Containers: width vs height?
 

Hi all,

The largest of my banana plants need to be repotted soon and I was looking to buy those large black buckets that are used to mix mortar in, as they are way cheaper than the large flower pots the garden centres in my neighbourhood sell. They have volumes of 65L to 95L (17 to 25 gallon) and with holes drilled in the bottom they should do fine, I reckon.

These do have a different shape than standard pots, and are generally lower but with wider diameters. Would this be fine for a musa's root system? Or is container depth the more important factor?

Here is an example of the one I'd like to go and purchase: click

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

wish i could find pots like that, nanners roots usually go wider than deeper. should be at least 24in deep though,? i think would do fine.

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Thanks for the reply, scottu! The height is only about 13 or 14 inches.
I'll go and get one and see how it will do for now. If it seems to be struggling with the lack of depth, I'll go and purchase an even bigger one:ha:

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Done! I have planted my Veinte Cohol into this 24 gallon bucket. My taller Namwa is too stout and will need a deeper pot. I'll keep looking for an alternative...

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Containers: width vs height?
 

Might want to consider a rubber made or equivalent tote.

Craig

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Thanks for the tip! The 25-gallon Roughneck seems like a good option. I'll check which ones are available here in Europe :)

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

That is what I use....good choice.

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Just a follow up:
Today I finally released my tallest Namwa from its small container and repotted it to a new 110L / 29 gallon one. The surrounding plants kind of obsure the view but you get the picture :D The VC is on the left, and started pushing out its second new leaf after it stopped for a while after repotting.

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Wow, great sucess the plants they will be large in no time.:08:

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Because banana roots are in the form of bunches, I think you should buy a lower pot with lower diameter but larger!

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Looks perfect to me! Short and wide is perfect for Musa. How is your Hom Kreak growing?

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Both my Hom Kreaks are doing excellent! They push out a new and healthy leaf every week. But because they are so densely packed, and the bottom leaves don't seem to die off (and their pot is kinda small) they stay really compact. Fun-sized if you will :D Gorgeous musa with lush deep green leaves! I'll take a few pictures when it is a bit sunnier outside. Here's a quick one;

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

I've just updated the relevant topic: New addition to a young collection :bananas_b

They're doing great. Lovely plants!

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

I have tried many containers..I finally started building my own for cheap. You can make your own dimensions for your needs.

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Thanks for the tip! Do you line the insides with plastic, or are they made entirely out of wood?

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Hello, yes made entirely of wood. I have used cheap fence spickets, recycled wood from scrap or better quality 10in x 2 inch...these will last many years. They cheaper wood will most likely need to be reinforced with 2x2's or thicker wood than box material for supports as the frame. Internet search for planter boxes will give u great layouts and pictures to visualize different boxes. Some boxe at the beginning of each season I will puy cardboard in the bottom to prevent grass from growing with the nana. These are very simple to make and fun to build. If you have anymore questions just let me know...here is a pic of the 10x2 which will last many years..i find this size ideal. If you need additionl depth you can always stack anothr smaller frame..with cheap 2x2s for additional height.

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

You can grow big plants under the right conditions.
Contianer 24 gal..us

Fertilizer triple 19 granular.
This plant was on irrigation .....but was hand watered once it started pupping.

I have some dwarf reds which are crushing these conditions and over whelmed with pups

For those wanting an Ae Ae....go with a plant like a variegated namwha or similar.
AeAe are fickle...
We have them growing all over in the Natty.

Once the plant reaches (for indoor growers) 15 ft.the plant is hard to keep.


Aeae by
Hostafarian,
on Flickr.

My take is buy another variegated plant which is easier to keep.

Just my opinion.....from the Jungle

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

HI Cincinanna, I have seen all your pics..have admired your plants for a few years now on here. What is triple 19 granular? Most of my boxes are for deor, but have grown some very large in smaller pots as well. I Have scratched my head wonderung why some of my larger trees came from smaller pots. I have dozens of various size pots I bought used from local nursery. I have not been consistent in my soil..soiless mixture..its quality, but amounts change from whats on hand. Whwn I move plants idoors for winter..they get smaller pots of course for room, and prevent overwatering. Thanks!

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Just sayin ....this is my opinion and observance of plants that I and others grow in my area.
First, I applaud your planter features you have incorporated in your landscape plan. I really enjoy them.

Triple 19.
.
Triple19-19-19
by
Hostafarian,
on Flickr

Re: Containers: width vs height?
 

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences and advice! The two plants I repotted into the 24 gallon and 29 gallon pots have each pushed out their first pup now. Safe to say they are doing quite well! :D





Now I have one more tall plant in need of more space. Either I'll put it in another 29 gallon pot, or I'll make a wooden structure like Michael suggested but without a bottom so it will be in a permanent raised plant bed.