What am I doing wrong?
 

So I was gifted this plant. Unfortunately, I seem to have mostly murdered it. I have it in a bathroom bedside a CFL grow light. I've tried watering more, less. I live in Arizona so it isn't getting too cold.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, and I'm afraid I don't have a lot of experience looking after plants.

Any suggestions would be welcome if it isn't already too late.

Re: What am I doing wrong?
 

It appears you have a TC banana plant. ... It would help to first understand how these are grown after coming out of the Lab. ... These would be grown for about 2 months in greenhouse with about 60% shade and under a misting system while the roots & corm develop. Then repotted to a bigger pot; move to a greenhouse with 50% shade; misting & foliar feeding until the plant is about 2ft tall. Here the shading is gradually reduced until full sun light.




So your plant ... the leaves show signs of over watering. Due to low humidity in the house & lack of strong roots the plant wilted then you gave it more water. .... Wrong .... The plant needed misting for humidity & water. The root are not developed enough to support the plant at this stage and your environment.



1. Mist the plant 2 or 3 times a day. A couple of times per week feed the plant by misting the leaves with Miracle Grow mixed per directions for potted plants.


2. Repot the plant in a very fast draining soil or better coarse sand. Make sure the pot drains and does not hold water. Keep the soil moist but not wet. May be 1/2 cup of water with a little Miracle Grow once a week or 10 days.


3. Sun light ... place the plant in a bright location but no direct sun. Your growlight might be to much at this stage ?????



4. Temperature & humidity ... Temps about 78 deg to 83 deg would be good; but not below 68 deg or above 88 deg. Misting should take care of the humidity, but a poly tent or a terrarium like atmosphere would be better for temp & humidity control. ... Just watch the plant, leaves droop when it needs water or it's too hot.

The plant will not show a lot of growth a this stage, as the growth is under the soil at the roots and corm. When these get strong the plant will take off (about 4 or 5 months). .... We all killed our first plants and learned. Good Luck!

Re: What am I doing wrong?
 

believe I would also go to a larger pot. one that drains

Re: What am I doing wrong?
 

this is what ive been looking for on how to care for a potted pup i am also new to the banana game and my plant is looking pretty sad too. but this is great stuff thank you!! :)