Questions about my new Zebrina
 

Hi all,
I'm a newbie to the forum and have questions about my new Zebrina. I purchased it yesterday, I live near Seattle so this is an indoor plant only. I am a bit worried about its appearance. Its about 2.5 feet tall. It looks a bit sad, the two main pseudostems are thin and only supporting two thin leaves each (one of the two is just emerging on one stem). The leaves look healthy enough, but the stems are mottled and speckled burgandy, brown and cream, mostly cream. There are two new suckers. My concern is the brown part of the mottling. When I got it, most of the leaves had been cut off and the sheaths (?) were dried out. I removed all but one of the old sheaths on each stem which look to have had the same kind of mottling, and found the odd markings on the main stem. I thought Zebrina's stems were completely Burgandy. The brown spots seem firm and smooth but should I worry about rot, or is this just variegation, or bruising, or cold damage? Since it will be an indoor plant, should I prune it back for winter? I usually keep my other banana, a super dwarf Cavendish going year round for foliage.

Thanks for any insights that you can give.
NanaNut2

Re: Questions about my new Zebrina
 

A picture would be very helpful.

Re: Questions about my new Zebrina
 

I knew someone would ask for Photos, I just uploaded them to the following URLs.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7576
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7575
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7574
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7573

Re: Questions about my new Zebrina
 

Hey there,

It just looks weak. My Zebrina did this last winter. Give it as much sun as possible, don't overwater! I wouldn't even fertilize unless you see the need to.

The Stem hasn't gotten enough light, thats why it is a light color versus dark green. The "odd marks" are normal, at least on mine. I'll try to find a pic or 2 of mine even though I don't think I have a good one...

Re: Questions about my new Zebrina
 

Thank you Taylor! All of my light is 'imported', I've got it in the best position under my grow lights, hope that and some rest is all it needs. I did water it last night, it made a very healthy 'slurp' sound, but I'll be extra careful not to overwater.

And thanks for putting the actual photos in!
NanaNut2

Re: Questions about my new Zebrina
 

Zebrinas are a little difficult to grow sometimes (at least for me). They seem to suffer from rot problems. One winter mine rotted in the garage, and they were even bareroot. I never got anymore. I hope you have great luck with yours. I don't want to discourage you from growing them though. :)

Re: Questions about my new Zebrina
 

Hi there - as Taylor said, the odd marks look normal. I'd take a picture of mine for reference, but mine are outside and they don't like the cold, so they are very brown right now. I think yours will perk up nicely in a few weeks!