Bod

Hello

I had a lovely Banana plant, Musa Lasiocarpa, that was about 3 years old and planted outside in my garden for the first time last summer (summer 2009). It was really doing well and seemed very heathly, growing to about 4/5 foot tall.
However, we had a really harsh winter here in the UK, I did cut it back to about 1 foot and covered it carefully to protect it.

When I removed the covering this Spring time, the plant was black and gone soft, it was a sorry sight! I cut off the soft black parts of the stems as best I could and left it get some sun.

To my delight, out of each of two of the cut stem bases have shot a small green and black shoot which are slowly growing. The majority of the plant remains dead and black and is attracting flies.

My question is, should I try to cut away the large dead/black mouldy remains of the plant, from the live part, or leave it alone? I am concerned that the mould may somehow infect the small living part of the plant and kill it.

I could try to separate the live part and put it in a pot in a more sunny part of the garden to help it recover quicker.

The 2 shoots are about 3 inches long each, and quite thin....

I dont know what to to for the best..

You advice would be appreciated

thanks

Bod

canadianplant

Pictures may help, jsut so we can see the damage. Also what is your zone?

As far as I know, the black rot could continue, although if the temps are warm enough it may not. ID say if there is no new growth on the top of the original stem, cut it down to jsut under the black. You can probably get away with spraying it with a fungicide as well. You may like this article.....

Cutting-edge plant science - A cure for your plant's viral headache?

It deals mostly with virus, but the spray stopped my roses from rotting, and its good against mildews and fungus as well as virus..

sunfish

Bod

Hi

Thanks for your advice. Below is a photo of the poorly plant.

Just a thought, might a fungicide harm the young shoots?

Hopefully, now, you can see what I was trying to describe...

Any advice as to the best way to progress with this plant is gratefully received

B

Attached Images

Banana plant 003.jpg (448.8 KB, 2 views)

canadianplant

IT looks like it might have been hit with soem late frost, which doesnt happen really at all down there. IT maybe heat stressed, or lack of water. TO me it doesnt look like its rot or fungus.

Musella Lasiocarpa is rated to zone 7, and has been overwintered in zone 6 and 5 with success, so I hightly highly doubt its from the cold. IT looks not to bad actualy IMO, mabey someone with more experience can help?

I just realized your in the uk LOL. ITs definetly cold damage IMO..... I have a friend in leeds, and I check out the temp there off and on, they had some frosts until 2 or 3 weeks ago. Anytime the temps go below at to 5C, id cover it with a garbage can, just to keep the chill off ( if its like musa this will help). My basjoos looked similar to that, after a cool spell in late spring. Id make sure im not over watering it, and give it as much sun as you can there.......

LilRaverBoi

I say leave it. It looks dried out and perfectly fine to me. Cutting anything off doesn't seem necessary.

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