Propagating Ensete ventricosum (Banana) - Corm Division

Propagating Ensete ventricosum

 

Corm Division

 

I can't believe I haven't posted this subject before.  Last year I took on a propagation project with my Ensete Banana plant.  these particular bananas are known for not producing offsets and although these seeds are some of the easier banana seeds to grow.  They can still be difficult for the average grower. Corm division is an easy way to make lots of these beautiful plants to increase your collection or share with friends and family.

 

I started this project in the fall just after my plant was kissed by the frost.  I didn't want to store the whole plant in my home so I though I would take a piece indoors and try my luck.  Here is a video of how I got started.

 

 

 

 

A few months later I did an update video.  There are nubs starting to grow.  YAY!  there is some success.

 

 



 

Here are a few snapshots of the new growth.  I wasn't doing videos at this point.

 

They are sprouting nicely

 

They are elongating and starting to form leaves.

 

The leaves are looking like the parent plant and are starting to grow faster.

 

Roughly 7 or 8 months after we originally started the process it's time to start dividing and transplanting :)  This I have a video of.

 

 

 

And there you have it :)  The propagation project was a success.  it was easier than I thought.  and I easily got over 100 plants.  I gave so many away and actually had to compost some as well. 

 

Give it a try and tell me how it works for you.

 

Bill

(PlantzNThings)

 





Growing a Coconut Palm from Seed

In this BLOG entry we will look at the whole process I used to grow my coconut palm from seed.

What you'll need:

1 Coconut - make sure it is free of damage and when you shake it, it's still got lots of liquid inside.
1 Bucket with warm water
1 Brick or large stone (to hold the coconut under the water)
1 large Ziploc bag

In this Video you'll see the initial process of getting the coconut ready for sprouting

Roughly 1 month after we put it into the Ziploc bag we got a sprout (Please note that it might take longer - Many factors are in play).

This sprout will grow very slowly!  Like watching paint dry :)  almost 2 months after the above sprout video we are looking at this :)

The sprout will reach a point when it starts growing quickly again...  It really seems like a hurry up then wait thing :)  here is an update where we transplant the coconut seedling into a pot with soil.  If I was to do this again, I would use a better draining mix..  Perhaps more sand.

Remember that Coconuts like a well draining mix but like frequent watering.  High light,  Warm Temps and high humidity. 

  Good Luck and Happy Growing :)

  Please show me your projects on the go and your progress :)  We can all learn together :)

Bill