Can Banana Plant be planted on Drift Wood?

[eric_kclee]

Hi, Just got my Banana plant, like to get a few tips on planting Banana plant. Appreciate your help..

I would like to plant my Banana plant on drift wood...meaning it will not be allowed to root into the substrate.

1. Is it possible?
2. will it be enough to get nutrients from the water column?
3. Will it still propagate in this condition?

Thanks

[eric_kclee]

Any reply or comment? thanks

[budak]

even when tied to wood, the plant will still send roots down to the substrate. But it's really up to you where to put it, as long as the "bananas" aren't constricted or pressed. I find bright light produces very large (10 cm+), light green, submerged leaves. Fert doesn't seem to be a big issue with it.

Also, when it sends out floating leaves, let the new leaves reach the top and open up, then you can cut the leaf leaving about 3-4 cm of the leaf stalk. Let this cutting float and after a while it will develop roots and you have a new banana!

[eric_kclee]

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On 11/2/2003 9:46:13 PM

even when tied to wood, the plant will still send roots down to the substrate.
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Budak,

I ask because,
My tank is small 14inch cube...and I don't have space for 10cm leaves....

My driftwood's top is just 5cm below water, by placing it on top... does it mean it is easier to send out surface leaf without first generating alot of big submerge leaves.

Meaning...I like to propagate but don't wish to let it send out gigantic leaf in my small tank. By placing it near water surface, hopefully the surface leaf can be sent out easily and without many submersed leaves.

Could you please advice further? many thanks

[budak]

eric,

if your light isn't terribly bright (i.e. more than 2.5 wpg) the underwater leaves should remain smalllish, although the plant will send out floating leaves from time to time (which you can use to propagate).

With it so close to the surface, I suspect it may develop larger underwater leaves if your light is very close and strong. It's just my view, but I like the look of it when it's close to the bottom, perhaps standing amidst a thick lawn of tenellus, glosso or other carpeting plant. Then the round leaves stand out very nicely. Don't worry about the surface leaf, though. It's pretty small.... just cut it when it has just opened up. And it doesn't do this so often (once a weeek or two).

IT's a plant which will grow BOTH submerged AND floating leaves, so try to place it somewhere where these can be enjoyed fully.