Musa aeae issue/help
 

Hey yall, first post here and can't believe I didn't know this place existed. I love banana trees but don't have a ton of experience growing them from propagation, and hope someone can assess my aeae (I think) I traded for last fall.

It was under a full-spectrum LED panel grow light near a south window for the last 4 months and I just moved it outside. Re-potted to check the roots and stalk and noticed some rot setting in, so lowered the soil line. It has some healthy white roots, but very few, and all its done all winter is drop a leaf. The growing leaf has stayed half-open since I got it.

Just wondering if anyone things this guy will actually grow, and if there's anything I can or should do besides wait. I was thrilled to get it, and would hate to just watch it die if something can be done. It's going back out onto my deck after the rain today and will be east-facing and under a 50% shade cloth in zone 8b, if that helps. Thanks!

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Re: Musa aeae issue/help
 

I know Aeae's are water sensitive. I would just go light on the water. Water it when the pot is really light.

Re: Musa aeae issue/help
 

Where are you located?

Re: Musa aeae issue/help
 

Zone 8b - West GA.

Re: Musa aeae issue/help
 

Here in Hawaii i always clean up the corm (rootball) before planting. (Regardless of the variety) This is to make sure there is no obvious rot or weevil damage. You would have to be gentle since it is so small. I rinse it off so it's clean then I shave off all roots until I have a smooth white corm. Any black spots , i cut out with a potato peeler or veggie knife. Then i soak it in a 10% bleach to water solution (Just the root ball) for 30 minutes. I leave it to dry overnight and plant outside in the soil with plenty of cinder to allow for good drainage. Cover with mulch and water it well. All of my banana plants thrive on food and lots of water! With Aloha, bob

Re: Musa aeae issue/help
 

Your plant needs heat and sun if it is going to survive. I don’t know your local weather but I do know Georgia is hot. I would give it full morning sun and afternoon shade. After a week or two, if it doesn’t burn, give it full sun. The white parts will burn but don’t worry about that. Watch the green parts. Once rot sets in on a small plant the best way to save it is to keep it warm.

Bill