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 Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

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 06-15-2020, 11:15 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
Sundra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 285
BananaBucks : 26,460
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 500 Times
Was Thanked 345 Times in 148 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
Default Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

So after giving up on e-bay, I finally placed an order for Variegated Florida from a Thailand shop about a month ago. The plant is due to ship later this month, (EMS of course!)

Here's where I'm having an moment

They ship bareroot. The webpage states absolutely no fertilzer until the plant has acclimated itself and put out decent new growth, approximately 3 new leaves.

I didn't think this was going to be an issue until i realized I can't for the life of me find potting soil without some form of fertilizer added or naturally occuring, anywhere!

My local soil is heavy clay so out of the question.

I thought I'd get clever and buy topsoil but that stuff is heavier than the dang clay soil.

Even amended with perlite, I just don't think those very heavy soils would be a good idea, not with how sensitive AeAe--even the hardier Florida strain-- are to root rot when young.

I did contact the shop owner, and he was very nice and quick to respond. Said to use ALL perlite. Hey, he probably knows what he's doing, his shop is long established and has a good reputation, but I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about it and thought I'd ask you guys first--and for alternatives.

So....

Those of you with Florida Variegated, did any of you also recieve yours bareroot? Or even if not, did any of you pot yours up right away? My obvious question: what freaking soil did you use?!



I'm not panicking at all...
Sundra is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Sundra
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 06-16-2020, 10:21 AM   #2 (permalink)
 
Greenie's Avatar
 
Location: Fl.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,301
BananaBucks : 185,158
Feedback: 5 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 300 Times
Was Thanked 1,362 Times in 388 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 6 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

[/IMG]Congrats! Enjoy your variegated musa.

Just enjoy the process and don’t over think it.

I use the regular Miracle Gro yellow-green bag and add some perlite to the mix at like 3-1 ratio

Water it in good and enjoy....
[IMG][/IMG]


Last edited by Greenie : 06-17-2020 at 01:14 AM.
Greenie is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Greenie
Old 06-16-2020, 02:51 PM   #3 (permalink)
 
Iowa's Avatar
 
Location: Burlington,Iowa
Zone: 5
Name: Mike
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 702
BananaBucks : 43,102
Feedback: 3 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 569 Times
Was Thanked 1,014 Times in 380 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 597 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

Like Greenie said, don't over think it. I was talking to a person who said that they leaned something new, they did't know not to use potting soil with fertilizer in it starting plant's. Another person I know who works at a wholesale green house said they had some plant that they were told to start without fertilizer. They started those plugs as suggested. She said they did not look very good and planted the rest in the potting mix they always use and they did great. It's the first I heard not to use fertilizer starting plants before. and have always just used a good potting mix and will drained pots.
__________________
Growing Musa Orinoco since 1993 - Added 2018-Basjoo, Zebrina' Rojo, Ensete Red Abyssinian - Added 2019-Goldfinger - Added 2020-Kokopo (Short Cycle), Double (Mahoi), Highgate, Super Dwarf Cavendish - Added 2021-Pisang Ceylon(Mysore), Musa Margarita, Ensete Ventricosum - Added 2023 - Siam Ruby
Iowa is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Iowa
Said thanks:
Old 06-16-2020, 03:32 PM   #4 (permalink)
 
Valor_X's Avatar
 
Location: Texas
Zone: 9A
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 701
BananaBucks : 78,630
Feedback: 1 / 67%
Said "Thanks" 1,203 Times
Was Thanked 1,275 Times in 489 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 44 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

I got mine as a sword pup rhizome with a cut stem and it took almost an entire month for it to push out of the old stem.

Here's what worked for me, I got some really good potting soil and did a 50/50 perlite mix so it's well draining. I also added more drain holes in the pot itself. My Florida has been growing like crazy and it loves it. You'll be fine with any compost potting soil, I wouldn't recommend topsoil because it can get compacted and hinder root growth.

However, the fertilizer statement is true. Mine already has 3 huge leaves on it and I gave it some water soluble fertilizer and it burned the leaves just a tiny bit, hardly noticeable but it's there.
__________________
Varieties I'm Growing

From Corm/Pup
Dwarf Cavendish ○ Super Dwarf Cavendish ○ Grand Nain ○ Niņo ○ Manzano ○ Raja Puri ○ Tall Namwah ○ Blue Java ○ 1000 Fingers ○ Praying Hands ○ Orinoco ○ Variegated Florida ○ PR Red ○ California Gold ○ FHIA-03 Sweetheart

Plantains
Puerto Rican Dwarf Plantain ○ African Rhino Horn

From TC
Truly Tiny ○ Manzano ○ "Blue Java" ○ Dwarf Namwah ○ Thai Black ○ Veinte Cohol
Valor_X is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Valor_X
Said thanks:
Old 06-16-2020, 06:03 PM   #5 (permalink)
 
Iowa's Avatar
 
Location: Burlington,Iowa
Zone: 5
Name: Mike
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 702
BananaBucks : 43,102
Feedback: 3 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 569 Times
Was Thanked 1,014 Times in 380 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 597 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

Yes, potting soil that has fertilizer in it is fine., but don't give them any extra fertilizer until they grow up.
__________________
Growing Musa Orinoco since 1993 - Added 2018-Basjoo, Zebrina' Rojo, Ensete Red Abyssinian - Added 2019-Goldfinger - Added 2020-Kokopo (Short Cycle), Double (Mahoi), Highgate, Super Dwarf Cavendish - Added 2021-Pisang Ceylon(Mysore), Musa Margarita, Ensete Ventricosum - Added 2023 - Siam Ruby
Iowa is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Iowa
Said thanks:
Sponsors

Old 06-16-2020, 09:04 PM   #6 (permalink)
 
Location: Cairo, Ga
Zone: 8b
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,891
BananaBucks : 88,404
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 1,741 Times
Was Thanked 4,440 Times in 2,095 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 414 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

I agree with Iowa ... commercial potting soil is OK ... with or without fertilizer. Some of the Dollar store brands do not have or has very little fertilizer.
__________________
edwmax is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To edwmax
Said thanks:
Old 06-18-2020, 01:15 AM   #7 (permalink)
 
Sundra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 285
BananaBucks : 26,460
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 500 Times
Was Thanked 345 Times in 148 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

Thanks everyone for your very helpful replies


I found some potting soil called NK Organic Seed Starting Mix that doesn't appear to have any fertilizer, the ingrediants look good and it is very airy. To it will add perlite that is lightly fertlized, so it has a little *something* to start out with.

Re Miracle Gro. Oh yes, the rest of my banana plants are in half yellow miracle gro and half perlite and they go absolutely...well..you know

The Florida Variegated will definitly get potted in that once it gets going.


Wow Greenie those are some awesome strong roots. Beautiful plant!
Sundra is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Sundra
Said thanks:
Old 06-19-2020, 09:30 PM   #8 (permalink)
container grower
 
cincinnana's Avatar
 
Location: Southwest Ohio U.S.A.🇺🇸
Zone: HZ 6/5 Microclimate - Elevation 750 feet- 228.60 meters
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 8,771
BananaBucks : 1,033
Feedback: 7 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,860 Times
Was Thanked 11,691 Times in 4,865 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,943 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sundra View Post
So after giving up on e-bay, I finally placed an order for Variegated Florida from a Thailand shop about a month ago. The plant is due to ship later this month, (EMS of course!)

Here's where I'm having an moment

They ship bareroot. The webpage states absolutely no fertilzer until the plant has acclimated itself and put out decent new growth, approximately 3 new leaves.

I didn't think this was going to be an issue until i realized I can't for the life of me find potting soil without some form of fertilizer added or naturally occuring, anywhere!

My local soil is heavy clay so out of the question.

I thought I'd get clever and buy topsoil but that stuff is heavier than the dang clay soil.

Even amended with perlite, I just don't think those very heavy soils would be a good idea, not with how sensitive AeAe--even the hardier Florida strain-- are to root rot when young.

I did contact the shop owner, and he was very nice and quick to respond. Said to use ALL perlite. Hey, he probably knows what he's doing, his shop is long established and has a good reputation, but I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about it and thought I'd ask you guys first--and for alternatives.

So....

Those of you with Florida Variegated, did any of you also recieve yours bareroot? Or even if not, did any of you pot yours up right away? My obvious question: what freaking soil did you use?!



I'm not panicking at all...
Keep the soiless mix light....

AeAe pups in the soilless mix I use.

by
Hostafarian
,
on Flickr


Healthy roots

by
Hostafarian
,
on Flickr


You plant needs nothing special.....just a banana plant which costs little bit more.

Forum member Hmelendez has some great photos on his Fliker feed for growing his variegated plants from Thailand.
He also has some of the best posts for growing bare corms.
__________________
🌴

Last edited by cincinnana : 06-20-2020 at 05:55 PM.
cincinnana is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To cincinnana
Said thanks:
Old 06-21-2020, 05:39 AM   #9 (permalink)
Pseudostem Therapist
 
NANAMAN's Avatar
 
Location: Lake Park Fl.
Zone: 10
Name: Brian
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,696
BananaBucks : 277,306
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 452 Times
Was Thanked 1,118 Times in 320 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 16 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

Trust the corm!
__________________
NANAMAN is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To NANAMAN
Said thanks:
Old 06-21-2020, 06:47 PM   #10 (permalink)
container grower
 
cincinnana's Avatar
 
Location: Southwest Ohio U.S.A.🇺🇸
Zone: HZ 6/5 Microclimate - Elevation 750 feet- 228.60 meters
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 8,771
BananaBucks : 1,033
Feedback: 7 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,860 Times
Was Thanked 11,691 Times in 4,865 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,943 Times
Smile Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

Trust the soil...and corm


All in....
__________________
🌴
cincinnana is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To cincinnana
Old 06-22-2020, 12:44 AM   #11 (permalink)
 
Sundra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 285
BananaBucks : 26,460
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 500 Times
Was Thanked 345 Times in 148 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
Default Re: Potting Soil for Florida Variegated

Quote:
Originally Posted by cincinnana View Post
Keep the soiless mix light....

AeAe pups in the soilless mix I use.

by
Hostafarian
,
on Flickr


Healthy roots

by
Hostafarian
,
on Flickr


You plant needs nothing special.....just a banana plant which costs little bit more.

Forum member Hmelendez has some great photos on his Fliker feed for growing his variegated plants from Thailand.
He also has some of the best posts for growing bare corms.
Those look awesome

Very encouraging seeing all these beautiful and healthy AeAe from various people with healthy roots!

Thank you I will look for the posts

Only 6 more days until it gets shipped, dun dun dun
Sundra is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Sundra
Said thanks:
Reply   Email this Page Email this Page






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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Potting Mix / Soil Mix Brad1234565 Main Banana Discussion 2 08-29-2018 06:39 AM
Potting soil Mason Banana Plant Soil, Additives, and Fertilizer 27 01-21-2014 08:41 PM
Do not use Scott's potting soil Nicolas Naranja Banana Plant Soil, Additives, and Fertilizer 6 11-25-2009 08:21 AM
what are you using for potting soil? nucci60 Main Banana Discussion 62 01-01-2008 07:07 PM
Best type of potting soil? jbclem Main Banana Discussion 6 04-25-2007 05:41 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:30 PM.





All content © Bananas.org & the respective author.