An ornamental banana's clock ticks faster than some other indoor plants. After six to eight years, the tropical plant blooms beautifully, only to wither completely soon after. But before the end approaches, Ensete drives out a few children in time.

The ornamental banana multiplies itself over Kindel

Kindel as a mini offspring

Every ornamental banana that grows vigorously with good care will sprout several children over the course of its life. These are small side shoots that look similar to the mother plant, just smaller. They can be separated from the mother plant to lead an independent existence.

tips

If you do not want to use the Kindel for reproduction, it is better if you separate them early and dispose of them. Otherwise, you will drain a lot of energy from the mother plant.

Separate from the mother plant in spring

In the spring, after the end of the winter and connected with the repotting, you can use the Kindel for propagation. But first it must be carefully checked whether the child can survive without the mother plant. The following criteria should be met:

  • the offshoot is at least a third as high as the mother plant
  • has at least two large leaves
  • already has roots of its own

tips

Whether a cutting has rooted or not is not readily apparent. Carefully dig up some dirt around it and you'll soon have clarity.

How to separate the offshoots

  1. Remove the mother plant and offshoot from the pot.
  2. Gently shake off the substrate to expose the joint.
  3. Cut through the connection to the nut with a sharp knife. You should have cleaned this thoroughly beforehand and disinfected it with alcohol or heat.
  4. Disinfect the open interfaces with powdered charcoal.
  5. Put the mother plant back in the pot and fill in the empty spaces with fresh substrate.
  6. Then water the plant well.

Plant children immediately

The children already have roots and can conquer their new pot home with them immediately. To ensure that they grow well and develop well, note the following points:

  • Always keep the substrate slightly moist
  • put a plastic bag over the plant
  • air them daily
  • Keep the pot warm to at least 25 °C
  • if a new blade tip appears, the cover can be removed
  • do not place in full sun during the first year of life

Category:

Indoor plants