View Full Version : I think this one's near death...
Pinky135
11-18-2016, 03:28 PM
Here's a picture I took 2 days ago. http://i.imgur.com/TIFIhnol.jpg
Here's a few pics I took just a minute ago.
http://i.imgur.com/PTwxeahl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/iKMJRsCl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UdMDJBnl.jpg
The leaf on the right of all images was damaged at the stem of the leaf so I cut it off since nothing could go in or out of the leaf surface.
I repotted my banana plant about 2 months ago, since then it's only gotten in worse shape. The soil is moist, but not soaking wet. It has survived a pretty serious lice infestation, the last lice are inside the cigar leaf and I'm working on getting those killed as well.
I think it's not getting near enough light, so I've ordered a grow light online. It's a blue and red LED light, 12 red 6 blue. I'm really hoping I can get my plant to survive winter this way... Sun comes up at 8, I wake up at 11 (in the same room) and sun goes down again at 16.30. The window is facing east-southeast and most of the light gets blocked by the building across the street.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Cut of any rotten area and let it dry out a bit, then make sure it gets enough light but from what I can tell based on your pictures is it a bit too wet right now.
Pinky135
11-18-2016, 06:40 PM
Cut of any rotten area and let it dry out a bit, then make sure it gets enough light but from what I can tell based on your pictures is it a bit too wet right now.
Is there a way I can dry it out more quickly?
edwmax
11-18-2016, 07:11 PM
I have a DC looking exactly the same. I think the leaves may have sun-burned about 10 or 14 days ago when I had it outside. I re-potted with fresh soil and inspected the roots. Didn't find any problems there. I'm keeping it by the window for light but no direct sun and watching the water close until I see new growth.
scottu
11-18-2016, 07:56 PM
sun up at 8:00 down around 4:00 you must be around zone 5 or 6.
I think you must get rid of any mites/bugs first.
wipe the leaves both sides etc.
stop watering for a week or so at least, let the dirt get pretty dry,
if you are indeed in that climate this is a common problem. i lose a few every year like this. it was hurting long before you saw a problem, then the bugs and the seasonal change.
you might get a pup. if it gets worse with no pup as a last ditch effort dig up the corm and cut off all black and stick it in pure sand watering sparingly.
if not, next spring you are ready for round 2
cincinnana
11-18-2016, 10:33 PM
Great pics ...
Do I spy a pitcher plant, pony tail palm , and some parsley?????
The two previous posts are very revenant to your situation.
beam2050
11-19-2016, 04:20 AM
would it not do a little better also to be in a little bigger pot, root bound?
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 04:52 AM
sun up at 8:00 down around 4:00 you must be around zone 5 or 6.
I think you must get rid of any mites/bugs first.
wipe the leaves both sides etc.
stop watering for a week or so at least, let the dirt get pretty dry,
if you are indeed in that climate this is a common problem. i lose a few every year like this. it was hurting long before you saw a problem, then the bugs and the seasonal change.
you might get a pup. if it gets worse with no pup as a last ditch effort dig up the corm and cut off all black and stick it in pure sand watering sparingly.
if not, next spring you are ready for round 2
There was a tiny bit of green forming at the base about 2 months ago, but that's gone dead now... I haven't watered it for 2 weeks and the soil is still moist. I can't get to the lice inside the cigar leaf, so I sprayed it with a solution of soft soap and spiritus. Instantly kills the lice with only a little bit used.
Last year I saw the same thing happening, lots of leaves dying, but it's never been this bad! But then again, last year I didn't leave it in the care of my mother over the summer and part of autumn. I'm beginning to think that my mother did over-water it. I have the pot right next to the radiator now, hoping that will help evaporate the excess water in the pot.
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 04:57 AM
Do I spy a pitcher plant, pony tail palm , and some parsley?????
Yes you do ;) I also have 2 spider plants, a miniature phalaenopsis orchid, rosemary and thyme, a christmas cactus and 2 plants I don't know the name of. Most of them come from cuttings my mother gave me.
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 04:59 AM
would it not do a little better also to be in a little bigger pot, root bound?
I just repotted it from a way smaller pot two months ago. Back then I thought the condition was caused by rootbind, but since it didn't improve, it's not that.
Please update your location in your profile. That's gonna help us help you.
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 04:10 PM
Please update your location in your profile. That's gonna help us help you.
Done.
I've just taken the plant out of the pot and teased the roots apart. The soil around the edge was very moist, but the nearer to the center I got, the drier the soil was. I could still see the shape of the previous pot, it was definitely root bound before and it was very hard to get in between the roots. I took off any dead roots. They were limp, flattened and black in colour.
As of now, I'm letting the roots dry out a bit and I'm letting the soil dry as well. I'm going to replace the soil tomorrow.
I think a lot of the corm is currently above ground, can I put it under the soil with no consequence? There's one tiny pup forming, I thought it had died, but I can now see a small green tip with a blackish head coming out of the corm. I will update this comment with a pic soon.
With the tiny pup trying to pop out, can I take off the pseudostem so the corm expends more energy into the pup?
Corm (or at least the lower part of the plant):
http://i.imgur.com/mfNMnIKl.jpg
Tiny pup (Thumb for scale):
http://i.imgur.com/qZx5HHvl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9besLcBl.jpg
Let her alone now. IME, trimming the P-stem will do nothing. And do update your profile so others know your location; map is sketchy for me. Since your plants are inside you're not near me so you don't have to worry about the "musa thief". (I have never, ever taken a plant not left out for the trash by the road yet I've gotten this pesky rep somehow. ;) )
You grow other plants successfully. I'd suggest (heresy?) that you treat the princess just like them. Bananas are pretty tough. They sometimes get an attitude and die. If they're determined to croak, you can't change it IMO.
edwmax
11-19-2016, 04:26 PM
How often do you water the plants and how much?
I don't see your location. Where are you?
Some may not agree but it works for me and my stuff is in pots and inside most of the year.
Peel the dry stuff near the corm and then replant it in coarse sand. Nothing else. It'll give it the chance to put out a stronger root system and it drains way better than the stuff you are using. Use a bigger pot too. I'll tell you what to do next in a month. Remind me if I forget. I saved a lot of nanners that way.
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 05:30 PM
How often do you water the plants and how much?
I haven't watered it in over 2 weeks now. The soil near the middle was dryer than the soil nearer the edge.
I don't see your location. Where are you?
Some may not agree but it works for me and my stuff is in pots and inside most of the year.
Peel the dry stuff near the corm and then replant it in coarse sand. Nothing else. It'll give it the chance to put out a stronger root system and it drains way better than the stuff you are using. Use a bigger pot too. I'll tell you what to do next in a month. Remind me if I forget. I saved a lot of nanners that way.
How about now? I had pinned my location on the map, but now I found the profile thingy for location :)
I'll try to find coarse sand next week. Thanks for your advice!
Yes! Got it now.
You should really do it ASAP. The faster, the better. Is it on top of a heating system?
If very hot air comes out of this, it may be one of the causes of the leaves drying.
edwmax
11-19-2016, 06:01 PM
I haven't watered it in over 2 weeks now. The soil near the middle was dryer than the soil nearer the edge.
....
I understood that. It wasn't what I was asking.
Frequent watering, even a small amount, is just as bad as over watering. The roots need air, so small amounts of water daily can keep the top of the pot sealed so the roots and soil can not breathe. Thus, the top of the soil needs to 'dry out' before each watering.
Also, since the plant has lost its ability for the leaves to 'transpire', then it does not need watering or very little.
Your description of the soil still being wet after 2 weeks of no water; does this soil have those 'water retaining' crystals? If so, get rid of them. The soil needs to drain.
Your pin actually worked for me; apparently we have few Dutch members. Do have an outdoor space to "park" your babies in during summer? If not, would weather permit doing so? Or are they always forced to stay inside and push their little leaves up against windows or door longing for freedom? I ask because figuring out your gardening zone will take some effort and might not be accurate.
I'm bowing out now; you're in good hands with the "guys" on board. BTW, you didn't mention the variety in this thread (unless I'm blind). Do you know what you have there? Or was told you have? JFYI, I don't think it's a Blue Java but what do I know? ;)
Carry on and good luck!
Done.
I've just taken the plant out of the pot and teased the roots apart. The soil around the edge was very moist, but the nearer to the center I got, the drier the soil was. I could still see the shape of the previous pot, it was definitely root bound before and it was very hard to get in between the roots. I took off any dead roots. They were limp, flattened and black in colour.
As of now, I'm letting the roots dry out a bit and I'm letting the soil dry as well. I'm going to replace the soil tomorrow.
I think a lot of the corm is currently above ground, can I put it under the soil with no consequence? There's one tiny pup forming, I thought it had died, but I can now see a small green tip with a blackish head coming out of the corm. I will update this comment with a pic soon.
With the tiny pup trying to pop out, can I take off the pseudostem so the corm expends more energy into the pup?
Corm (or at least the lower part of the plant):
http://i.imgur.com/mfNMnIKl.jpg
Tiny pup (Thumb for scale):
http://i.imgur.com/qZx5HHvl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9besLcBl.jpg
Do not cut the stem. No need to. When you replant in sand, make sure that the corm is buried but not more than needed. It should be fine.
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 06:36 PM
I understood that. It wasn't what I was asking.
Frequent watering, even a small amount, is just as bad as over watering. The roots need air, so small amounts of water daily can keep the top of the pot sealed so the roots and soil can not breathe. Thus, the top of the soil needs to 'dry out' before each watering.
Also, since the plant has lost its ability for the leaves to 'transpire', then it does not need watering or very little.
Your description of the soil still being wet after 2 weeks of no water; does this soil have those 'water retaining' crystals? If so, get rid of them. The soil needs to drain.
I'm taking JP's advice to replace the 'universal potting soil' it was in with coarse sand. The soil has nothing in it that would retain even more water than usual in this type of soil. Thanks for all the info and advice!
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 06:41 PM
Yes! Got it now.
You should really do it ASAP. The faster, the better. Is it on top of a heating system?
If very hot air comes out of this, it may be one of the causes of the leaves drying.
When the radiator near the plant is on, most of the heat instantly gets mixed with the much colder air coming from the window.
I'll see if there is a shop open tomorrow that sells coarse sand (I'm thinking cactus mix, maybe? I can use it to repot my pitcher plant as well!)
Pinky135
11-19-2016, 06:47 PM
Your pin actually worked for me; apparently we have few Dutch members. Do have an outdoor space to "park" your babies in during summer? If not, would weather permit doing so? Or are they always forced to stay inside and push their little leaves up against windows or door longing for freedom? I ask because figuring out your gardening zone will take some effort and might not be accurate.
I'm bowing out now; you're in good hands with the "guys" on board. BTW, you didn't mention the variety in this thread (unless I'm blind). Do you know what you have there? Or was told you have? JFYI, I don't think it's a Blue Java but what do I know? ;)
Carry on and good luck!
I've parked it in a nice sunny spot near my parents's pond over summer, I was house sitting for them when they were away for a month. Weather was sunny, about 25-30 degrees C, sometimes dipping to 20 and around september there was a short heat wave with temperatures topping 34 degrees C. My banana looked beautiful then, it had 8 healthy leaves. They've kept it there for a bit longer since it was too much of a hassle to bring my plants back home with me in the train :p When it suddenly got cold outside (about 10! degrees C) my mother brought it inside and it started with the downfall. I think my mother overwatered the plant when that happened, possibly thinking it needed more water... Got down from 8 leaves to just 2 leaves and a cigar and then I got it back here...
Oh, and I have no idea what variety this is! I'm hoping it's a cold-hardy one, since it was outside when the temperature suddenly dipped from daytime 22 degrees to nighttime 10 degrees C! It only was out in that cold for one night, so I'm hoping that wasn't the cause of all this...
Pinky135
11-20-2016, 08:22 AM
Final update for now, I've repotted my plant in cactus mix, a very well draining type of soil composed of sand and peat. I'm hoping this is what my plant needs to get back to health. I'll post an update in about a month, as requested by JP. Thanks all for giving advice and information, I really appreciate it!
Final few pics:
http://i.imgur.com/ZGT8ihJl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PqeCByZl.jpg
The cigar leaf looks to be in a bit worse condition than yesterday. I really, really hope it will unfurl over the next few weeks and makes room for a new one!
It should work. I would have used only pure coarse sand to get better and faster results.
Let's see how it goes. Good luck!
JBijl
11-20-2016, 11:05 AM
Sorry for the other peopel but this is for me easer to do in Nederlands
Hallo Pinky
Ik denk dat het een Musa Basjoo is.
De verbrande bladeren kan komen dat de verhoudingen van de spiritus en zeep te sterk waren.
Mijn tip is om eerst al de dode resten van de bladeren en stelen te verwijderen en ook de resten daarvan van de pseudostam te halen.
Je kan bij intratuin goede universele grond krijgen.
Eerst zoveel mogelijk oude grond verwijderen zonder de wortels te veel te beschadigen.
Dan op potten en een paar keer de pot op een harde ondergrond zetten zodat de grond inklinkt laat hem dan een paar dagen met rust en alleen de grond vochtig maken met een planten spuit als er weer groei zichtbaar is gewoon water geven en het beste met handwarm water.
Ps mocht hij dood gaan heb ik wel een gratis stek voor jou
Gr Jeroen
edwmax
11-20-2016, 11:34 AM
ah ... google translate works good.
mushtaq86
11-20-2016, 11:36 AM
When the radiator near the plant is on, most of the heat instantly gets mixed with the much colder air coming from the window.
I'll see if there is a shop open tomorrow that sells coarse sand (I'm thinking cactus mix, maybe? I can use it to repot my pitcher plant as well!)
Never put a banana plant next to a radiator or even close
JBijl
11-20-2016, 11:52 AM
All of my new plants are standing on a radiator for a better develpment of the roots
mushtaq86
11-20-2016, 03:37 PM
All of my new plants are standing on a radiator for a better develpment of the roots
If you want better root development your best option would be heat mat, which will keep your pots warm, not to hot and not to cold.A radiator creates temperature fluctuations when your heating is on and off, looking at the picture it looks like you have a double convector radiator, banana plant leaves suffer badly with very hot dry air next to a radiator, also red spider mite will be attracted to it like a magnet,all that stress could kill your banana plant off eventually.Make sure your plant is south facing and draining holes are at the bottom of the pot,the mix you have in the pot needs perlite adding to it, unless your going to use coarse sand.
JBijl
11-20-2016, 03:56 PM
If you want better root development your best option would be heat mat, which will keep your pots warm, not to hot and not to cold.A radiator creates temperature fluctuations when your heating is on and off, looking at the picture it looks like you have a double convector radiator, banana plant leaves suffer badly with very hot dry air next to a radiator, also red spider mite will be attracted to it like a magnet,all that stress could kill your banana plant off eventually.
Hello Mushtag
First it is not my picture and i do not have them like this on the radiator.
I have placet them on a big piece of wood that so they can not be to hot and works like a heating mat, whit a great dish water for humid air.
Ps you have nice musa's in your collectie
Pinky135
11-20-2016, 04:04 PM
Sorry for the other peopel but this is for me easer to do in Nederlands
Hallo Pinky
Ik denk dat het een Musa Basjoo is.
De verbrande bladeren kan komen dat de verhoudingen van de spiritus en zeep te sterk waren.
Mijn tip is om eerst al de dode resten van de bladeren en stelen te verwijderen en ook de resten daarvan van de pseudostam te halen.
Je kan bij intratuin goede universele grond krijgen.
Eerst zoveel mogelijk oude grond verwijderen zonder de wortels te veel te beschadigen.
Dan op potten en een paar keer de pot op een harde ondergrond zetten zodat de grond inklinkt laat hem dan een paar dagen met rust en alleen de grond vochtig maken met een planten spuit als er weer groei zichtbaar is gewoon water geven en het beste met handwarm water.
Ps mocht hij dood gaan heb ik wel een gratis stek voor jou
Gr Jeroen
I'll be Dutch right back to you!
Ik heb hem nu al verpot, en ik heb nu ook de droge en zwarte delen van de plant weggehaald. Ik heb ook een poging gedaan om de sigaar een beetje open te krijgen, en het lijkt er op dat de oplossing voor een beetje rot heeft gezorgd dicht bij de basis... De steel van dat blad is nog intact en groen, dus ik denk dat er nog wel transport van voedingsstoffen kan zijn.
Als over een maand blijkt dat de plant echt niet meer beter wordt, zal ik contact met je opnemen, want een gratis stek sla ik zeker niet af! Bedankt voor het aanbod!
JBijl
11-20-2016, 05:49 PM
put the pot on great dish water for humid air but make sure that the ground will not be to wet and wait 2 weeks
Gr J
Sorry for the other peopel but this is for me easer to do in Nederlands
Hallo Pinky
Ik denk dat het een Musa Basjoo is.
De verbrande bladeren kan komen dat de verhoudingen van de spiritus en zeep te sterk waren.
Mijn tip is om eerst al de dode resten van de bladeren en stelen te verwijderen en ook de resten daarvan van de pseudostam te halen.
Je kan bij intratuin goede universele grond krijgen.
Eerst zoveel mogelijk oude grond verwijderen zonder de wortels te veel te beschadigen.
Dan op potten en een paar keer de pot op een harde ondergrond zetten zodat de grond inklinkt laat hem dan een paar dagen met rust en alleen de grond vochtig maken met een planten spuit als er weer groei zichtbaar is gewoon water geven en het beste met handwarm water.
Ps mocht hij dood gaan heb ik wel een gratis stek voor jou
Gr Jeroen
I thought too at first that the soap concentration was too high but the roots blackening and becoming mushy made me think that the problem is from the soil retaining too much humidity.
kaczercat
11-21-2016, 04:38 PM
if anything it might send up a pup.. whatever you do DO NOT water it for atleast a few weeks.
edwmax
11-21-2016, 06:11 PM
Pinky did re-pot with new soil, a little water is needed to make the new soil moist but not wet.
Pinky135
11-21-2016, 06:28 PM
Pinky did re-pot with new soil, a little water is needed to make the new soil moist but not wet.
I watered a tiny little bit and I'm leaving it be at least until I notice the top half inch is dried out.
edwmax
11-22-2016, 04:20 PM
Get a low cost moisture probe to test the soil deeper and at the roots.
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