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JCA433
03-12-2011, 12:45 PM
I have an Orinoco banana and at first after cutting back the P stem new growth came out after only about 6 hours. So I thought all is well, however the second leaf is all ragged and there is only stem no foliage on this leaf. It looks like the foliage got torn off or ripped off as it grew out from the P stem. It this normal after cutting back the P stem? A new leaf is now emerging and it looks better but still thin and not quite right but better. Will the banana grow out of this problem eventually or should I cut it back more. I already cut it back twice. The first time the very first leaf got stuck so I cut it back again and now the leaves are emerging but ragged looking.

The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 01:03 PM
I also have a plant this is happening to so I would be interested in the answer...


: )

BB73
03-12-2011, 01:49 PM
Bananas can act quite strange after winter, so I wouldn't worry too much.
Things should get back to normal soon. Allow them to grow a few more leaves and everything will be fine again.
Sometimes they grow new roots when temps are rising, but until then the leaves look quite strange. 3 - 5 leaves later everything is fine again.

john_ny
03-12-2011, 02:16 PM
When you cut it back, you may have cut into the new leaf somewhat, if it was in the PS, close to where you cut.

sirmoebly
03-12-2011, 04:38 PM
You should post your zone to let others in your area to help you.... (Really does make a big difference!!!!) I will take a poke at it. Mine are in a basement & when I water & when they stay wet to long they would do the same thing.... If your growing in a cool to cold room then don't even think about watering... the only time I water mine is when I mist my plants with water to control spider mites.... hope it helps.... :nanadrink:

john_ny
03-12-2011, 06:27 PM
Right on, Moe. I have some that I have kept growing, with warmth and good light, and others that are cool, with no water, or anything. I just checked them today, and they're fine. Pix in a day or two.

Darkman
03-12-2011, 08:15 PM
I have an Orinoco banana and at first after cutting back the P stem new growth came out after only about 6 hours. So I thought all is well, however the second leaf is all ragged and there is only stem no foliage on this leaf. It looks like the foliage got torn off or ripped off as it grew out from the P stem. It this normal after cutting back the P stem? A new leaf is now emerging and it looks better but still thin and not quite right but better. Will the banana grow out of this problem eventually or should I cut it back more. I already cut it back twice. The first time the very first leaf got stuck so I cut it back again and now the leaves are emerging but ragged looking.

I have an Orinoco that has done the exact same thing. I'm not worried. I think the cold penetrated there and I think it will grow out of this by itself.

drew leonard
03-12-2011, 08:21 PM
I grow Orinocos in the Charlotte area . I would say if it is getting better don't mess with it. If the next leaf is better than the previous etc; etc... go with it

JCA433
03-12-2011, 11:34 PM
I am in zone 9. The low temperature this winter was 24.8 F. The P stem looks healthy and growing in a warm spot protected from wind and freezes.

JCA433
03-15-2011, 07:16 PM
I have an Orinoco that has done the exact same thing. I'm not worried. I think the cold penetrated there and I think it will grow out of this by itself.

Hi Darkman, I am TRI in the citrus growers forums. Nice to see you.

JCA433
04-21-2011, 06:20 AM
This Dwarf Orinoco has 4 very large normal leaves on it now and almost 7 feet tall. The first three leaves were long and narrow. I want to fertilize it. What fertilizer should I use? One high in potassium?

Very imperssed this banana plant stem survived the cold winter with lows in the 20s F! It is growing next to a cement house and protected from cold winds so maybe that helped. The P stem is very very thick!