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Something is eating my banana...

ae.presswoodae.presswood Posts: 3
in Problem solving

Hello

I inherited a banana plant from my grandmother. I've no idea what variety it is. 

It's been rather unhappy since I brought it inside for winter. First it had a spider mite infection but I think I got that under control with some spray. It perked up over Christmas but now it's looking unhealthy again. Can't see any evidence of mites. Also now has some evidence of chewing, see pics. Generally it's wilting, leaves turning brown starting at tips and edges  

I can see little millipede-like insects in the soil, but I thought millipedes were harmless to plants. See pics again. 

Please help if you have any suggestions. 

Many thanks. 

Aimeeimageimageimageimageimageimageimage

Posts

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,309

    NO IDEA WHAT AILS YOUR BANANA PLANT BUT, JUST FOR THE RECORD, MILLIPEDES DO DAMAGE PLANTS‘ ROOTS........IT’S CENTIPEDES WOT DON’T CAUSE TROUBLE.image

    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
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  • ae.presswoodae.presswood Posts: 3

    Thank you. I did wonder if it was the watering, but I've barely watered it at all since Christmas. I'll completely desist and see if that helps. 

    I'm not sure exactly what it is tbh, I just assumed it was a musa. I'll do some more research anyway. Thanks. 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,097

    Hmmm .... that looks to me more like a Canna lily with a dose of Canna virus 

    http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/solve-problems/canna-virus/  .... but I'm not a canna expert ... when Hostafan gets back from his holiday in a couple of days he'll have a much better idea than I do.  He has (or rather had) a polytunnel full of cannas.

    Last edited: 30 January 2018 08:34:32


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,121

    I  think what I would do is remove all foliage completely to the 'neck' of the plant , remove from pot , wash the roots clean of all compost , replant in fresh and keep dry for a while .

    In the Spring , place in sunny porch or greenhouse and start again with new fresh growth , and roots washed clean of any possible soil-borne pest .

  • ae.presswoodae.presswood Posts: 3

    Thank you all, this has been very helpful. If it doesn't perk up in a lighter spot in the next few weeks, I'll cut it back, repot and cross my fingers. 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,097

    Whether it's a banana or a canna, I think it's far too early to expect it to perk up in the next few weeks ... I wouldn't expect to see signs of new growth until May at the earliest, and that's only if it's in a greenhouse/polytunnel or conservatory


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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