One of those Newbie questions!
 

Hi everyone! I have just inherited a little banana plant, and came here to find out what to do with it!

I've heard bananas like to stay moist, but this one seems to have been over-watered, and looks like it may be rotting out in places (dark and squishy).

Is this poor thing salvageable? Should I let it dry out a bit? Any suggestions?

I appreciate your help!

Re: One of those Newbie questions!
 

Oh dear, this does not sound too good, but there is hope. Dark and squishy usually means rot. Cut the stem back to where it is good firm green. In winter, when the plants are not growing vigorously, they need less water. In active growth, they can be watered every day, but if you are keeping one growing, on a windowsill, etc., over the winter, they should only be watered when they get dry. If you de-pot them, and let them go dormant, they should only be watered once or twice, lightly, all winter, or not at all.

We have several members in BC, and they should be able to give you better advice. As a retired US Navy pilot, I've been in every province, except Sascatchewan, and I can say BC can be pretty nanner friendly, but Cold Lake, Alta. was not too good.

Re: One of those Newbie questions!
 

Put it on a heating pad and hope this drys it out :^)

Re: One of those Newbie questions!
 

Yes, rot is brown/squishy. If you can, cut off the rot so it doesn't spread. Let the plant dry out a bit before watering each time regardless of the time of year (though as John said, water more sparingly during winter months). Bananas like water, but they do NOT like to have wet feet constantly. They like well-draining soil and only being watered after they dry up a bit. Hope that helps!

Re: One of those Newbie questions!
 

Thank you so much for your advice everybody, I really appreciate it! Now wish me luck!

Re: One of those Newbie questions!
 

Wishing you lots of luck!! My first thought is wondering if your soil mixture is draining really good if there's a future for it. I use lots of perlite when I pot mine up for the winter. With it being squishy though you'll know by cutting it down, down, down if there's life.