nucci60

This is the second time in ayear that i got a Musa Zebrina via mail oeder. The first one died no matter what I did for it.This new one arrived a week ago with a big root system and decent size corm. It looks freshly dug. The leaves are very narrow, so I am thinking water sucker. I have it in very filtered sun and keeping it moist but not wet.It is in a pot big enough to accomadate the roots. I even used superthrive when I potted it but it looks like its failing.Theleaves have withered and now the leader doesn't look good.

Steve in France

Have you got it in a well draining mix , lots of Perlite ? The only time I have trouble with new plants is when the mix does not drain well. Also I normally cut off all leaves but one and then the roots can feed the one leaf and the new roller without too much stress. Once the new roller is out and going well all my plants have survived and progressed.
Later
Steve

__________________
Always looking for a lost pup

Gabe15

Narrow leaves indicate a sword sucker usually, which are the good ones. Leaves often wither and die after planting, and if you say it has good roots I wouldn't worry too much about it.

__________________
Growing bananas in Colorado, Washington, Hawaii since 2004. Commercial banana farmer, 200+ varieties.

nucci60

Thanks guys, I will keep nursing it along.

bananimal

nucci60,

I started experimenting with different soil mixes after losing several special plants this year. Used 6 pups of dwf orinoco in a "lab experiment" - have so many of them any loss won't matter. Potted one 12 to 18 inch pup in 6 pots containing the following with results noted:

Top Soil, cheap bagged stuff from H Depot -- worst drainage -- slowest growth

Miracle Gro garden soil -- poor drainage -- slow growth

Miracle Gro potting soil -- medium drain -- medium growth

"Sand muckage" from my garden area, local soil -- medium drain -- better growth

Pure peat moss, pearlite added -- good drain -- good growth

Overburden soil mix -- fast drain -- fast growth

Concluded that Overburden was the best for shocked mail order bananas and other plants. It has sand, bark chips and pearlite for drainage,as well as compost for nutrients. All the above test plants were thoroughly watered with regular strength Peters 20-20-20 fert after potting. They were placed on a rolling cart in the south facing porch area just short of direct sunlight.

That way, no extra water from rainfall, and no further watering or fert until significant drying out. Also, spray for mites and c-pillars as needed. Sickly plants will be attacked.

Guess what, using overburden soil and the above method -----saved the Siam Ruby, the Ae Ae and the third go around of ensete Maurelii. As well as most of the G Nain x Sumatrana pups and the original Red Iholene (which pupped after 2 months from a dead mother corm). Thanks to Jon in San Diego on that one.

Overburden soil mix is made for and sold at Bushel Stop. Got any near you? Where are you located?

Dan

MediaHound

Dan, can you add your experience to the wiki page on soil?
http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Info:Soil

__________________
Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.

nucci60

Thanks Dan for the advice. I am in Fort Lauderdalee part time in the winter and havn't heard of bushel stop. I have had luck with young plants with miracle gro "thinned out" with sharp sand and bark chips. It drains prretty fast. I use superthrive at first. My siam ruby has recovered fast with this.The only little banana I lost was another zebrina.The one I just recieved is only a foot tall with a massive root system, so I am trying to be very careful about overwatering. I use a moisture probe because the top drys out fast. Time will tell.(forgive the Lauderdale mispell)

bananimal

Here's a Bushel Stop in Ft Lauderdaleeeeee. I've visited that area so many times in 35 years it's nice to make fun of it again. Thanks.


Bushel Stop The

20700 Griffin Rd
Southwest Ranches, FL 33332 Map

(954) 434-1729

It's on Griffin just before route 27 as you are heading west. You will be amazed by it's quality and you don't have to mix a thing. I would especially recommend it for folks up north where plants die off real fast when too wet.

Let me reiterate on the crux of the matter. By "significantly drying out" I mean you dig your fingers into the pot soil and still don't feel moisture 2 inches deep -- good rule of thumb for 6 to 10 inch pots. This is when the most growth happens as roots extend and grow down to find the moisture they need.

bananimal

M H

Opened the link - can't couldn't quite find out how to add my 2 bits. And thanks for the honor. Can't wait to tell wife. Eyes will roll all day!!!

Dan

sandy0225

If you mix a bunch of perlite in your miracle gro potting soil, it'd probably work well too. I'd cut it about 50/50 to start this plant, then later on when it's thriving, you could pot it in straight miracle gro, or a 75 mg/25 perlite mix.
I can't figure the problem with zebrinas, I've always found them to be very easy, as long as they stay warm and somewhat until well rooted, then just water as normal bananas.
If you lose yours, I've got some really good ones I can sell you, never hurts to network when you have a chance! LOL

__________________
Sandy Burrell



Northern Tropics Greenhouse
1501 East Fuson Road
Muncie, IN 47302
www.northerntropics.com


specializing in bananas, heirloom tomatoes and water gardening plants~
check out our new online store at our website!

nucci60

Thanks sandy, if it doesn't make it I will wait 'till spring and get one from you.The basjoo I got from you is thriving in the ground.

MediaHound

Click the links that say "edit" and then you can add things and then hit preview, then hit save.

__________________
Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.