The banana is actually a fairly easy-care plant. However, too much moisture quickly results in rot and mold on the trunk and leaves. Here's how to save your banana plant.
Can a banana with mold on the trunk still be saved?
Whether you can still save your banana with mold on the trunk depends on thecondition of its rootsand on whether the mold has already infected the inside of the pseudo-trunk. CutCut off the moldy plant partsGenerouslyand far into the he althy areas.
How do I save a banana with mold on the trunk?
The infected banana only has a chance of survival if you cut off the leaves and trunk well into the he althy parts. Be calmgenerous, because mold is not always visible to the naked eye - and as long as infected parts of the plant remain, the plant will continue to rot.
If the soil is too wet, repotting into fresh, dry substrate is also necessary. Afterpruningandrepotting, leave the banana alone - do not water it until the substrate separates from the edge of the pot. There is still enough moisture in the rhizomes and without leaves the plant only has a veryreduced water requirement
Why does the banana have mold on the trunk?
The mold on the banana trunk is caused bytoo much moisture - either because you have watered the plant too much or because it is generally too wet. This can also affect bananas planted in the garden, which rot quickly after a wet winter or in heavy soil.
Where do the mold spores on the banana plant come from?
By the way: Not everything that looks like mold on the banana trunk is actually mold. Sometimes they are “just” mealybugs, which can be confused with local mold infestation.
Mealybugs occur mainly during the heating period in winter as they prefer dry indoor air. You can counteract an infestation of mealybugs with these measures:
- Repot banana into fresh substrate.
- Carefully remove old substrate.
- Wipe mealybugs with a cotton swab (€9.00 on Amazon) or cloth.
- Water the plant less.
- Increase humidity.
Basically, banana plants feel most comfortable when the humidity is at least 50 percent.
Tip
How often do you have to water a banana plant?
Although bananas generally need a lot of water and the substrate should always be kept slightly moist, the plants can quickly become overwatered. Under no circumstances should the soil be wet, otherwise the roots will no longer be able to breathe. Excess irrigation water should also always be removed from the saucer or planter promptly.
