Wide or tall pots?
 

Hi,:2722:
Are banana roots shallow and spread out or do they grow deep or both? I have those HomeDepot plastic flower pots in the largest size but was wondering if its better to plant in those imitation whiskey barrel size planters which seem to be wider but not as tall as the flower pot shape.

Thanks
Tom

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

wide pots are better!

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

Shallow & wide is best.

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

I know that banana roots grow more shallow than deep, but I've used deep pots for several reasons: I fill the bottom of the pots with rocks, not just for drainage but to also help in securing the pot from high winds. I also leave allot of space at the top to make watering allot easier. This also allows me to add fertilizer and mulch without having the pot overflow.

Having said all that, we have had some high winds here in Tucson and all the pots with plants taller than 6 feet have been blown over. Also, the mulch has now filled the pots to a level where there is little room left on top. The roots have also pushed the soil up close to top of the pot.

If I had to do it over again, I think I would get some 100-200 gallon Smart Pots since they have wide bases. But I would need to build some enclosures for them so they would look half way decent on my patio.

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

What size pots are you using that you would need to put rocks in the bottom of? I just re-potted two of my Ae Ae's in 35 gallon pots filled them with soil and I think it would take a few linebackers running full speed to knock them over. Even with my dolly it was a major ordeal to move them... lol and I am a pretty strong buy 6"1' 200lbs and I don't eat twinkies or potato chips! haha

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

I have these in 25 Gal. pots. Maybe due to the 30% vermiculite, the soil is really not too heavy.

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

hmm I use about that amount of vermiculite as well with my potting soil I mix up... i use a little bit more compost than peat moss with my mix too.

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

I have used 'tote barrels' from the dollar store to plant in. I cut holes in the side/bottom and they seem to do really good!
you can get them in all sizes - (see my photos)

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

wide is better, just for stability and water holding purposes. Bananas tend to be top-heavy when planted in pots because they will grow very rootbound with large tops.
Shallow pots hold more water than deep ones, don't know why. I saw it explained once technically, something about water tension and gravity, but the jist of the thing was that the shallow ones hold more water, so that's the only part I really remembered.( No reason to overload on information, my poor brain is crowded enough)
Good for summer, but remember to water less in winter in a shallow wide pot.

Re: Wide or tall pots?
 

I use the tote barrels also.

They are cheap.
They are big
They have sturdy handles (plastic rope) to help move the pots.

Right now I only have my citrus in them, but my big naners are going in them next spring.