Nutrient solutions

   My plants are not growing very fast and are producing smaller leafs.  The Banana plant has not grown much at all since my last post.  As I feel I am getting most of the light to my plants as is possible for me, I feel my weakest point is fertilizer (based on research at www.Bananas.org).  The Natural Dr. Earth 6-4-6 tropical fertilizer I bought is not enough and it is not water soluable so is not being released/absorbed into the soil as fast as the plant needs it.  Banana plants needs a LOT of nutrients in a very timely fashion.

   For plant growth it seems an ideal choice for my Banana plants is Banana Fuel with an N-P-K of 20-6-16.  As shipping cost can almost be as much or more than the idealistic product itself at Plants that produce. The closest to ideal product I have found is Miracle Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 5 lb (product #1001232) at 24-8-16.

~~~  UPDATE: 1/18/2014 - I purchased and fed my Cavendish some Miracle Grow at the rate of ONE Tablespoon 24-8-16 to One Gallon of water. I also purchased a galvanized one gallon watering can.   ~~~

~~~  UPDATE: 1/19/2014 - I posted a copy of this post  at: http://www.bananas.org/f312/using-miracle-grow-24-8-16-a-19747.html#post238157 to promote other sugestions to my feeding program. ~~~

     For the fruiting phase I have not yet found an alternative to what is said to be the ideal of N-P-K 16-8-24. As I am not fruiting yet I am ok, but I will keep an eye out for it so I will have a product in mind when the time comes.  

Plant growth has been very slow

Growth of the pups is almost at stand still.

Plant Information:	Super Dwarf Cavendish
Lighting:	4 ft. 6 tube - T-5 6400k High output fluorescent
Light hours:	14 On - 10 Off
Soil replenishing Fertilizer:	Dr. Earth 6-4-6 tropical - Using for plant soil revitalization of depleted soil.
Watering Fertilizer:	Miracle Grow 24-8-16 at 1 teaspoon per Gallon ongoing
Soil:	Standard potting soil - Drainage not ideal
Container:	16.32 gallons - 12" deep by 20" width setting on a dolly.
Pest Control:	Insecticidal soap, Diatomaceous earth
Walk in plant closet:	7' x 4'-6" - With curtain and circulation fan.
Temperature:	Low 65 - Average 70-75 - High 80