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View Full Version : Sikkimensis nutrient deficiency?


NeedForSeed
11-21-2010, 10:54 AM
Today I made an impulse purchase of what I think is a super dwarf cavendish. It was labeled "Musa Tropicana" in the store, but isn't that the same as a sdc?

However, my naner "collection" now consists of:

3 Sikkimensis
the new stranger


I'm worried about the biggest sikkimensis. The leaves are slightly turning yellow and the edges are becoming more brown, especially on the younger leaves. I was wondering if it could be a result due to low humidity indoors (about 40% now) or maybe some sort of nutrient deficiency?

Also, what about the pot sizes? I want to keep them small for better drainage in order to prevent rot, but are the too small?

Here are som pictures:
http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb401/Growzor/PB216459.jpg
the newest member

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb401/Growzor/PB216455.jpg
the biggest sikkimensis

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb401/Growzor/PB216456.jpg
??

Dalmatiansoap
11-21-2010, 11:07 AM
Yes its Cavendish and just cut that leaf on Sikki. Looks normal to me, just take good care about watering in this Winter months. Less is better!
:woohoonaner:

mushtaq86
11-21-2010, 11:49 AM
what temp is the room where you have your sikki.I see is no perlite in your compost,make sure you only wet the soil on top in winter months as soil will not be free draining and only when dry do you water again,also make sure you place it near a window which gets the most light inside your house in winter months.

NeedForSeed
11-21-2010, 02:20 PM
Ok, but is it best to drag it off all the way down to the base?
It's about 19-21 C in the room.
Is it important to include perlite in the soil?

El Manolo
11-21-2010, 05:29 PM
You don't need to cut the leaf of. It's just a normal proces in bananas. The oldest leafs die. If a leaf on top turns yellow it would be different. Besides right now your banana is taking nutrients out of the leaf. Only cut if off when it's totally dry like the tip is.

raygrogan
11-21-2010, 09:11 PM
I think you just had a little salt (eg, too much fert) at some point but nothing to worry about. The lower leaves all fade eventually. That top pic with the leaf stem splitting is a very good sign - your roots / stem are swelling nicely.

raygrogan
11-21-2010, 09:28 PM
And leaf cutting - yes, best to leave it to dry from the plant's point of view. If you want to spiff the plant up it is fine to cut it off. Best to only cut the leaf off and leave the part that will become part of the trunk. When leaves are dry you cut upwards. When still succulent you can cut from top down. A serated knife best.

sunfish
11-21-2010, 09:36 PM
And leaf cutting - yes, best to leave it to dry from the plant's point of view. If you want to spiff the plant up it is fine to cut it off. Best to only cut the leaf off and leave the part that will become part of the trunk. When leaves are dry you cut upwards. When still succulent you can cut from top down. A serated knife best.

Scissors work pretty good

NeedForSeed
11-22-2010, 11:52 AM
You don't need to cut the leaf of. It's just a normal proces in bananas. The oldest leafs die. If a leaf on top turns yellow it would be different. Besides right now your banana is taking nutrients out of the leaf. Only cut if off when it's totally dry like the tip is.

But as you can see on the second pic the newer leaves are getting some yellow spots too. Is this a normal process too?

mushtaq86
11-22-2010, 04:38 PM
Ok, but is it best to drag it off all the way down to the base?
It's about 19-21 C in the room.
Is it important to include perlite in the soil?

It is very important to include perlite in your soil mix if your growing nanas where winters a long,not only does perlite keep soil free draining it also helps with air flow to the roots.