Drooping leaves after hot spell
 

Hi

I have recently starting growing banana plants. I bought a musa basjoo and ensete v maurelli, both about 50cm when I got them. I repotted them to bigger pots and am considering doing so again in the near future. As it gets cold here in winter (central England) I'm planning to give them some kind of shelter in Winter i.e. put them in a greenhouse.

They've been growing well and I thought I was getting the balance of watering right, although the musa leaves started drooping a bit after they had unfurled.

We had a very hot spell recently (90F +) for a few days and both plants got drooping leaves after this, despite plently of water. Too much direct sunlight causing this?

They are drooping from the midrib outwards on both sides of the leaf. Again, more so the musa. Both continuing to grow however.

Photos in my gallery - the only two I've got in there so far.

Any advice much appreciated!!! :bananas_b

Re: Drooping leaves after hot spell
 

Nana growers under these conditions give the potted plants more water. ... WRONG !!! ... The plant drooped because of radant heat that is munch hotter than ambient air temp (+20 deg or more). Nana plants in pots needs shading ( no direct hot sun) and cooling. .... The excess water in the pot will cause root rot.



Make sure the potting soil is very fast draining and do not let the pot sit in the excess water in the saucer. Nanas like fresh water and do not tolerate stagnate water.

Re: Drooping leaves after hot spell
 

My landscapers do the same thing.....:08:

Re: Drooping leaves after hot spell
 

Thanks edwmax for the reply and advice. I will reposition the pots and change my watering regime

Re: Drooping leaves after hot spell
 

Hi,
No advice from me I'm afraid; edwmax and cincinnana have given me sagely advice to me in the past. I am new to growing bananas too and chose the same varieties that you did and am also in the UK. Yours are looking great.
best wishes
Peego

Re: Drooping leaves after hot spell
 

Thanks Peego. I read your post about the hot weather affecting your plants. The new leaf on my musa is also growing slowly. Hopefully back to normal soon!