The banana tree, or more correctly the banana plant, is a popular houseplant and is increasingly found in the garden. In order for it to thrive, it should be sunny and protected from the wind. However, signs of illness may occasionally occur.
What diseases occur in banana plants?
Possible signs of disease in banana plants include yellow or brown leaves, dry leaf edges, leaf loss and pest infestation. Care errors are often the cause, such as a lack of nutrients or incorrect watering. Regular, moderate fertilization and sufficient watering can help.
Possible signs of disease in the banana plant:
- yellow or brown leaves
- brown or dry leaf edges
- Leaf loss
- Pest Infestation
Does a banana plant often suffer from diseases?
In principle, the banana plant is quite robust and not particularly susceptible to diseases or pests. It has quite high nutrient and water requirements, but doesn't like too much of either. Care errors are often behind apparent signs of illness.
Why does my banana plant have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a banana plant usually indicate a lack of nutrients. After all, a plant like this grows about one centimeter a day. On average, she gets a new leaf every week, which requires sufficient energy.
However, if the banana plant is fertilized too much, it will also suffer. Therefore, it should be fertilized regularly and moderately. In winter, one fertilization per month is enough, from spring to autumn it is better to fertilize your banana plant every week.
Why is my banana plant losing so many leaves?
A certain amount of leaf loss is quite normal on the banana plant. While it sprouts new leaves at the top, others are lost at the base of the perennial. After a few years you will notice that all the leaves droop. Now the plant will inevitably die. This is in their nature, because banana plants only live about four to six years.
Is there any way I can save my banana plant?
Unfortunately, at some point you will no longer be able to save your old banana plant. But you can grow one or even several new plants from it. However, you should start doing this in good time. As the banana plant ages, it develops small root offshoots, so-called kindles. Cut these off with a sharp and clean knife. With good care and regular watering, a new banana plant will develop.
Tip
If your banana plant starts to die, it's time to grow a new plant from its seedlings.
