Bananas (Musa) are native to the tropics and are not hardy here. Banana plants often end up mushy if not cared for properly or during a wet winter. Can they still be saved? How can rot be effectively prevented? Information and tips can be found in the text.
Why is the banana plant mushy after winter?
If the banana plant is muddy after winter, it was just standingtoo wetA wet winter, especially whencombined with coldand other bad weather conditions, causesrottingin the tropical plant. However, the plants can be dried after astrong pruning save often.
How can I save the banana plant that is mushy after winter?
If banana plants are muddy after winter, there is only one way to save them: astrong pruning, if necessary evento just above the groundUse a sharp, clean knife or saw to remove all rotten parts of the plant, cutting deep into the he althy tissue.
It is important to catch all contaminated parts. Otherwise, the rot will simply continue and the plant can no longer be saved. The cause isfungi, which initially spread invisibly through the plant tissue and only then cause the muddiness. Bananas grown in pots should also be repotted into fresh substrate and kept drier.
Can you stop bananas from being mushy after winter?
If you want to prevent your banana plant from being mushy after winter, only these two will helpMeasures:
- a cool but frost-free wintering of the Musa basjoo
- reduced watering in winter
The Japanese fiber banana,Musa basjoo, is advertised as being hardy, but this is only very limited. Without good winter protection, these plants often cannot survive the cold season - often because theyrot under the cold protectionTherefore, a cool but frost-free winter is recommended. Pot bananas, on the other hand, are oftenwatered too much especially in winter and/or develop rot due to waterlogging. This must be prevented by significantly reducing watering!
When will the mushy banana finally be gone after the winter?
As long as theroots are intact, the mushy banana will sprout again after the winter - provided you have carefully cut away the diseased parts of the plant beforehand. However, if the rot has already penetrated into the underground areas, the plant can usually no longer be saved.
However, banana plants often formKindel, which you can separate and plant separately. With a bit of luck, this will also be the case with your rotten specimen, so you will have offspring straight away. However, make sure to give it good drainage and not to keep the young plants too wet.
Tip
How to care for banana plants in winter?
Banana plants should under no circumstances be left wet in winter: Water potted plants only to a very limited extent and ensure good drainage so that excess water can flow away. Banana plants in the garden must not be left wet either, which is why a protected and bright location is essential. In addition, they must be given good winter protection, which, however, ensures air exchange.
