Log in

View Full Version : Leaves turning brown and yellow. HELP! thanks.


ringman312
06-23-2010, 05:25 PM
Hi everyone, my first time posting.

I recently purchased a new banana tree from a reputable nursery here in Chicago. When i first got it, it was full and lucious looking! But soon after 2-3 weeks later, my leaves started turning yellow then brown starting from the tip of the leaves migrating inwards to the stem. My tree faces westward getting about 5-7 hours of good sun a day. Also I potted this 16" plant into a 20" pot with "Miracle grow potting mix".

my initial diagnosis were 1) fungus gnats? 2) spider mites? 3) too much or too little water? 4) too much or too little light?

I did notice there were some gnats flying around so I placed jars of vinegar around it and I also did shampoo the entire tree with a mild soapy warm water bath. I stopped watering for about a week to dry out the soil. Honestly though, I don't think it's spider mites because I don't see any webbing or creepy crawlies. Also I sprayed it with "Bayer Advanced Flower Insect killer".

But after all this attention, it continues to die and turn brown! ARGHHHHHHHH! can someone please help me with the diagnosis and suggest a remedy? Thank you so much...I have learned so much from your website! It's awesome! :nanadrink:

below are some included photos:
1) before
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=33128&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=33128&ppuser=7638)
2) after
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=33133&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=33133&ppuser=7638)
3) leaf burn
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=33131&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=33131&ppuser=7638)
4) upclose
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=33130&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=33130&ppuser=7638)
5) soil upclose
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=33129&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=33129&ppuser=7638)

Dean W.
06-23-2010, 06:35 PM
Welcome to the Org!

Did you put fertilizer on it?

ringman312
06-23-2010, 07:22 PM
yes, i poured alittle 24-8-16 miracle single packs (mixed with water)...but that was after the leaves started dying.

sandy0225
06-24-2010, 06:43 AM
it has probably been outside or in higher light inside. It's adjusting to lower light levels. Mine look like that sometimes when I bring them inside for the winter. Also you have lower humidity inside the house than it would have been getting outdoors. Trim off the ugly parts with scissors and keep it watered so it doesn't get too wet, kind of on the dry side for indoors. It should stabililze itself in a few weeks.

Abnshrek
06-24-2010, 06:48 AM
Its starting to look like the one I saw @ Home Depot..

ringman312
06-24-2010, 11:10 AM
thanks for the help team...so it just looks like it's just getting used to the different conditions? it was definitely coming from a greenhouse with high humidity and high light conditions...now it's semi-light and low humidity.

so it doesn't look diseased does it? fingers crossed...thank you so much again for the help.

RL:nanadrink:

sandy0225
06-24-2010, 04:56 PM
it doesn't look diseased. The main thing you will have to be vigilant for is spider mites if you're always going to grow it indoors. It would like being put outside in the shade to start out with, in the summertime and in just for winter.

fergus banana
06-24-2010, 08:01 PM
the humidity indoors is probably too low. i have this constant problem with my indoor bananas. i put in 2 humidifiers and it make a huge difference, but they still get a little burn around the leaf margins just like yours.

LilRaverBoi
06-24-2010, 11:43 PM
Honestly, from my experience, Ensete Maurelii's are kind of a hassle. They are very particular in the conditions and never did well for me (outdoors or indoors). I've heard they prefer it dry to wet, so maybe you are watering too much (might have been my problem). I'd move it outdoors if you can....it'll do better for sure.