Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

I purchased an Ice cream banana from e-bay this spring. It was healthy and doing fine ( a little sun stroke when moved outside). It is currently outside in a container and is about 2.5 feet high. Last month after a cool spell a new leaf was slow to open and had some wilted spots. Currently the old leaves are turning yellow then brown, faster than the new leaves grow and open. The last few leaves have been healthy but are turning brown on the edges. I wish to get this plant healthy before i move it inside for the winter. Is this a fungus or mites, or soil/nutriants problem?

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

Basically the pot is too small. The yellowing is from root-bound and the browning is from the heat. You could put it in a 20 gallon pot now and a 40 gallon next year, or go all-the-way-in-one-play and do the large tub now.

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

I agree with Richard. But have you already checked the bottom side of the leaves? Just to be sure, cause there may be spider mites as well.

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

The bottom of the leaves had a white film on them and a dusty web like feel. I sprayed the leaves with insecticide soap and treated the soil. I found dead gnat on the leaves a few hours later and there was/are little pale bugs that look like 'spider mites' (e.i. google search images). I was told it might be overwatering. I water twice a week and wait until the soil is dry 1/4" down. Not sure about the container size 20 gal is a lot of soil for 2.5 foot plant?

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

When checking the soil moisture in a potted plant, check the holes at the bottom. Also, place an inch or two of 1/4 to 1/2 inch mulch (not compost) on top to keep the moisture level more uniform throughout the pot. Get rid of the drip tray and put 1/4 inch spacers between the pot and the ground.

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

The variety of banana you have gets pretty tall. That is why others recommend such large size containers for the plants. If you want fruit from them, you will have to abide by their recommendations. In my opinion, your best option is the dwarf varieties.

Either way, any banana plant is excellent eye candy. :)

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

I Updated the pot the plant was in and snapped some pictures. I noted the roots of bananas grow more out than down. The roots look a lot better than I thought they would. I didn't see any signs of decay or fungus. No signs of bugs today, having sprayed the leaves yesterday.

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

I thought your pot looks fine just becareful, you live in zone 5 we don't get really hot weather(everyday).IN cooler climates the pot stays wet alot longer so it's better to be on the small side of pots, I have lost plants (root rot) because of big pots.. even when you got good drainage.. I would even go so far as I had one dc break a pot then it was time to get a bigger pot or put it in the ground!!! Spider mites are hard to get rid of, keep spraying!!!!! Good luck to ya.....

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

Yeah, I agree with ya Moe....too large of a pot can potentially be a bad thing in the wrong climate/time of year. If the plant isn't large enough to use all the moisture, it can just end up causing issues. You might be okay, but just watch your watering and let it get dried out first.

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

Indeed, I grow the same size pots, no rot in winter at all:02:. Better repot it in spring (they do like larger pots, ->grow faster!!)

Keep on checking the mites, cause they are great survivors. Did you use anti-mite stuff?

Before spraying I wipe the leaves (bottom) with a cotton wad pad (those you use for eye make-up removal;)) soaked with green soap (=biodegradable). The mites stick on the pad and you throw them away, far far away in the bin.

And, if you want to wipe the upper side of the leaves as well, don't put the nanner in the sun cause that will burn the leaves :( )

Marguérite

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

An update: The Ice Cream is starting a new leaf after being transplated. The yellowing and dying of leaves has slow or stopped. I thought it might need move sun since i only get west sunlight and even the elms and maples are showing signs of Fall. So I moved it indoors with some plant lights. The spidermites are still living. Very healthy creatures. :nanertank:

Re: Fungus in my Ice Cream?
 

Hello Bananahusker

Espero tu problema se este solucionando, cuando a las hojas las atacan los insectos y sólo tienes una o varias plantas y estan pequeñas puedes rociarlas con estos jabones pero en las ultimas dos fotos de tu primer correo los síntomas presentes son de hongo y cuando este es así se debe de cortar las hojas más afectadas y sólo las partes afectadas de las otras para evitar que el inoculo se propage, además de esto en la foto numero 4 se notan deficiencias de azufre.