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Old 06-16-2012, 04:31 PM   #11 (permalink)
Kostas
 
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Default Re: Mussa sikkimensis leaves folding downwards

Not enough water retention from the mixture could explain the plant needing more frequent waterings but the necrotic areas on the leafs are usually only caused from rot or sudden extreme water stress. If the plant did not get enough water but was healthy,it would simply dehisce a few lower leafs and keep what it can support and keep happy. What i think happens is that the roots going to the perlite are healthy while the roots staying in the soil are rotting. The plant sends its roots where the conditions for them are good,i.e. good moisture and aeration. If the perlite was too dry,they wouldnt grow there much but stay in the soil. Perlite has good wicking properties so it continually wicks moisture out of the soil above and makes it available to the roots growing in it while providing much better aeration.

Bottom line,if the necrotic leaf patches are not enlarging and growth is good,water it normally(every about 4days) and dont care too much about folded leafs. With the summer ahead of it,it should fix. If the necrotic patches are spreading though and its not growing fast,you may want to carefully uncover the corm of the banana from above and check for soft areas and rotten roots. Keep drier for a couple of weeks and then water normally. The more sun the better but noon sun during heatwaves could burn the leafs of a cool growing banana like M. sikkimensis.
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Last edited by Kostas : 06-16-2012 at 04:39 PM.
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