Am I burning my banana?
 

Took my GM in a couple weeks ago. So far, while not thriving, it isn't dying either, but I think the leaves are darkening a little more than I think they should be. Is this the way my leaves should look? (2 pics for the same plant.)

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

In what manner do you think you are burning the plant? How much fertilizer are you applying and what kind?

1. The soil in the photo looks to be very dry.
2. The dead brown spots in the middle of the leaves seem to indicated fertilizer issues. But this could be sun burn because the leaves folded due to lack of water. ???

I think you have water and fertilizer issues. ????

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

I mentioned burn because the leaf spots look large and brown rather than purple - which is what I expected.

I'm using about 1/2 a cup total around the plant and it is the Tropic Treats Stokes 6-2-12 Banana Food.

As for water: the very top appears dry, but if I stick my finger in, it is very moist. Do I water more so the top is always moist as well, or do I wait for the moisture to dissipate more as it gets closer to the roots?

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

Look under the leaves. It looks like you may have a mite infestation.

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

Girlfriend is an entomologist. She noticed it too. I just put up some yellow sticky traps to get those. Different problem I know, but working on that too :)

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

How often are you applying the 1/2 cup of fertilizer? How big is the pot and how big is the plant?

The pot looks to be 8 or 10 inches and the plant about 12" or so. Is this correct? ... If so, then 1/2 cup of fertilizer is too much. I would only be giving 2 or 3 tablespoons around the outside of the soil. ... I can't find Stokes' label or their application rate for the product. Young potted plants need much less than older 'in-ground' plants.

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

The pot is 22 inches and the plant is a bit over 1 foot. First got it in August and had it outdoors in this pot until beginning of October when the weather began to turn. Then brought it in under this grow light.

What is the best way to reverse the damage at this point? Last time I gave the fertilizer was Oct. 20. I estimated that was about a month since last feeding. I already figured it needs less feeding indoors than outdoors. I can also reduce the amount if you think that is what caused the problem. What about water and the light? Go down about an inch into the soil and it is moist, but the top inch is dry.

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

OK, the pot is larger than It looks in the photo. But I got the plant size right. So I think you could be over fertilizing the plant and damaging the roots. Most potting soil mixes already have fertilizer for about 4 to 6 months.

At this point the plant clearly looks to be in trouble. I don't think you have little to lose but to re pot in fresh soil. This will also give you the opportunity to inspect the roots for any other problem that might exist. And, while the plant is out, inspect the underside of the leaves for insect and treat if needed. I would also spray the plant with a bleach/water mix and then wash off with a light spray from a garden hose to kill any fungus infection that might exist. May be your girlfriend will have a better suggestion for treatment.

Also, inspect the existing soil and pot. See if the pot stopped draining trapping water in the bottom turning bad. This could be the problem!!! .... The pot needs to drain excess water out and you need to see this to know when enough water has been given. Water when the top 1/2 inch becomes dry. If the soil is draining you can not over water.

After re-potting do not give any fertilizer until you see improvement and new growth. The potting soil will already have fertilizer, so may be a little liquid nitrogen fertilizer for a boost. Nitrogen grows the leaves & plant; potassium (aka: banana food) grows the roots and fruit. A young plants needs to grow leaves to be able to grow roots. It needs more nitrogen than potassium at this point. IMO, banana food is not a good choice for young plants.

Good luck, I hope you can find the problem and re-potting will improve the plant.

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

You last post mentioned a grow light, so I wounder if the light might have caused this problem; too hot, too close. Did the leaf browning occur outside or after being put under the light?

I have several banana plant by a siding glass door only getting a little morning sun. They are growing just fine. So I suggest discontinue the grow light and give bright natural light from a window.

Re: Am I burning my banana?
 

Started once I got the plant into the house. I actually was just thinking I had the light too close and I can move it back. But I'll see what I can do about repotting and will go from there. Shall keep updated.

And thanks.