If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

Is there anybody out there so kind to suggest me the best soil mix for a Brazilian Banana Prata corm to be planted in a pot?

I am based in Milan, Italy: Milan, Italy Forecast : Weather Underground

Correct me if I am wrong:

I would put some expanded clay at the bottom of the vase. Then, I would mix some expanded clay also with the soil. I also would ad some peat (although I dopn't have any available at the moment)...

PLEASE HELP MEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Thank you in advance

Lorenzo

:goteam:

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

Pure peat moss, pearlite added -- good drain -- good growth

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

Thanks Tony!
Isn't pearlite and expanded clay very similar?

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

I don't know first hand but I found this.


There are a number of materials that can be used in place of perlite for many of its applications. These materials (such as diatomite, pumice, expanded clay and shale, etc.) may be used in place of perlite without losing any of the benefits that perlite provides. Despite the lack of detailed information about world perlite production, there appears to be an abundant supply of perlite that will last many decades into the future.

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

Thanks Tony! You are great!

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

I use the following soil mix for all my bananas and palms: 1 large bag of sta-green potting mix, 1 bag fine pine bark mulch, 1 small bag of peat moss, 1 bag of sand (paver sand works well), 1/2 bag of pea gravel, 4 cups of Kelp meal, 2 lbs of esponia plant tone, and mix in about 25% of the native soil (which is clay here in St Louis). I dig the planting hole 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide and put some pea gravel in the bottom of the planting hole. I also have all my plants in raised beds, and cover the plant with about 4 inches of fine pine bark mulch. I also use the same mix for potting mix without the clay soil. -- Jeremy :waving:

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

When I make soil for myself I currently use:

2 buckets fine-grained humic compost (cooked and sifted greenery waste).
1 bucket Perlite (or Scoria -- for 20+ gallon tubs and long-term plantings).
1 bucket Horticultural Sand (this is 1/8 to 1/4 inch grain size).
1 bucket Sphagnum Peat Moss.
1 bucket Worm Castings.

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

Geez guys...your replies are so detailed!
Thank you so much.

Lorenzo

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

if u need a nutrient boost for your banana i would make a compost to put on top of the soil your using and its should be dead banana leafs when u get them coffee grounds and eggshells its a pure nitro booster and solves alot of problems in the future your plant might get and if u could get pixy dust aka azomite youll be growing bananas in no time:) good luck italian trooper

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

You mean this:.....



or this? lol

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

I am using "Berger M-7.

Re: If not perfect...the best soil mix
 

i substitute sphagum peat moss with coconut coir. it wets much easier and doesn't become mucky.