Kluai Khai in Drip/Bubbler System (Grow Journal)
 

Hey guys.
I was thinking of growing my Kluai Khai TC banana in a hydroponic system. I've got no where in the ground to plant it but lots of concrete and blacktop! So I might as well try the impossible right?

So I'm going to use either tote or a 5 gallon bucket set up (I think the latter might be more sturdier but less root space). Problem is, I don't know what sort of pot or support to use for it. Those net pots will end up binding the corm and roots.

Any ideas for a pot to use?

Re: Kluai Khai in Hydroponics
 

So I decided I'm going to be using a 1 gallon nursery pot as the plant container until I figure out what to do it with it when it overgrows this setup.

From the drainage holes of a 1g nursery pot, I cut some strips going about half-way up the pot. Just enough for the roots to go through.

So for the setup, I'm going to use a bubbler in a 5 gal bucket. And will add a drip system once I get tubing for the water pump I have. Media is just lava rock as I can't really afford to buy hydroton right now.

Will take pictures tomorrow and post them here.

Re: Kluai Khai in Hydroponics
 

Here is what it looks like today. Will update once this banana starts recovering.



Here's the crude drip/flow. This is just temporary until I get proper tubing and a drip ring. For one, there's too much water flowing into one area and the other side looks like its dry.

Re: Kluai Khai in Hydroponics
 

Update: The roots grew out a lot. It's already starting to peak out of a 1 gal
pot. Just two weeks ago, it was growing in a Starbucks cup since around
November.

That leaf that was rolled up opened about 2 days later after the last picture.
But the dang earwigs chewed through two of the newest rolls of leaves so you
can see the damage there... I HATE EARWIGS.

Re: Kluai Khai in Hydroponics
 

Ok, I finally made it into a real DWC setup. Got some hydroton and a 10" lid net pot (I didn't know they existed until I went to the local hydro shop lol). I took out the "drip/flow" thing I had and will replace it with a General Hydroponics Farmkit later.

Re: Kluai Khai in Hydroponics
 

Ha ha Good top see someone doing this ! I'd like to know what formula fertilizer you are using .. Just asking .. I see that wood tub behind your present set up you might be transplanting that thing in there sooner than you might imagine .. But I bet you already know that . I grow Okra in hydro every summer and those plants can get huge in a 3 gallon bucket and I am just thinking a banana might need lots more room because of the corm! Maybe some one already has done this on this form . I haven't search the archives yet .. Also a nice thin stalk plant would be my choice also .. Im am no expert so Id have to look and see which one that might be .. But im going to keep an eye on your set up as you post about it! ha ha I'll be looking for a 30 gallon tub now that i've seen yours!!!!

Re: Kluai Khai in Hydroponics
 

As well as i know the Kluai Khai TC banana are a bit difficult to grow and need great care and one need to provide perfect nutrients all the time on regular basis.