Quote:
Originally Posted by NANAMAN
I hear people talk about shading their bananas after transplanting, new plants(TCs), potted up new pups,etc... I've never done that! I always plant bananas, (dug up pups, new plants, even greenhouse grown TCs), in full, direct sun, (even in the hottest summer months). The leaves may die and look bad for a while, but the new growth will be acclimated to the sun. Even a new pup with no roots will usually put out new growth in 3/4 wks. planted in a pot or the ground in full sun. I know bananas like heat and seem to get established and grow faster (esp. new pups), and I have never killed a pup or plant using this method. Slowly acclimating the new plants to sun, would set them behind on growth a couple months, and possibly set them up for rot , if the plants get too much water or the climate cools for a spell. The only time it would make sense to me, ( to shade and slowly acclimate bananas ), is if your climate is extremely hot,(mid 90s and above), with low humidity. I know that I have almost ideal temps. and humidity where I live, and maybe the method I use won't work other places in the country, but I can assure you it works great here! I've read many threads about this subject and almost exclusively, people recommend to shade and slowly acclimate new banana plantings, even in S.Fl. , where I know it is unnecessary!
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Everyone has its own favorite way of doing things. I won't say others are wrong and I won't say my method is the best. The only way you can find out is do it yourself and work what is best for you.
In my opinion, since the new plant is already in state of shock why should I compound it. I want it to lessen its helplessness. I don't want the leaves to wilt (what good is it if it got wilted and turned brown. That is less photosynthesis to the plant thereby lessen its growth) . So I put shade on my new replanted plant. Once it recovers from shock like a kid who just recovers from sickness then I would expose it to the sun gradually until it is fully recovered. Thus, you did not loss any leaf and thus more photosynthesis to the plant, ergo more growth in due litlest time.
That's my way of thinking.
There are many ways to do a job but can come in the same conclusion. That's my 2 cents worth.
I've been doing this ever since I learned how to take care of my plants and that's a long long time ago.