Why are the leaves tearing on my E. Maurelii ?
 

The leaf tips on my E. Maurelii are emerging all screwy with gaps and such .
It was planted last year on a slope and I left a dam / retaining wall of the heavy clay soil to hold in the good stuff . By doing this I created a basin that held water for long periods .
I really did'nt expect it to survive the winter but it was the first thing to emerge this year , in Febuary!
It put on three leaves the first week . Remembering how it struggled last year, I tore the dam down and mixed rice hulls with the soil to allow for the best possible drainage . The leaves are still growing out all deformed. Could this be a disease or fungal issue? The base of the plant is not tight at all either. Thaks for any advice .
Pete

Re: Why are the leaves tearing on my E. Maurelii ?
 

Pete, I would call that freeze damage to the apical meristem. Not enough to kill it obviously, but an injury. Seeing as it is growing well now, it should grow out of it.

Re: Why are the leaves tearing on my E. Maurelii ?
 

My Maurelii does the same thing in the sring but has so far grown out of it.
This year it took 4 leaves before they started "normally".
Good luck!

Re: Why are the leaves tearing on my E. Maurelii ?
 

Hmmm... could be strangles?

Over in Europe, we find that Maurelii has a tendency to develop the 'Strangles' a strange occurrence that sees the plant developing small stunted leaves from the growing point, after it has been over-wintered. It's not usually obvious in the first year, but appears in the second or third year in Spring. It's as if the plant has been strangled at the growing tip, so all the leaves bunch up, tear and are deformed when they force themselves out. The plants themselves look stunted as little height is gained. Once it starts, the plant is usually a goner. Sometimes it grows out, but not often.

I heard a theory that a rogue gene causing this got included into a micropropped version, and has not yet been cleared out.

Do you have this affliction in the US?

Re: Why are the leaves tearing on my E. Maurelii ?
 

Thanks y'all ,
I hope it is as Bigdog says and it grows out of it. This year I'll be sure to mulch and cover a little heavier . - "mulch and cover" , sounds like an army term.
jmilligan1976, I'm very new to this hobby and have not heard of this condition(strangles) but I hope it is not the case !
This plant has had thirteen leaves ,some were damaged by the Easter frost, the latest "cigar leaf " (?) seems to be normal but may break up while unfurling. And in counting these leaves this morning I found mealy bugs on this and onother of my plants along with slugs. My seedlings also have slugs around them but they seem disinterested in the plants(bananas) ...not the case with my philodendrons who have been stripped overnight.
Thanks again, I'm glad that there is a site like this where a newbie like me can tap into others knowledge and avoid the mistakes and discouragement that comes along with "learning from ones mistakes". My bananas appreciate it as well.
Pete

Re: Why are the leaves tearing on my E. Maurelii ?
 

mine grew happily under gro lux tubes all winter but when i moved and repotted it the new unfurling leaf split. it also developed some "burn spots onthe leaves. I want to put it outside in a couple of weeks, i hope it's alright.