View Full Version : Leaning Banana Tree
Genierose
03-13-2018, 10:30 PM
I have a banana tree that is in a pot and I have it indoors for the winter. It is about 4 ft. tall. Each day it is leaning over a little more and soon it will be a real problem if I don't do something about it. It is leaning away from the window, so I don't think light is the problem, but maybe it needs more water??? Or should I fertilize it?
I appreciate any insight you can give me.
Thank you.
pitangadiego
03-13-2018, 11:53 PM
Is it loose in the pot? If the trunk is actually curving, is it not a good sign. In that case it probably needs real sunlight and real warm weather. I have seen plants that are weak or less cold tolerant slowly fade away, and they usually begin bending over as a first symptom.
Pix?
Genierose
03-14-2018, 01:23 PM
I inspected the leaves with a magnifier and saw some "dust". Could these be spider mite eggs or what are they and what do I do about it? http://blackhawkinteractive.com/banana-problem.pdf
Genierose
03-14-2018, 02:49 PM
I tried to send pictures but they never showed up. I will try using the link instead of the image icon.
http://blackhawkinteractive.com/banana-problem.pdf
Genierose
03-14-2018, 05:33 PM
I think I will use a spray on it tonight, made with vegetable oil and Dawn dishwashing soap.
sputinc7
03-14-2018, 11:15 PM
How about a couple pix of the whole plant? That leaf doesn't look good... They should be green.
Genierose
03-15-2018, 09:57 AM
Picture of entire pant
http://blackhawkinteractive.com/rojo-banana.JPG
beam2050
03-15-2018, 10:07 AM
almost looks like a zebrine rojo, or maybe sumatrana cross?
geissene
03-15-2018, 11:44 AM
I use a damp paper towel and wipe off the leaves about once a week. This seems to keep my spider mite population from getting large enough to kill the plant.
I don't think you have a big mite problem. When I get mite damage, my leaves fold together. My gut feeling is this plant just needs winter to be over so it can get decent light and temperature.
Erik
Genierose
03-15-2018, 12:04 PM
Thanks. And yes, it is a Zebrine Rojo. The next one I buy will be a Siam Ruby.
beam2050
03-15-2018, 12:36 PM
Thanks. And yes, it is a Zebrine Rojo. The next one I buy will be a Siam Ruby.
siam ruby is beautiful. had one it died after putting it in the ground. was about 2 ft. tall.
Genierose
03-15-2018, 02:48 PM
That is sad, and I will be sad too if I lose this one. But I'll just start over...
Sheila
pitangadiego
03-15-2018, 04:37 PM
Stake it.
cincinnana
03-16-2018, 04:50 AM
I am with pitangadiego....stake it.
The plant seems top heavy and stressed.
A few of my plants look the same way when brought indoors(6 months) and will snap in half once outside at the slightest breeze.
You can trim off a few(3-4)leaves to lighten it up a bit
The plant could sort itself out in about 90 days once it is back outside.
DO NOT trim the brown sheaths on the pstem because they are the only thing holding the plant erect.
Your plant is beautiful but it one of the hardest to overwinter .
Genierose
03-17-2018, 10:06 AM
Thanks folks! I definitely will stake it and hope that it then is able to strengthen itself.
mushtaq86
03-17-2018, 03:33 PM
Thanks folks! I definitely will stake it and hope that it then is able to strengthen itself.
Musa Zebrina is not cold hardy banana, you need to put it on a heat mat, cool or cold soil temperatures in the pot, have also played its part on the plant leaning.
Genierose
03-18-2018, 01:09 AM
It has been in the house with temperatures 71-75 and was happy here for about 3 months, then started to lean. We have it staked now.
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