Saving a banana...

Discussion in 'Tropical Gardening' started by noisette47, May 7, 2021.

  1. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

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    My Ensete maurelii did not approve of being unwrapped as usual in March this year :sad: Does anyone know whether it's worth me cutting the basal plate into sections and potting them up? Most of the roots had rotted away, but would it put out new ones, given some heat and coddling? TIA
     
  2. Janet mahay

    Janet mahay Gardener

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    Hi sorry i dont know butlooked on the web came across a website that may help
    • Ensete maurelii is a fast-growing banana plant, often reaching up to 12’ – 20’ feet tall. When provided ideal growing season conditions, the humungous plant may heighten up to 30’ – 40’ feet tall. The plant usually reaches this height in its native tropical lands only.
      Tips On Ensete Maurelii Care – Best Garden Info
      bestgardeninfo.com/2020/01/27/tips-on-ensete-maurelii-care/

    • For best results, grow in a warm sunny, sheltered spot, away from strong winds, which can damage the leaves and make them look unsightly. Water regularly and feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser once a fortnight.
    • ]
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2021
  3. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

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  4. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I've never tried it, but @PeterS who used to post here has, I seem to remember him having some reasonable success, but I'm not sure about the rotted roots.
    Really you can only try, at least you hopefully have warmer days coming so it could have some luck.
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I lost my three Ensete m. over winter, I dissected them a couple of days ago to see if there was anything alive at the core, but it was all mush. So I think you have nothing to lose by stripping back the dead stuff to see if there is a solid core.

      From what I remember of @PeterS method he started with a big healthy plant, could be wrong it was a few years ago
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        Coincidence, I bought a small plant yesterday. :smile:
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          Where did you get it from @pete I need to replace mine but they are very expensive online.
           
        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          This was £13 for a plant only about a foot high.
          I got it from Coolings a local nursery I could pop back today and get you one if you like.
           
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          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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            Found one for £6 on Ebay.

            Edit, just noticed, that is a plug plant.
             
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            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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              Thanks pete, I had looked on ebay and only found two expensive ones, now realise I had spelled the name wrong! Will get one of those plugs. I have grown from plugs before and as you know they make big plants very quickly.
               
            • noisette47

              noisette47 Total Gardener

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              I could kick myself, because Lidl were selling big, healthy plants for €20 the other week. I resisted....for once :biggrin: Didn't know then that mine was sick.
              Well, I've trimmed it up, the basal plate seems solid and the core is OK. I've potted it up as it is and will see what transpires.
               
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              • pete

                pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                They do grow fast once they get going.
                 
              • pete

                pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                Good luck, I think you need heat and humidity to get the process going.
                 
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                • Janet mahay

                  Janet mahay Gardener

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                  Hi read
                  • Ensete maurelii is a fast-growing banana plant, often reaching up to 12’ – 20’ feet tall. When provided ideal growing season conditions, the humungous plant may heighten up to 30’ – 40’ feet tall. The plant usually reaches this height in its native tropical lands only.
                  • For ideal formation, the plant further requires 68° degrees Fahrenheit (20° C). During winter, the plant needs partial shade and a minimum temperature of 54° degrees Fahrenheit (12° C). The USDA hardiness zone of Ensete maurelii is 10 to 11.
                  not a hard plant to grow before you see results
                   
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                    Last edited: May 9, 2021
                  • noisette47

                    noisette47 Total Gardener

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                    It hit 29C today and it's going to persist down all next week...reckon that'll do :biggrin:
                     
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