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BANANAS
- Musa Species
General
Information: Although bananas are not normally considered aquatic
plants, they normally grow under very humid conditions and can drink up
to a gallon of water a day. If handled properly they can be used around
the water garden very effectively. The following Information borrowed from:
Stokestropicals.com
Planting:
Prepare a well-drained soil mix, such as, Peter’s potting soil or a mixture
of 1/3 perlite, 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 potting soil and plant your banana plant
at same level it was growing (see change in coloration on stem). You can
plant in pot or directly into ground. Water plant thoroughly upon planting
and every 1 – 3 days there after depending on season. Do not soak! Remember
moist soil, not wet, not dry. If rhizome (base of plant) starts to soften,
back off, don’t water for several days and leave alone. Many times the
stressed rhizome will produce a new lateral shoot and full growth will
resume. Once your banana plant has been replanted resumption of growth
should be rapid. You will see a new leaf emerge from the top center of
the pseudostem. The “old” leaves on your new banana plant may turn yellow
or brown, this is normal. After new leaves appear these old leaves will
dry up and can be cut off. Bananas do best in full sun, however they will
grow and produce fruit in partial sun. Banana plants prefer well-drained
soil. Banana plants are heavy feeders and heavy drinkers. So keep well-watered
and well-fertilized. In spring, summer and fall for best growth and best
fruit production water daily and apply (6-2-12) every 2 – 4 weeks. During
the winter months when plant growth is slow or non-existent because of
air and ground temperatures (in the 50’s or below) you can fertilize with
6-6-6 or 8-8-8 every other month as long as green leaves are present. Also
our liquid fertilizers can be used (Flowering Tropicals Blend (7-9-5) and
Tropical Foliage Blend (9-3-6) with excellent results. |
