Carolina

Hey all!

I'm in the midst of creating a tropicalesque garden with DC's, Gran Nain, a couple other kinds of bananas of which I'm not sure of... fan palms, yucky yucca's, etc. The further I go, the more concerned I'm getting over the unrelenting sun. This garden is in full all day sunshine, and just wondering if any of you guys have any problems and what you can do to help minimize these potential problems. Am wondering if misting during the hottest parts of the day would help, or harm, or if indeed, even necessary. Here in north-eastern carolina temps can hit mid 90's and stay that way for weeks on end. *Crossing my fingers for sightly cooler temps again this summer*

Thanks in advance!

pitangadiego

The banana plantations in the tropics are full sun all the time. The problem comes in places like Arizona where the temps are 100 plus and humidity is near zero.

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We Be Bananas
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momoese

Anything you can do to increase the humidity on those hot days will help the plants.

devildog805

Yeah I think humidty won't be a problem in NC.

Carolina

Thanks guys for responding.

And you're right.. no prob with humidity here in NC.

As far as banana plantations being in the hot tropics.. that I know... I was born in Cuba, raised in Central America. Dad was military.

Anyway, should I expect to have many brown crunchy leaves, even though the plants may continue to thrive? Funny thing is, I don't remember seeing that problem down in the tropics.. at least not on a regular basis.. as if the sun were frying them.. like I have seen around here. Would it be because those plants in the tropics have better adapted than perhaps those that are home grown here? Or maybe I have just forgotten the bad and only remembered the good.

If I can get my freakin camera working later, I plan on posting a couple of pics for ID, too.

devildog805

Where in NC you at? Jarhead here, I just left jacksonville last summer.

bigdog

I don't see how there could be a problem with bananas growing in full sun in N.C. I grew mine in full sun in Nashville, with mid-90s every week in the summer, and never had a problem. As long as you keep them watered well, they should be just fine. In fact, the more sun the better! The leaves fold up and droop a little during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture, but open back up at night when it cools down. There are a few species bananas (as opposed to fruiting varieties) that do better with afternoon shade, like musa mannii. Musa basjoo suffers a little in extreme heat, but it is a wild banana from a cool climate. As pitangadiego stated, they grow them in full, blazing sun in the Tropics.

imdocrob

I think you will find that your plants will do fine. I might suggest that you mist a little during the hottest part of the day to help the leaves retain some moisture. I agree with the others in that the banana loves a hot environment. Your humidity levels should be fine as not to damage to plants. Just give them water and lots of love.

Carolina

Thanks, guys. I'm feeling alot better already.

Bigdog, on your comment about the leaves folding and drooping in the hottest part of the day..... that was when I would begin to freak and run out with the water hose fast as I could. I was just so sure that had it gone another hour the plants have would been goners. *Heh*

Devildog, I'm a couple hours north of Jacksonville... between the Outter Banks and the Virginia border. Bet you're happy to be out of J-ville.

pitangadiego

Brown edges on the leaves are from moisture issues - probably more from low humidity than from underwatering. Your higher humidity will be a plus.

Do you see anyone else growing bananas in your area, and if so, how do they look? If yours are well cared for they should look as good, and probably better.

__________________
Encanto Farms Nursery
http://encantofarms.com
We Be Bananas
http://webebananas.com

Carolina

As a matter of fact, an acquaintance has a couple of dozen different types planted around her yard and all look great.. always does.. but they're all in shady areas and have never fruited. Several are cavendishes I know for sure and I'm thinking they don't put out fruit because of the shade content. Would that be correct? Another fellow not far from here has a nice plant of some kind that I've never seen up close. Comes back every year, looks nice, grows a good 12 feet or more, and is planted up against a metal building. I would have thought the heat off the building would be too much since its facing east.

At one time I did get some leaf burn but now I'm realizing the plant was probably too young and not properly acclimated before tossing out in full sun.

Anyway, I glad you guys have helped ease my mind. Now I can continue with my tropical garden. Thanks alot!