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| Since it seems like banana plants are pretty commonly sold as houseplants, I was surprised that there was not much about growing them as a houseplant on here.
Anyone else growing one? How is it doing for you? Do you find them easy to grow? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by hopefulauthor z5IL (hopefulauthor@sbcglobal.net) on Mon, Aug 8, 11 at 20:19
| Hi Summersunshine. I purchased a Ruby Red Musa/Banana 4 or so months ago. Although it came from a reputable seller on Ebay, it arrived skimpy. Bananas aren't the easiest plants growing indoors, especially during winter months. Not enough humidity or light. I have two old Bird-of-Paradise that are related to Bananas and look somewhat similiar. One reason I decided not to buy another Banana after the garden experiment. A couple other problems growing Bananas indoors. Sometimes they're sold as dwarves..yet they grow and grow. Some people rather stay away from more difficult plants because they don't want to bother with pests. Do you have a Banana? Toni |
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- Posted by purpleinopp 8b AL (My Page) on Fri, Aug 12, 11 at 13:52
| A friend of mine in OH has had a banana growing for 10+ years. Her house has almost solid windows on the south side and this plant sits right next to those windows. Her plant is growing in a big brass tub with no drain holes, not soggy but not allowed to dry out. The individual stalks are short-lived but new pups come up to take their place. If you have other plants you can put near your banana, they can help each other with humidity. Don't put it in the draft of a furnace vent. A bowl of water can be set on the soil surface. Bananas (and many other plants) are known for guttation, so avoid placing them where they can drip on wood furniture or floors. Mites do love banana plants but can be removed by wiping the leaves with a cotton ball of rubbing alcohol. |
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| I grew one in hydroculture for two or three years before it died. It had "Little Prince" in the name. I have very low humidity, but the plant was very happy and healthy, steadily putting out new leaves. I don't know what caused it to succumb, but I sure do miss it to this day, and its been gone for at least 8 years. |
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- Posted by summersunshine (My Page) on Fri, Aug 12, 11 at 18:02
| Thanks for the replies. I am glad to see that some others are trying to grow bananas indoors. I had one that was a Super Dwarf cavendish a few years ago. It seemed very vigorous and easy to take care of even though I had it in low light. I think I ended up neglecting it for a while and it died from lack of water. I bought another one recently. Not sure if it's a Super Dwarf, but we'll see how it goes. |
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- Posted by hopefulauthor z5IL (hopefulauthor@sbcglobal.net) on Sat, Aug 13, 11 at 14:36
| Seacho!!! Sorry about your loss. ): Summer, low light is a problem. Bananas need sunshine, like your name implies..:) I've never heard the term, Super-Dwarf, although cavendish is a dwarf, compared to other varieties. Let's hope ours do well over winter, and one day bear flowers and fruit. Toni |
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- Posted by summersunshine (My Page) on Wed, Aug 24, 11 at 20:52
| Yes, It would be ideal if it was getting more sun, but for now the best I can do is a spot several feet from a southern window. It has continued to put out leaves in spite of the less than ideal lighting. I enjoy watching its rapid growth rate. It seems like every day it is a little bigger. |
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- Posted by hopefulauthor z5IL (hopefulauthor@sbcglobal.net) on Thu, Aug 25, 11 at 1:13
| Artificial lights, humidifers and indoor water fountains are helpful additions. Misting, showering and humidity trays work great, too. Ordinary light bulbs work..'for smaller plants.' Without the above mentioned, my tropicals would kick the bucket during winter months..long, gray, dry winter months. I recently purchased Banana Fertilizer on Ebay. It's slow-release, but I wonder if it's too late to apply. Can't believe it's nearing Sept. It feels like I just carried plants outdoors...soon they'll be coming back in..lol. Why, why why??? Toni |
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