Hello,
Well, it's getting that depressing time of year when I know I must get ready to dismantle my private tropical retreat here in southern Ohio. Just wanted to share it with others before that happened. The EEs are starting to yellow a bit sensing the cooler temps. I have Blue Javas, Ornatas, Velutinas, Dwarf Cavendish, a miniature DC (Truly Tiny?), Red Abyssinians, Basjoos & a small Siam Ruby. I only fed 1/4 of what I should have (once a month vs. week) when I saw how fast everything was taking off this year -- was afraid I wouldn't be able to get them inside for winter!
Banana Gallery - Bananas 2009
Along that line, you may notice my largest Red Abyssinian. It HAS gotten too large to easily take in (grown from a 1 ft. plant in one season here w/minimal feeding!). I've read in posts about trimming the leaves to overwinter indoors. This is my first year with RAs whose leaves all grow from the bottom, so do I trim all the leaves from the very bottom except the center similar to what I've done in the past with Velutinas & Ornatas, etc. or do I literally guillotine at a height that I can get indoors? They just don't have the traditional "stalk" I've been used to. I may lose it anyway, but I'd like to at least try to overwinter such a large beauty.
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
Annie