizing them tomorrow.

Any ideas/input? Thanks!! ~Cheryl, Christel, Rissy, Che', Joe & Ren
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 07-20-2009, 04:42 PM   #15 (permalink)
un-Retired
 
Richard's Avatar
 
Location: Vista, CA
Zone: USDA 10b
Name: Richard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,674
BananaBucks : 637,298
Feedback: 9 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times
Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times
Default Re: Orinoco Flow...

Quote:
Originally Posted by CValentine View Post
Any ideas/input?
The bigger the pot, the faster they will grow!

The center plant is a Dwarf Orinoco, started as a tissue culture 1 year ago in a 15-gallon pot and transplanted (somewhat belatedly) into a 25 gallon pot today.

__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com
Richard is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Richard
Said thanks:
Old 07-20-2009, 04:48 PM   #16 (permalink)
Bob
Orang Puteh
 
Bob's Avatar
 
Location: Washington Twp N.J.
Zone: 6a
Name: bob
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,528
BananaBucks : 218,493
Feedback: 12 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 9,537 Times
Was Thanked 4,058 Times in 1,694 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 565 Times
Wink Re: Orinoco Flow...

Aye Caramba Cheryl! Try paying more attention to them Banana Mom!
(if it was the D. Namwah I'd understand.)
__________________
Click for Morris Plains, New Jersey Forecast
Bob is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Bob
Said thanks:

Join Bananas.org Today!

Are you a banana plant enthusiast? Then we hope you will join the community. You will gain access to post, create threads, private message, upload images, join groups and more.

Bananas.org is owned and operated by fellow banana plant enthusiasts. We strive to offer a non-commercial community to learn and share information. Receive all three issues from Volume 1 of Bananas Magazine with your membership:
   

Join Bananas.org Today! - Click Here


Sponsors

Old 07-28-2009, 09:26 PM   #17 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Talking Re: Orinoco Flow...

Week 7...OMGoodness!!

Are these the same plants??
I gave them fertilizer last week & BOOM!!!
ORINOCO POWER!!!


These guys are boosting again!!!
The kids are thrilled!!! (Mom is too!!!)

Definite repotting going on this week!

I'm a day late with the posting, sorry, but I had issues getting onto the site yesterday.

I may fertilize again tomorrow. Would this be too much??

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks! ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 07-28-2009, 10:53 PM   #18 (permalink)
un-Retired
 
Richard's Avatar
 
Location: Vista, CA
Zone: USDA 10b
Name: Richard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,674
BananaBucks : 637,298
Feedback: 9 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times
Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times
Default Re: Orinoco Flow...

I'd put them in 25 gallon pots.
__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com
Richard is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Richard
Said thanks:
Old 08-03-2009, 11:22 AM   #19 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Cool Re: Orinoco Flow...

Thank you Richard!! I think they are ready for those 25g pots.

They are growing so well!!



I just am in AWE!! They are beautiful!!

~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Old 08-10-2009, 12:20 PM   #20 (permalink)
Prolific Epistemologist

 
CValentine's Avatar
 
Location: Bell County, Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Che
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,846
BananaBucks : 167,452
Feedback: 4 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 7,127 Times
Was Thanked 1,782 Times in 625 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 362 Times
Cool Re: Orinoco Flow...

WEEK 8!!!



They are growing AWESOME!!
Will repost a better picture when the sun gets higher in the sky.

((I know, I know...they're still not repotted!!))

That round Tuit...where is it???? ~Cheryl
__________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix
CValentine is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To CValentine
Said thanks:
Sponsors

Reply   Email this Page Email this Page

Previous Thread: my oahu trip
Next Thread: Banana Alert





Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 AM.





All content © Bananas.org & the respective author.