Sunday 26 October 2014

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)