Willow87

This might have been discussed before and I apologize for repeating it. I'm going to grow some basjoo bananas in a container and I was wondering if I should use cactus soil mix, and should I amend it with something else. I'm going to overwinter them this year and plant them next year. Also, should i start out with a small container to plant them in. Thanks

BB73

I have used cactus soil, especially for my AeAe (together with rhododendron soil) and would recommend it for the lower part of the pot as some sort of drainage, but perlite is also a good choice.
But I think pure cactus soil shouldn't be used, because it may not hold the water enough, but it could be always mixed with other soils.

Willow87

thanks. I'm so glad you told me that because i was about to use just cactus mix. So it would be alright to use regular potting mix and then add perlite to it? Do I need to wait to fertilize them? Thanks

BB73

I guess, it'll be always good, to wait a little untill you fertilze the first time. Regular potting mix may have some minerals added, so you don't need to fertilze from the beginning. Check the packaging of the soil for any details.
I read that it's also recommended to wait a little untill roots have developed before fertilzing after transplanting.

Willow87

Ok great. Alot of potting soil I've seen has fertilizer in it already to begin with. I always thought that it wasnt enough for bananas. I'll transplant them outside in the ground next spring until they get bigger. Thanks again for the info

Abnshrek

I'd say its a good starter choice meaning over winter you'll have great drainage. I've been meaning to see its consistency. Might ad perilite and some peat to it. :^)

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natej740

I use the miracle grow cactus and palm soil and i think it works pretty good. It holds the water fine and If you plant outside after its potted it will have good draining soil near the corm to help drainage in winter...

Willow87

Ok thats the type I saw in the store. I'm just afraid that it will get too dry with the heat and I dont want to have to water them too frequently even though I know i will have to since they would be in containers.

Abnshrek

I'm going to use it on cactus seed. As long as the pot has a reservoir you should be good thru summer. :^)

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Willow87

Thanks again Michael. Your yard is beautiful btw. The pots Im putting them in dont have a reservoir. Is that an important thing to have in pots?

Abnshrek

Thanks for the complements. :^) It maybe real convenient depending on the area your going to be overwintering the plants (plus hold water this summer). If its in the garage no biggy, but in a living area the water's going to go straight thru the pot & on the floor (not good). So depending on your plan your pot may or may not work. :^) The reservoir on various sized pots hold more water than one of those plastic or ceramic pans you set your pot on, but a plastic or ceramic pan may work in conjunction with your pot for the summer & your winter plan. :^)

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Willow87

Ok. I'm overwintering them by a south facing window. So I guess I should find one that has a reservoir. I just hope they survive in indoors during the winter. I lost 3 banana plants last winter even when they were by a south facing window. I've heard that basjoo are hard to grow indoors but others say its one of the easiest.

Abnshrek

You know everyone has an opinion, and that's good you just have to filter it to your region. I would keep the pot a couple feet away from the window so they are more at room temperature than up on the window. A couple feet off the ground is even more close to room temperature if that's possible. Good luck with this set of Basjoos. :^)

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Willow87

Thanks again Michael. I think thats probably why the others didnt survive at kept them close to the window and they were on the floor. I appreciate your info. I'm learning alot from this. I'm hoping that they will be able to make. I also have a small humidifier so I will use that often also