jtwest

I know I made some mistakes. I am hoping someone can point out the most likely cause of failure. Note: I dont like using anything I dont know the chemistry of. so I am Just north of Phoenix. Weather has been low 50s at night, low 80s during the day. pretty dry.
I adjusted PH of some soil using a fertilizer for Fruit trees containing sulfur and Gypsum to reduce salinity. mixed with sand for drainage and a little rabbit poop. PH ended up being a little too low. I figured Id try it and my water source would gradually bring it back up. I got my Red Dwarf pup about a week ago. It was looking good. I planted it and kept it on the west side of the house where it gets constant sun from about noon to 7:30. It immediately started wilting and drying up. (Note: I noticed the soil stayed wet for longer than I wanted). I first tried increasing PH with ash. I got it to right around 6.25.
still no result. I tried putting a plastic cover around it to maintain humidity. Lastly, I took some soil from my thriving garden and repotted. I even blew off the roots with pure oxygen for a breath of fresh air and tried the east side of the house. Unfortunately it was dreary and rained today. the plant still has some amount of green and life in one leaf.
what am I doing wrong
PH? Soil drainage? too much fertilizer? Humidity? sun (too much? too little)?
Please be nice with answers.

Kat2

I never immediately put any new plant in the ground unless I know its history of sun exposure. Here in FL I have some bananas growing in full sun; they're not happy. The ones on the east side of my house which are sheltered after about 2PM are thriving--same dirt for each group. As for the science of soil, in over 35 years of gardening I've never had mine tested--ever. I plant everything in well balanced compost so I rarely fertilize much less add other stuff. Repotting is what I'd do; in a larger pot than one would think necessary. Using known good dirt is excellent. I'd also place it in a shady spot and keep it watered. If she's a TC, you may have lost her; if she's a pup, your odds for her recovering are better.

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hybridpower

You're in Arizona? Bananas grow well in Arizona, but struggle to build roots in the dry soil, as well as to acclimate to the intensity of our sunshine. I start everything first in a pot where I can control moisture carefully.

I also think you played with the soil too much. I mix Palm soil, composted steer manure, and native soil, and backfill anywhere I'm going to plant. I start them in filter light, and then slowly introduce full sun as they show significant growth.

Good luck!

cincinnana

Just to heap it on with all the good answers you have gotten so far....

Allow your plant to "react" to the input you have given it...... 30 + days perhaps or more.
My rule of thumb is make one change at a time and give the plant some time to react until you reach the sweet spot of all your plants.

Do not Micromanage your plants .... just give basic care..

Post a photo.....if you can...

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