timmko

I recently (month and a half ago or so) got 4 new grand nain bananas about 2ft tall and immediately planted them and put them inside my heated building. I live in Wisconsin and fall was here early. I have a 12X18 heated shed with a humidifier and grow lights (t-6 bulbs and MH bulbs) along with a 3ft south facing window. The humidity is around 55%, temp near 75f and the lights run for about 10hrs a day. The plants had 4 or more good sized leaves but nothing has grown at all and most of the leaves have turned brown and died off. They have not pushed a leaf or done anything but turn brown. I have a moisture meter and only have watered them sparingly 2x, first when transplanted and 2nd about 2 days ago as the meter registered dry. I have been spraying them sparing also every couple of weeks not too much to encourage rot. The plants are within a foot of the lights and that doesn't seem to make them too warm. I also brought in 2 larger bananas that are in 15 gallon pots and they too have just stopped growing. I run a box fan on med 24/7 so they get some air circulation. I also feared mites as I had the problem last year so i sprayed them last week (took them outside) with a malathion produce spray safe for tomatoes, fruit trees. I don't care about eating the fruit just want the plants a good size for the patio in summer. Note they had not been growing previous to the spraying.Last year I had very large bananas over 10ft brought in and they too stopped growing and turned brown. As it was only my 2nd winter with them I know i overwatered and killed them due to rot hence the purchase of a moisture meter. Are there any suggestions on what I can do so I don't lose these. I wanted them to grow to a decent size over winter so when spring comes I have larger plants. I am at a loss on what to do. 2 winters ago I received 4 plants about 6" tall and they grew very well indoors during the winter and were close to 4ft by the time I took them out in April. Please any suggestions?

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