Bananas.org - View Single Post - I can't figure out what is wrong with my Ensete Maurelii

wolfebc · 06-02-2017, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegeodeman2005

I got my Ensete 3 years ago from Ebay. When I got it, it was a small plant with two leaves but it grew quickly into a very beautiful banana plant with very nice color I got allot of complements on it. The second year the problem started with the leaves getting spots or patches on them like burns. This was after moving it back outside in the spring. I have tried everything and fought all last year with this plant. I first thought it wasn't getting enough water but that wasn't it. I put it in a bigger pot but that didn't help. I tried filtered sun, shade, less water, more water, I don't give it fertilizer anymore (thought it could be burning from that). I don't get the leaves wet when watering. I finally though the very hot humid summer we were having must be doing it so I gave up and let it go it never did get a spot free leaf not one. This year I have move it back outside for spring and its seems worse this year. I forgot to mention that these spots are also on the new leaves coming out as well. I don't have a way to get pictures of mine but I found some on google that look just like mine but can't find any answers. The patches on my leave are dark in color like the third photo almost black but mine start more in the center of the leaves not the edges the rest of the leaf looks healthy and I don't see any bugs. The last picture is how my base looks now from having to cut off the really bad older leaves. Again these are not pics of my plant I found these on google. My other Bananas do fine with no problems just the Ensete.

This looks like light and fertilizer issues. When moving any banana
plants outdoors it should be put in a shaded position for at least a week
or two, then moved into a position where it gets some morning sun only
to get used to the brightness. If it is getting afternoon sun, this is most
likely the cause of your leaves burning up. When bringing them out in
the spring don't give them full sun.
A good high nitrogen fertilizer used for at least every second fertilizing will
benefit these plants. The require large amounts of nitrogen to produce these
very large leaves. (but only when it's warm enough and they are actively growing)
They shouldn't go outside until the night time temperatures are at least
47 F or higher, preferably higher. if you are putting them out too early
when it is too cold you could get corm die off. As you do not have pics
of your actual plant in question it is a little harder to diagnose.
If I had to guess, I would guess lighting could be your number one issue.
I would make sure it is under potted with a well draining soil mix with
non burning organic matter such as chicken manure and perhaps some
slow release fertilizer and a bit of Azomite helps provide important micronutrients. Water sparingly when its cooler and generously when it's
in the 80 F and higher. Only let it get morning sun.
These Ensete's don't need large pots. They withstand having their roots
partially submerged in water constantly if the temperature is at least
70 degrees F. or warmer. They are often sold as marginal pond plants
here in Canada. When it's cooler it is best to keep them on the drier side.
And always remember when taking your plants outside in the spring,
to put in the shade and not let it get any direct sun for at least a week.
Goold luck, I hope you can get your plant to thrive.
Hope this helps some.