saturn

When separating pups, I have just sort of learned by experience what size is OK, based on the mother.

I recently picked up a FHIA-17 and FHIA-23, which are new to me. The first plant has a 33” pseudostem and a 6.5” pup. I did not remove the pup because it didn’t seem big enough.
The second plant is 37” with a 14” pup (right next to each other, of course. I hate that!).

Is the 14” pup big enough to remove? Or maybe I should just leave it? These are going to be potted up and grown in my house this winter.

saturn

Southern-Grower

i like to pull 12"+ with real leaf not sword..

if you pull now may have time to root up before cold sets in..

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SG

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JoeReal

The smallest pup size that I was able to successfully separate and grow is 1" tall pup. Not one ft but one inch. I have the picture to prove, but could not find it at the moment and will post it as soon as I find it. I took it more than 5 years ago, to test how small can I go. Of course, I have used an almost sterile-potting media and even though the pup is 1" tall, it has a couple of tiny roots already about to grow.

I have never done it again after proving the concept that it can be done, and will not do it again simply because it takes a lot longer to grow the smaller pups. They are better off and faster when attached to the mother corm and let them grow bigger before you separate them.

pitangadiego

I have seen varieties that had no roots on a two foot tall pup, and one inch tall pups that had corms 5 inches in diameter with 18 inch roots. Each variety has its' own characteristics. It does seem that pups that poke out in the fall, and don't grow taller over the winter are actually developing bigger corms and are much readier to be separated. Faster growing spring pups seem to develop less corm and roots for their height. I am sure that is an over-simplification.

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Bananavilla

Sounds like you are right on the money pitangadiego.

Leaves mean Zip to me. In fact, I find that pups that develop a nice 12" + stem and still have the "sword" or juevenile leaves are the best for the taking. These pups seem to reroot and begin growing the fastest for me.
I also feel that if the pup is not imedately going back into soil (as in shipping), the best treatment is to remove ALL roots. I may leave a few root bumps or very short healthy white roots. Wrap the base of the corm in a bag with semi-moist coconut fiber and it is ready to ship. I have had reports of roots emerging upon delivery!

I almost forgot to add that you can only produce the type of pup I am talking about on a mature mother corm (second generation pups). A freshly planted first season TC plant does not make this type of pups. They make thin/small - full leaved - small cormed pups that need a lot more care and take longer to grow.

Mike

Jetstream

Virtually every pup I've dug out has come with roots attached. I tend to go with a 12 inch height to where the leaves start as a minimum. It just seems easiar that way...Z

Jeff

Bananavilla, I agree. I like to dig pups when they at least 12" tall or taller and still have the sword leaves. They seem to start growing faster for me too.

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Jeff in Costa Rica