Gailey

First of all, thanks to all of you who replied to my first post. What a nice "bunch" of people!

I hope by the time this thread appears, my first photograph is also sitting in my gallery. It's like learning a whole new language, this forum business - not for the technically challenged, no matter how green the thumb.

So last night, I scoured the archives for information on how to save my (somewhat costly) E. v. 'Maurelii'.

I have decuced that I have two options - please feel free to jump in if there are others.

1. Cut down the trunk and wait (hope) for it to push out new leaves.
2. Completely cut it down to the base. Follow this with a central incision across the diameter followed by cutting a 'v' shaped groove - followed by significant praying & patience.

I came across a series of photographs by a member who had done this successfully.

I tend to favour the second approach, if for no other reason because my plant is very wobbly at the base to begin with.

Before I opt for this decisive surgery, I have a couple of questions and would be very grateful for some feedback.

1. After cutting it right back and making the 'v' groove, what will be the plant's optimum requirements in terms of light/temperature/water/fertilizer? For instance, would it like to be in the dark or in bright light for an initial period?

2. The series of photos I viewed appeared to show a second 'v' groove being cut from the centre after a number of days had passed. Did I interpret this correctly? I assusmed the member simply removed dead tissue from the crown to allow more room, but I may be wrong.

3. In the faint hope that pups appear, should I then cover the crown & new shoots with more potting soil as happened in the series of photos? I also read that the poster was not so sure that this had been a good idea.

4. Perhaps a bit ahead of myself here, but again - in the faint hope that this procedure is successful, is it ok to leave all the pups in place and thereby grow a bushier plant, or should I divide them (not sure I could withstand the stress at that point!)

Thank you for taking the time to read. I fear it will be sometime before I have something worthwhile to add to this venerable group as far as bananas are concerned, but I am more than happy to offer up any other gardening advice as maybe needed. I have my own gardening business in Calgary, and whilst I'm new to bananas, I'm not half bad at most other aspects of gardening in a cold climate - clematis in particular.

Warm Regards

Gailey