portlandorbananas

My dwarf cavendish has been growing outside during the summer here in Portland Oregon and is looking fairly healthy. The problem is that the leaves are not that big. It has been growing well since about march when it started getting warm. It still looks like a pup though. Do dwarf cavendish grow slowly? Is mine still just a pup? Am I not giving it enough fertilizer? The leaves look healthy aside from curling at the edges or being a little dry in spots. They are just currently small. It may just be that it is still young but I would love to hear your thoughts.

chris_zx2

If the plant is healthy and properly fed, each leaf should be bigger than the last.

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--Chris
So far:
Dwarf Cavendish -- Basjoo -- Bunch of Truly Tiny

a.hulva@coxinet.net

I suggest your weather is the problem. Bananas need warm soil temperature and lots of direct sunlight. You definitely have a challenge.
Pictures would be nice.

portlandorbananas

Mark Dragt

I agree with Al. Weather is the problem. Not that we aren't getting any heat, but that the mornings are so cool. All of my Cavendish types are growing slow, where some of the others are growing much faster. Dwarf Brazillian, dwarf Orinoco, Tall Orinoco, Basjoo, Praying Hands, Namwah, and to my surprise FHIA-3 sweetheart, are all performing better than my Cavendish types.

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Mark's Banana Forest Paradise

portlandorbananas

Thanks for your help. I have received great information. I will continue to grow this and see what happens.

Olympian

Hello! One measure that I take in a cool environment is I put my pots or grow bags into bigger size grow bags. I stuff 'stuff' into the outer grow bag to help keep the soil a little warmer.

I have also been known to use styrofoam drink chests instead of an outer grow bag. The stuffed styrofoam chests seem to keep the soil warmer than the outer grow bag so you can experiment with what works best for your plants.

I have mine on wheels so that I can move them around to follow the sun to get more light and heat.

Also, perhaps if you would be able to put it next to a wall of your house, that might help it retain some heat and perhaps more sun light.

You can also consider putting a cold weather blanket made for plants over the plant during your coldest part of the day.

Maybe when it gets older, your Cavendish will be better able to adapt to your environment.

Good luck to you and your Cavendish!!!

Olympian

You are welcome!

cincinnana

Once the plant gets older...
Goodluck..

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