View Full Version : Please help me save my banana plant
Stuartgrimes
12-21-2015, 08:17 AM
Hi this is either a sikimensis or basjoo which I bought and grew outside the summer just gone. It is the first time I've had bananas and after bringing it inside for winter, the plant is now in pretty bad shape. It has gone black. Originally I thought that, after reading online, spider mytes were to blame. However, after a series of sprays the problem has persisted. As you can see from the images, it is a white substance which keeps returning. Is it a fungus! And more importantly, how can I get rid of it??
Thanks for any help in advance!!
siege2050
12-21-2015, 02:36 PM
Yes, it is some form of fungus, but not sure if that is what is killing it. If its Musa Sikkimensis, this species always builds up water in the pstem sheaths for some reason on my plants in winter and I have to water sparingly. I have to usually remove the dry parts and drain or I get rot. It if has any green try carefully peeling off the dead fungusy parts of the sheath to allow any water to drain, or rot to dry out. Its most likely a Basjoo as Sikkimensis is harder to find but I have had basjoo do this also with the same fungus, maybe watering too much.
a.hulva@coxinet.net
12-21-2015, 06:40 PM
I am 100% sure it is Mealy bugs. No question. You need an insecticide that is both topical and systemic. I had the exact same thing. I used Acephate you can also use Bayer 3 in 1 insecticide. They will kill you plant. Spray all over especially the stem. Follow up again in two weeks. If you don't believe me PM Cincinnana. :2722:
siege2050
12-21-2015, 06:45 PM
Could be Mealy, they are not very common here, I have never come across them except in store bought plants. At least the Bayer has a fungicide in it as well so either way should help.
Tytaylor77
12-22-2015, 06:27 PM
We have mealy bugs all over here. Ones I find the smaller ones/larve are almost transparent. The smaller specks in the pic look really white. Could just be the lighting. Looks a lot like a fungus to me also. I would say go with the 3 in 1 also to cover everything.
siege2050
12-23-2015, 12:57 AM
Yeah, I have had fungus on my bananas look just like that especially when there is black rot and water. But I am uncertain because it also looks similar to mealy bug. The 3 in 1 would probably be good. I think peeling off the old stuff would be a good idea either way.
chris_zx2
12-28-2015, 01:00 PM
Any news on this. I think I have the same issue!
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2020, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.