Quote:
Originally Posted by banana nut
I don't think it is currently working. I spent a long time over watering and killing potted plants. Got the soil meter and I think its going better but now the plants are growing a lot slower so I think I may be underwatering. As I said, this soil cactus mix never seems to full dry. The soil that I haven't used that is still in the store bag is still reading moisture on the meter even.
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First, Banana plants store water in its pstem and corm for dry periods. This is why we can allow a pot to go dry for a couple of days to keep from over watering (yes the leaves will fold down); allow the roots to get AIR; and may be kill any root rot forming; and store large plants dry root in the garage. ... It had been reported by researchers the banana plant can loss more than 50% to 60% of its stored water and still recover.
Next,
- Is the soil dryer at the outer edges of the pot than in the center next to the corm?
- Is the soil wetter at the bottom of the pot than the top? Check by inserting the probe through the bottom drain holes. NO HOLES ... GET another pot with holes. Water must drain out of the pot.
- Check the soil mix to make sure it does not contain an additive to absorb & hold water. Many new commercial mixes now do.
- If the soil stays wet around the corm but dry at the outer parts of the pot then it is very likely root rot has set in. The rot fungus will draw water out from the corm. The soil will not dry out around the corm/root until the plant is dead.
Next, I don't think most of the "cheap" moisture are very accurate; but still much better than using your finger. I don't think I've ever seen my meter show 'completely dry'. This could be because of the humidity of the room. ... If the leaves are not folding down, I would wait another couple of days before watering and check moisture level again. (remember the plants stores water).
An outside in-ground banana plant and temps above 90 deg I would just pour the water on & flood the plant/area.