Olivia has Pups

Olivia has two peepers. They have been there for the past week or so.

Princess and Pippy get a Partner

Another peeper has sprouted. The peeper is the tiny, white spire on the left side of Princess, the larger plant. Okay, so the picture does not do the peeper justice, but when she grows some more, I'll get a new photo. I'm not going to name her just yet. I'm probably going to start giving pups away or composting them. I don't want to get attached.

Zena the Zebrina Gets a Trim

Since Zena has managed to produce a new leaf, I cut off all the existing and tattered leaves. I don't know exactly what type of banana Zena is. According to my research she is probably a Zebrina (i.e. Blood Banana). However, she might be a Musa Bordelon, but I doubt it. Anyway, The existing and tattered leaves seemed to be bunching up in one spot. The new leaf's petiole did not seem to extend like my other bananas are extending at present. I don't know what is the cause, but I have a few theories. 1. The Zebrina may have short petioles. 2. The plant is still recovering from poor growing conditions. 3. The plant has BBTV. I certainly hope not. This would be tragic.

Marquita Gets in on the Pupping Action

I found a peeper at the base of Marquita this morning. I was expecting some pups from her because all my other bananas seem to be producing offshoots at present.

Myster Bananas Multiply

This morning, I noticed a new white shoot peeping through the soil. It looks like the mystery corm is going to produce another plant. The little plant is in between the two existing plants. I am still undecided as to whether to plant these bananas in the ground or not. I had hoped to not have to separate them, i.e. chop-up the corm. However, I don't think it is wise to leave three plants all in the same pot. I may have to put them in three different pots or plant them in the ground. Perhaps I can over-winter some outdoors, and bring the little peeper in to grow through the winter.

Mother Plant Leaf Emergence Study

I am curious about the length of time that is necessary for a leaf to emerge from Mother Plant. When I was over-wintering her indoors, the leaves emerged about every 15 days. On May 5th, the cigar leaf formally started to emerge. I wonder how many days it will take.

I also wonder if there is a sign that indicates exactly when the bell is forming. I wonder if the bell has already formed. If so, did it form last summer, during the winter, or is it forming now. I have the urge to dissect one of my bananas, but I don't want to ruin a years worth of work.

Dwarf Namwah

Dwarf Namwah is enjoying the warm spring sun. Her leaves are getting bigger and I may have to re-pot her soon.

Princess and Pippy the Peeper

Princess has grown. Pippy the Peeper is growing. She is definitely a sword sucker because she's got narrow leaves.

Zena the Zebrina

Zena the Zebrina is a new banana. I really don't know what type of plant she is. The associate at Home Depot says it is a red banana. My research indicates that it may be a red rowe banana or some type of zebrina banana. It is not supposed to be an edible banana plant.

Olivia the Banana

I don't think that I have named this banana before. Olivia was separated from Mother Plant some time in November 2011. She has grown tremendously and now sports two pups. Olivia is about the same age as Fanny the Follower.

Mystery Banana

Mystery Banana is looking good. She is not increasing her height as rapidly as before because the petioles and leaves droop, making it difficult to discern how much the plants have grown.

Marquita

Marquita has really grown. It is hard to believe how little and slow-growing she was at the beginning. Now she has caught up with her litter mates. Now all she needs is to produce a pup.