Banana Newbie

Hi all,

I am excited to join your banana community. I am new to growing a banana plant and I'm sure I'll find lots of info here to help my plant thrive.

I bought a small 4" banana plant at my local grocery store. After doing a little research I think I have identified it as a dwarf cavendish.

I'm really new to this plant and would really appreciate some advice on basic care instructions. I would like to re-plant it into a slightly larger pot. What is a good soil mixture for this guy? I'm thinking a mixture of Miracle Grow moisture control soil (50%), perlite (20%), peat moss (20%), orchid planting mix (10%). Is that good?

What type of fertilizer does it need? How often, if any? Should wait until spring to fertilize?

Thanks kindly,

Roanna

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bencelest

What you thought for the soil is a good one. More expensive I think since you'll have to buy them separately for just one plant.
People have used all kinds of fertilizer for their bananas but the basic one is that their fertilizers are high on Potassium the last number on NPK ratio. like 5 9 27. And even some people used the same ratio like 7 7 7 and were satisfied with the result.
I myself use mostly steer manure and a dose of high potassium fertilizer from time to time.
At this time though I won't use any. for the winter is coming but if yours will be indoors then you can continue your fertilizing regimen.

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Banana Nut

Banana Newbie

Thanks! I actually have quite a bit of left over stuff from some potting I did with some pachiras and dracaena's so I;m happy to use it up with this guy

I think I'll hold off with the fertilizer until it gets adjusted to the new pot. I've read that tomatoe fertilizer is good too. What do you think?

Roanna

bencelest

Yes, I use the tomato fertilizer too last summer but I alternate my fertilizers whatever is available for me. Bananas are not choosy. They'll take whatever is offered to them and they are happy as a lark. But like I said the the potassium must be high because bananas is mostly potassium. Tomato fertilizer is high in potassium

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Banana Nut

momoese

I seem to remember several members here stating they lost bananas using MG potting soil.

bencelest

My reasoning is that the mix has 20% perlite and 10 % cactus mix which counteracts with the MG soil that has a long lasting water holding capacity.
The main thing is that the soil should be fast draining and porous so the roots can spread easily.
My recollection is that they use a pure MG soil.
My own experience is that the above is my own mix. Almost the same except that I add a 15% coconut husk.

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Banana Nut

momoese

I use a 50/50 mix of perlite and organic planting compost with zero fertilizer for starting pups or transplanting to bigger containers. I think the reason they lost plants when repotting into MG soil is the added fert that's pre packaged in the soil. The plants need a little time to adjust and grow some roots before adding the fert. Drainage is also key. That's my 2 cents.