The banana plant creates an exotic flair on the balcony, in the apartment or even in the garden. In summer the perennial grows quickly and produces lush fronds. In winter, however, leaf jam often occurs. This is what you can do.
What can you do about leaf jam on the banana plant?
If a leaf jam has formed on the banana plant, often only a radicalpruninghelpsTo do this, cut the plant with a sharp knifejust below the leaf jam Then place it in a brighter location and increase the humidity.
How do you recognize a leaf jam?
Leaf jam is quite common on banana plants. Normally one leaf unfolds one after the other, with the “old” one completely unrolling before a new one appears. In the case of a leaf jam, however, the new leaf appears even if the last one has not yet completely grown out.
The problem here is that the plantstagnates in growthand no longer grows. In addition, the accumulated leaves showcracks and other injuriesthrough which fungi and otherpathogens can penetrate. Therefore, a leaf jam should be removed as quickly as possible.
How does leaf jam occur?
Leaf jam usually developsin winterwhen it getslate light and early dark outside - the banana plant then doesn't thrive more enough light and reacts to this with growth problems. You can counteract this by
- Install additional plant lamps if the winter is warm
- overwinter the banana cold in low light
When overwintering cold, the relationship between light and temperature is correct again, but only works for cold-tolerant species. Also make sure to water the banana little in winter!
Can a leaf jam still grow out?
If the leaf jam on the banana plant is not so severe, it can stillgrow out on its own. Plus
- place the banana in asignificantly brighter location
- provide watering appropriate to the temperature and season
- increase the humidity (at least 50 percent!)
- fertilize little or not at all in winter!
Wait a little longer and watch the plant closely! However, if after a few weeks it shows no signs of unfolding its leaves as usual, you should cut it off. In spring the perennial sprouts again. You can also separate any offshoots and plant them separately.
Tip
Where is the best place for a banana plant?
Banana plants need a bright and warm location. In summer, the tropical plants also like to be in a sheltered, bright place in the garden or on the balcony. But be careful: get used to the plant slowly - i.e. H. over a period of four to six weeks - in a location with full sun, otherwise there is a risk of leaf burns.
