geissene

Hi everyone!

In the middle of summer, I obtained a viente cohol pup. The pup has been growing and is about 3' tall. The leaves are now larger than I can handle indoors and winter will be coming soon.

So, what is the best way to attempt to overwinter this plant? My goal is NOT to have massive growth indoors but rather just keep it alive so it has the potential to fruit next year outside.

Should I cut the leaves back to a reasonable size and keep the pstem height at 3', or should I cut the pstem all the way back to ground level and let it grow up from the corm?

Any ideas or suggestions? I know this isn't ideal but perhaps I can keep it large enough in spring time that it will fruit outdoors next year.

Regards,

Erik G

Hammocked Banana

Many people cut the whole plant back in winter but what I suggest, if you hope to get fruit next year, is to simply cut the leaves in half so they are a more manageable size for you inside. This allows you to maintain pstem strength and size, reduces choking and when you put it out next year it will have more leaves to work with. As the cigar leaf comes out you can chop it in half and it will also help with the height issues indoors. Good luck

siege2050

When I tried overwintering Viente Cohol indoors, it died back to the pot the last month before the cold was over and does not seem very indoor friendly, overall I have found it to be a cranky plant. If the pstem is 3 feet, I would be careful cutting it back because there may be buds toward the base of the pstem. Viente Cohol is a quick bloomer compared to most bananas, I am not certain what exact height is normal for blooming in containers, but use caution as its probably shorter than in the ground. I cut back my Velutina last year and accidentally cut through 2 flower buds/blooms. Maybe cut the leaves back like mentioned above to save space. If you decide to cut it back and accidentally cut through the bloom stalk, you will know because the bloom stalk in the stem is solid with no leaf sheath rings, if you see rings all the way to the center, you are probably okay. I would cut off as little as possible.

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geissene

Thanks for the info! I'll just try to trim the leaves to fit my indoor space. I don't think this plant is near bloom based on the pics of others. If it doesn't work, maybe I'll try a patupi and see if they can handle the stress any better....

Siege: sorry to hear about your VC not making it.



Erik

scottu

If there are any pups on it I would give them equal attention. separate if possible and dote on them some, cuz a pup now could be a perfect size in May!
Last year I managed to over winter a taller one, 3 or 4 feet, almost died several times, "bugs" Etc., had 2 pups that i ignored and they just faded away over winter.
It did perk up twords spring and actually flowered this summer.
Also has several very healthy pups that i will give much more effort this winter.

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Viva La Banana

siege2050

It lived but the main stem died down and then sprouted pups lol, but it ruined my chances for fruit this year as I am back to a 3 foot pup again.

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geissene

Looks like we both will have the same issue this winter... trying to wait till spring!


Scottu: Congrats on your flower, are any fruits following?

scottu

Thanks Erik, yes there are some, am hoping to finally eat a home grown banana, will post some pics soon.

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Viva La Banana

cincinnana

This is an older pic of mine which shows the way to cut your leaves to make them fit your home.
Do not be afraid to cut the leaves or the stem if need be.

Your VC might have to mature some more for it to flower especially in our zone.

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Plants before bringing them inside
by
Hostafarian,
on Flickr

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