speakeasy

I wanted to get back into growing bananas, so I ordered this item from 9greenbox, thinking that I'd receive a already established plant in a 1 gallon pot. Previously, I had ordered banana plants from greenhouse publishing (which apparently turned out to be not a real blue java plant lol) that arrived about a foot tall, so I was expecting something similar.

Instead, I got a short, crowded, mass of leaves. Not sure how well the pictures show, but there's actually 3 plants in there each pushing up a new leaf. Did some damage to the leaves trying to remove all the tape they stuck to the plant as well. I contacted their customer support, but at the moment I have to deal with the cards I was dealt.

How do I save these?

I assume I will have to replant all three in separate containers. What's the best way to split them up while doing the least amount of damage? At what point should I start removing leaves?

Regardless, next time I buy plants it'll be from members on here...

Juicy Bananas

They are a bit small to try and separate. I would gently remove the soil and see how large the corm is and how they are connected to each other.


Or you wait for them to grow a bit and then try what I said. Or you just plant it and remove suckers when you feel the time is best. There are many options.


The best part is learning and trying different things to find what best suits you.

speakeasy

Hmmm OK, I'll leave them be for a little bit more if it isn't terribly harmful for them to start like that. If it doesn't work out I suppose I will just buy another plant since I want to pick up a dwarf namwa as well. Still would hate to lose these since I paid for them though.

cincinnana

Looks like you got a three for one deal.

When I nursery shop I look for the containers which might have more than one plant or an extra pup or two.
I then grow the plant out to a larger size(maybe 3x your plants size)and knock some dirt off the root ball and using a sharp knife separate the trio.

Good deal

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speakeasy

Update: I've separated the plants.

https://i.imgur.com/7s095EU.jpg

At first they were in a bit of shock, and I was worried they were going to die, but now they've grown a bit since this photo was taken, putting up a leaf every few days. Had to give one away since I have more plants than I know what to do with at the moment. Hope the growth rate continues to accelerate.

speakeasy

So, my bananas have grown, even sprouting pups

https://imgur.com/MHT1IzL

But wondering what this fungus looking stuff is, how do I get rid of it without harming my plant?

https://imgur.com/KubuIZz

cincinnana

Wow, your plants have really grown and they look very good


My guess with your toadstool issue is possibly the soilless mix used contains some sort of manure or organics when wet create the perfect evviroment for fungi.
If you are using a granular organic fertilizer then this is somewhat normal.

Ample moisture with the addition of organic material is the perfect environment for fungi.

Usually fungi cause no harm and is more unsightly than anything..

Your cure is to let the soil try out and refresh your soilless mix this spring.
Or for fast results replace the top two inches of soil in your container with a fresh mix.

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speakeasy

Thanks! So that explains why the pot that is using organic fertilizer has them but the one using synthetic fertilizer doesn't.

I dug them out with my pocketknife since I don't want to be breathing any spores released.

Do you think it's likely they will fruit before this coming winter? I want to move them outdoors into ~50gallon fabric pots, but if I do that, I won't be able to move them inside once it gets cold.

cincinnana

Knowing that you use an organic fertilizer the plant is in good shape.

You may actually turn it over(mix it back in) in the soilless mix and that would be more beneficial tp the plant. Certain beneficial fungi and bacteria are mixed into organic products to facilitate extraordinary root development.
The type of fungi and bacteria used in organics is not the type that will make you ill.


Hey, you never know.
A jump to an 18-24 gal container might be somewhat more manageable with the possibility of a flower.

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speakeasy

The containers I'm using are already 22 gallons. Not confident I can physically carry and relocate a container that is much larger, definitely would not be able to do one that is in the 50 gallon or above range.