agentcooper

My live in Vancouver, Canada and my plan has been struggling throughout the winter. Leaves would get too heavy for the trunk and break, but usually when there's a new seeding coming out of the middle, a new leaf grows out very rapidly, despite the lack of sun and coldness in the winter.

But since about 2 months ago, this little guy has been stuck there. All the other leaves eventually fell. I still water it and it seems to absorb the water so I thought it's alive and just taking a bit longer. But now nothing has happened in so long I think I need to ask myself the hard question - is it dead.

Anyone got any input? Appreciate it!






https://i.postimg.cc/QxY5hdDs/IMG-4626.jpg

JaredZone9a

Have you given it any nutrition. :-) Looks like it’s barely trying to hang on.

agentcooper

Good call, and I apologize sounding like a complete fool... what type of nutrition should I use? Would all purpose plant food do?

JaredZone9a

I would say something very minimal, because if doesn’t appear to have much active growth. Maybe top dress the top of the soil with compost which will gently feed the plant. Not sure what’s available in Canada. Here in the states I’d use something like “black cow” only (which is 0.5-0.5-0.5) just to try and get some nutrients in the soil and hope for the best. It may be depleted or maybe it’s just not receiving enough sun. Could be a lack of water or too much water. Not sure.


Maybe somebody else could give you some better advice. Interested to hear other opinions as I’m still trying to learn.

pitangadiego

Find some sunshine.

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sirdoofus

Not necessarily sure what is wrong with your plant. Could be nutrtion as Jaredzone9a suggests, it could be light as Pitangadiego, suggests, it could be a watering issue as you suggest.

Not knowing about your watering habits other than you say you continue to water it, I would suggest over watering is likely, as it is an extremely common cause of houseplant demise. I have also discovered via my own experience that it is very easy to over water pot-bound, indoor bananas.

Given that there is essentially no foliage on the plant, it isn't going to be needing much water at all. Edwmax often recommends getting a long stem moisture meter and checkng the moisture level in the lower part of the pot before watering.

I would probably suggest pulling the plant out of the pot, removing the potting medium, looking at the corm and removing any soft, black tissue....cut it off until you get to white, healthy tissue. If the corm and roots look healthy, then you know your issue isn't too much water. Then replant it in a dry, or just barely moist, free draining medium - 50/50 mixture of INDOOR potting mix (I like ProMix, never had any issues with bugs...it is a little more expensive but in my opinion worth it for houseplants) and perlite is often recommended.

I personally would suggest not using any organic compost or anything like that indoors (my personal preference - not saying its wrong), too much opportunity to introduce bugs which can thrive on an indoor plant without any of the normal predators that keep them under control outside.

Feel free to post pics of the plant if you do chose to inspect the below ground parts, that will give us a better idea of what you are dealing with.

BTW do you know what variety it is?

Good luck, keep us posted

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JaredZone9a

Yes would love to see the crom and roots on this plant. Just an observation in one of the pics the soil looks very dry.

sewell0618

I agree with the other comments. I would start at the base, (Corm) like, "Sirdoofus said." Cut off all the bad roots repot with new soil, add a little water and get it some light! Maybe try a lamp or something like that if it is not greeting enough light.

Good luck!

sirdoofus

Oh, and don't feel like a fool, plants are not necessarily cut and dry. As I am sure everyone here will attest to, the learning curve sometimes involves accidentally harming the plants we are trying our best to care for.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, all questions in good faith are valid and there is a huge amount of expertise available here to help you answer them.

I always say the best way to learn how to do something well is to goof up a few times along the way.......or maybe that just makes me feel better

Good luck and keep us posted.

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JaredZone9a

Yep, already set my plants back with over fertilizing. I’m starting to think it might be better to use a slow release fertilizer. Liquid apparently has a learning curve with dose and amount to dose.