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	Banana Plants - More Questions
Cory_Di Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 7953 Kudos: 2917 Votes: 25 Registered: 19-Dec-2002	Who has kept banana plants and what can you tell me about them. I just picked up three. They appear to be going into their dormant stage. Cute little buggers, even without much foliage. However, they are covered with a little algae. I wanted to bleach them, but couldn't recall a safe ratio. Has anyone done this to clear off algae? What else should I know about them? Last edited by Cory_Di at 07-Nov-2004 14:25
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
Wolfie8113 Mega Fish Posts: 947 Kudos: 159 Votes: 0 Registered: 09-Apr-2002	I've had a fair bit of experience with bananas (Nymphoides aquatica, for anyone who cares ) They need a moderately-lit tank (a 20 long should be fine), prefer fertilized substrate, and really enjoy a steady meal of Flourish Excel. Push the "bananas" into the gravel VERY gently and the plant will send roots into the substrate; after it gets a root base established to a certain extent, you'll start to see new leaves. Don't worry too much if the leaves drop off... the bananas store nutrients for the plant and will keep it going well enough. Don't worry about the algae too much. If the conditions in your tank are right, whatever algae is on the plant will go away on its own. Just get the little guys in the gravel, undisturbed, and they'll do the rest. Cheers, Sarah
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
Cory_Di Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 7953 Kudos: 2917 Votes: 25 Registered: 19-Dec-2002	Thanks, Sarah! I didn't know they rooted. I use flourish tabs in the substrate near any rooted plants. I'll do the same for the three banana clusters. What cute little plants
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
Cup_of_Lifenoodles Fish Guru Posts: 2755 Kudos: 1957 Votes: 30 Registered: 09-Sep-2004	Once well established, they don't need much light at all. Mine did fine in 1.5 wpg. On the other hand, they don't transplant particularly well, and once moved, they melt away as fast, if not faster, than crypts. They'll need high light to re-orient themselves, and afterwards, all should be fine.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
Cory_Di Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 7953 Kudos: 2917 Votes: 25 Registered: 19-Dec-2002	Well, Bananas are doing pretty well, I gather. Two of the three had some new leaves that were still so new they hadn't unfolded yet. Today, I found them stretched upward and opening. Is there a set dormant period for these guys? If so, when is that?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
steven keyes Hobbyist Posts: 62 Kudos: 54 Votes: 1 Registered: 05-Oct-2004	I have several of them in my tank and they do very well. the only time i have seen any sing of slow growth is just for the first few days after planting in tank. they are good plants for low light tanks i use one four foot marine glo and one plant bulb in each light and my plants do very well. good luck with those cool little plants.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
Cory_Di Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 7953 Kudos: 2917 Votes: 25 Registered: 19-Dec-2002	Yeah! I've got sprouting roots I guess they like my tank. The new leaves that were rolled up when I bought them have opened and look flawless.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43


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