oonana

Hi all,

So it seems I am not the first newbie to move his Banana (Dwarf Cavendish) plant indoors away from the cold only to realize that spider mites have attacked their plant.

I have read the post on mites and have taken action accordingly (thanks). My question now is what to do about the leaves which were attacked first and have become so discolored I doubt they are helping the plant?

I have about 4 leaves at the bottom that are green/brown with very 'burnt' edges.

thanks.

lorax

Cut 'em off. It will help the tree immensely.

Bob

How big is your plant? I have an E. Maurelii that had a bad infestation when I brought it in for the winter. Many of the leaves developed the same"burnt edges" I ended up cutting off all of the leaves but one and since it was small enough took it to the tub and sprayed off the remaining leaf (especially the underside) and stem for a few days straight. It is pushing new growth and no sign of infestation. It will surely need to be sprayed off again this winter but so far so good and no chemicals whatsoever.

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oonana

Hi, (and thank you both for the prompt reply)

It is just under six feet and a smaller stem which is about 2 feet (and so far has not been badly affected). On the main stem I took off about 8 leaves, leaving 5 at the top. I sprayed the leaves with water, then followed up with a spray of very very diluted horticultural oil.

It was pretty severe, I though initially it was stress from moving the banana inside, before I noticed the mites. I have a feeling a trip to the shower will be needed.

Out of curiosity does watering impact the mites (in terms of controlling the infestation)?

thanks.

pjm