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View Full Version : Banana plants need help (with pics)


kit5pt0
08-12-2012, 06:36 PM
My dad used to have a lot of banana trees that he planted around a pond in his back yard and they always did very well. He went to be with God last fall and I gave all of his trees to friends of his except for 2 which I kept for myself. I have never really grown plants and am trying to grow these banana trees in pots but am experiencing difficulties and I am not sure why. The plants started out well in spring when I started, but have progressively gotten worse.

I have attached pictures of the plants and a picture of the pot that they grow in. Having no idea how to grow these trees, I bought pots that do not have holes, was watering every day, and used potting soil. I believe this led to where I am now. I got online and saw they need holes and well draining soil. I drilled 4 holes into the bottom of each plant about a month ago and have watered only when the top inch of soil is dry but have not seen an improvement. I live in St. Louis and we had consistent temperatures over 100. There were other leaves that have fallen off which I have removed. Also, even though the plant looks awful, it continues to produce new leaves.

Are these plants able to be saved? I’d like to keep them in pots rather than in the ground. What should I be doing differently? From what I have found on the internet, I am thinking about getting new, possibly smaller, and better draining pots, and also getting cactus palm and citrus soil, but I wanted to check what the experienced people here had to say first. Thanks!

http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr347/kit5pt0/banana%20trees/bananatreepot.jpg[/IMG]

http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr347/kit5pt0/banana%20trees/bananatree3.jpg

http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr347/kit5pt0/banana%20trees/bananatree2.jpg

http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr347/kit5pt0/banana%20trees/bananatree1.jpg

2woodensticks
08-12-2012, 07:53 PM
will just need some time...push out a few new leaves...dont mind moist not standing water...anything but..i would go with a little bigger pot...later not now...pile up some grass clippings keeps them roots warm...hope it helps