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. |
|
Register | Photo Gallery | Classifieds | Wiki | Chat | Map | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
Container Grown Banana Plants This forum is for discussions about growing banana plants in containers. |
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. |
Email this Page |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools |
07-31-2017, 07:45 AM | #1 (permalink) |
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 13
BananaBucks
: 26,553
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 21 Times
Was
Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times
|
Best potting mix for containers
Hey everyone
I have 4 banana plants, 2 Musa Basjoo which I believe are cold hardy, a Musa Cavendish red and a Musa ensete Maurelli red. All growing rapidly at the moment. I need to pot on the Basjoo ones and I repotted the Maurelli a couple of weeks ago but I am not happy with the potting mix I used as it feels very heavy and I am not sure it is draining well enough. I used equal parts John Innes no 2, horticultural sand and horticultural grit. The pot has plenty of drainage holes but it seems to stay wet a bit too long for my liking. I like the mix my Cavendish is in but it came like that and I don't know what it is...it is quite fibrous and lightweight when getting dry so it's easy to tell when watering is needed. What do you guys use? I am in the U.K. Thanks! |
Said thanks: |
Sponsors |
07-31-2017, 10:07 AM | #2 (permalink) |
Location: IL
Zone: 6a (10 miles east of 5b)
Name: Steve
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 497
BananaBucks
: 159,728
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 15 Times
Was
Thanked 781 Times in 315 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 5 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Nobody knows the best mix because that would require doing controlled experiments on every possible combination of every possible ingredient of potting mix. Personally, I use 1/3 parboiled rice hulls (PBH), plus 2/3 peat moss, and a small amount of unmilled sphagnum moss which produces relatively large air pockets while increasing water holding capacity. I avoid perlite and bark because, in theory, inelastic particles will not adequately allow for expansion of the root system and the potting mix will eventually be pushed over the top of the pot by the growing root system. My mix requires fertilization with a fertilizer that includes substantial amounts of Ca, Mg, and S.
|
Said thanks: |
07-31-2017, 10:16 AM | #3 (permalink) |
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 13
BananaBucks
: 26,553
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 21 Times
Was
Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Peat moss and sphagnum moss I can definitely do but I have never heard of PBH! I'm glad I didn't use perlite but I think the grit i used is the problem. Maybe I can repot it in peat, sphagnum and coconut husk mix? What do you think?
|
Said thanks: |
07-31-2017, 10:43 AM | #4 (permalink) | |
container grower 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
: 1,027
Feedback: 7 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,860 Times
Was
Thanked 11,691 Times in 4,865 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,943 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
and in the forum. Generally all the recipes will work and each person has their own recipe for success. Buy and use what you can afford. I do. Fall is the best time to stock up for next year much of youe supplies are on sale These are some of the substrates I use and can recommend. Peatmoss, perlite, pine fines, super fine bark. Soilless mix |
|
Said thanks: |
07-31-2017, 11:45 AM | #5 (permalink) | |
Location: IL
Zone: 6a (10 miles east of 5b)
Name: Steve
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 497
BananaBucks
: 159,728
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 15 Times
Was
Thanked 781 Times in 315 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 5 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
You can buy PBH here: Rice Hulls Soil Amendment 50 lb - Seven Springs Farm Organic Farming & Gardening Supplies LLC but shipping costs are high. If you can find a local source and pick it up, better. Just to clarify, unmilled sphagnum moss is this: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Moss-23.../dp/B004BFWABW |
|
Said thanks: |
Sponsors |
08-01-2017, 10:27 AM | #6 (permalink) |
Guero fronterizo
Location: San Diego, CA
Zone: 10
Name: Guerote
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 226
BananaBucks
: 75,315
Feedback: 1 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 74 Times
Was
Thanked 84 Times in 61 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Try EB Stone Citrus and Palm Mix. I really love it. It's extremely fast draining. I even use it for houseplants because it's an airy mix that doesn't allow roots to be too wet too long. I believe it has pumice in it. Cactus mixes should work too except Miracle Grow Cactus mix which has too much peat.
Z |
Said thanks: |
08-01-2017, 01:51 PM | #7 (permalink) | |
Location: San Diego
Zone: 9-11
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,641
BananaBucks
: 9,412
Feedback: 73 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,021 Times
Was
Thanked 2,961 Times in 1,115 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,969 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
|
|
Said thanks: |
08-01-2017, 04:21 PM | #8 (permalink) | |
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 13
BananaBucks
: 26,553
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 21 Times
Was
Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
|
|
08-01-2017, 04:48 PM | #9 (permalink) |
Location: Cairo, Ga
Zone: 8b
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,891
BananaBucks
: 88,401
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 1,741 Times
Was
Thanked 4,440 Times in 2,095 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 414 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Use a low cost potting mix from your local garden center or a discount store. What ever is cheap! Add to it 1/3 to 1/2 perlite for bananas. Or use sand instead of perlite; but sand will add extra weight to the pot.
If you check the label, I think these mixes in the UK will be a peat with a filer of fine bark or some other similar product and some perlite. If your local garden center had peat, ground pine bark, compost and perlite you might be able to mix your own potting mix for less cost. |
Said thanks: |
08-01-2017, 08:14 PM | #10 (permalink) | |
container grower 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
: 1,027
Feedback: 7 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,860 Times
Was
Thanked 11,691 Times in 4,865 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,943 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
You can, it is called Al's Gritty Mix..... you can find the recipe it on the web.... Great for small banana plants, cacti, orchid, succulents. Last edited by cincinnana : 08-02-2017 at 07:49 AM. Reason: added words |
|
Said thanks: |
08-02-2017, 08:00 PM | #11 (permalink) | |
Guero fronterizo
Location: San Diego, CA
Zone: 10
Name: Guerote
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 226
BananaBucks
: 75,315
Feedback: 1 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 74 Times
Was
Thanked 84 Times in 61 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
Z |
|
Said thanks: |
08-02-2017, 11:34 PM | #12 (permalink) |
Banana Plants for Trade
Location: East Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Ty
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,367
BananaBucks
: 47,401
Feedback: 11 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 4,612 Times
Was
Thanked 3,726 Times in 1,185 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 424 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Bananas love perlite. Nothing I have found will make a mix as fluffy and light as perlite does. Any banana touching a pot here goes in 50% potting soil (I like miracle grow yellow bag) mixed with 50% perlite.
__________________
150+ Varieties!!. See profile for list. Help me add more!
|
Said thanks: |
08-03-2017, 03:25 AM | #13 (permalink) |
un-Retired
Location: Vista, CA
Zone: USDA 10b
Name: Richard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,674
BananaBucks
: 500,570
Feedback: 9 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times
Was
Thanked 12,543 Times in 4,721 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
No such cultivar exists. You have something else.
For bagged soil available in the U.K., choose something labeled for azaleas or roses.
__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com |
Said thanks: |
08-03-2017, 07:53 AM | #14 (permalink) |
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 13
BananaBucks
: 26,553
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 21 Times
Was
Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Oh, that's what is on the label, I must try and find out then...they do a tree, shrub and rose compost mix at my local garden centre? Perhaps I can try that with some perlite...so many choices. Thanks everyone
|
Said thanks: |
08-03-2017, 11:33 AM | #15 (permalink) |
Location: IL
Zone: 6a (10 miles east of 5b)
Name: Steve
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 497
BananaBucks
: 159,728
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 15 Times
Was
Thanked 781 Times in 315 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 5 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
|
08-03-2017, 12:07 PM | #16 (permalink) | |
Location: IL
Zone: 6a (10 miles east of 5b)
Name: Steve
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 497
BananaBucks
: 159,728
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 15 Times
Was
Thanked 781 Times in 315 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 5 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
Incidentally, I just discovered that rice hulls can be pulverized with a food blender. I am going to experiment with pulverized rice hulls as a substitute for peat moss. |
|
Sponsors |
11-25-2017, 10:23 AM | #17 (permalink) |
Location: SW Florida
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 138
BananaBucks
: 19,976
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 14 Times
Was
Thanked 104 Times in 63 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
What about a small part of vermiculite if the mix as it holds water exceptionally well and bananas LOVE water right? I would think maybe 10% vermiculite or more for drier climates?
|
Said thanks: |
11-25-2017, 01:39 PM | #18 (permalink) | |
Location: IL
Zone: 6a (10 miles east of 5b)
Name: Steve
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 497
BananaBucks
: 159,728
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 15 Times
Was
Thanked 781 Times in 315 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 5 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Quote:
Sphagnum moss is more water absorbent than vermiculite. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/BestValueMoss...196476-8161365 |
|
Said thanks: |
11-25-2017, 01:51 PM | #19 (permalink) |
Location: SW Florida
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 138
BananaBucks
: 19,976
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 14 Times
Was
Thanked 104 Times in 63 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
Also way more expensive! $65 for spaghnum and $22 for shipping? I don't think so ....
I don't see any problem with perlite or vermiculite in garden soil either, if anything I encourage it as it's better than the hard pan soil I already have on my property. Last edited by Kanana : 11-25-2017 at 01:53 PM. |
Said thanks: |
11-25-2017, 03:37 PM | #20 (permalink) |
Banana Plants for Trade
Location: East Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Ty
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,367
BananaBucks
: 47,401
Feedback: 11 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 4,612 Times
Was
Thanked 3,726 Times in 1,185 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 424 Times
|
Re: Best potting mix for containers
I would buy 18 wheeler loads of perlite and add it to my garden soil! It is NOT styrofoam! It is all natural! They take volcanic rock and heat it until it pops like popcorn! If you don’t know what it is or the benefits, Go google it! Amazing stuff.
__________________
150+ Varieties!!. See profile for list. Help me add more!
|
Sponsors |
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 | RedBanana02 | Main Banana Discussion | 4 | 07-29-2015 07:32 PM |
Best type of potting mix? | siege2050 | Container Grown Banana Plants | 1 | 12-07-2013 09:10 AM |
Potting Pups..... | reloadyour9 | Main Banana Discussion | 6 | 05-02-2012 11:51 AM |
re potting....need help | browndrake | Container Grown Banana Plants | 8 | 07-16-2009 04:06 PM |
Potting up my DC | alpha010 | Container Grown Banana Plants | 3 | 03-31-2009 08:41 PM |