I got this Super Dwarf Cavendish about 11 months ago, and it hasn't grown very fast, but it's always seemed pretty healthy.
Lately, however, I've noticed that the leaves are doing strange things- they come out, brand new, with a brown spot on them, or the sides will wilt down so that just the main "spine" of the leaf is sticking out, the leafy part hangs down and doesn't fan out like a normal banana leaf would (although the leaf feels firm, not wilted). Today I noticed that beside the brown splotches, there is also some light discoloration going on in the leaves- the green is being replaced by a light brown in some areas. The edges of many of the leaves have areas that are dead completely. The new leaves don't stay looking "new" for more than a couple of days. And (although this has always gone on since we got the plant) it takes FOREVER for the new leaf to mature- about a month at a time (perhaps normal, though). 
I have done research on watering for this type of banana, have looked into lighting conditions, fertilizing, etc. However, there has been some conflicts regarding how much of each (some say to let the banana dry out a bit between waterings, others say to always keep it moist, some say full sun, some say full shade, etc. etc.). It's an indoor plant, so there shouldn't be too many pest problems. I tend to allow the soil to get a little dry on top and on the dry side of moist deeper in the pot before I water. I make sure to water thoroughly so there shouldn't be nutrient buildup and I the banana is in our sunny kitchen but not in any direct source of sun.
I've heard descriptions of other people's super dwarf cavendish's just taking off and growing like crazy. I have yet to see that... I did give it a dose of fertilizer about a month ago that had higher potassium llevels because I heard bananas like that- I got one large leaf out of that, and then it was back to slow growing.
Hmmm...
5.18.2008
Little Banana Struggles...
Posted by ilikewinter at 1:20 PM
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discussion from gardenweb:
I thought indoors would be pest free do, but actually it's perfect for dreaded SPIDER MITES!!! See they love indoors because it's usually dry and they can do a lot of damage. Check under the leaves for them. Do you have a humidifier to use? That would give the banana humidity and keep spider mites at bay.
It might be spider mites but it kinda looks like it. Make sure you aren't overwatering. Let us know!
Zach
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Hey Zach- there are some tiny white spots, but not many, and they aren't moving. There aren't on all the leaves. I sometimes mist my banana, so it might be small mineral deposits left over from the water. There's still a chance though- are there any webs or anything else I could look for as signs? I don't have a magnifying glass to see for sure if they are or aren't spider mites.
Would the humidifier need to be on all day for it to be effective? I have a humidifier I turn on at night, so it would get about 8 hours of humidity if I placed it in the room with me. Is that enough?
And I have heard so many different things about how to water these guys- please share your experience! =)
Thank you so much for your help. It's great that people take the time to help others on here so much!
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Hey,
Well webbing would be a sign there is lots of spider mite activity, but often just sick leaves are the first sign. Just imagine tons of little mites suckin' the juices out of a leaf.
Misting is good, if you can't humidity all day, all night would be OK. The white spots could be mineral deposits or they could be spider mite eggs.
It looks like your plant is big enough to hose off or spray with the shower head without damaging the roots. This would get rid of the spider mites and then if you start the humidifier fairly close (not right next to) the banana, you should be done with them. HOPEFULLY it is spider mites, so that after that you're plant will start growing well again.
I love banana plants but I also hate them. They are finicky and there are so many things that can go wrong with them.
Zach
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Looks like mites to me. Spray that thing down and wipe off the leaves on a regular basis.
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The leaves were in terrible shape today. I sprayed down the leaves, but ended up having to remove a fair few of them- I hope this doesn't damage the plant. It only has four leaves left, with a new one on the way- I hope this is enough..
I am thinking about repotting the plant. I am afraid the soil needs more drainage, as well- but am afraid of the shock for the plant as it is already in poor shape. What do you guys think, and if you think I should go for it right now, what soil mix do you think I should use? I am kind of new to all this, and have only ever ammended soil with perilite and peat moss. I don't know where to get "fancier" things. =) For example, the infamous Al's potting mix on this site stumps me.
I hope this guy can pull through. I appreciate all your help.
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Ilikewinter,
It's ok if it just has four leaves left. Does the new leaf that is coming look healthy? I don't what to say about the repotting. My instinct says to not right now and let at least a couple new leaves arrive before replanting. And to make sure you don't over water. Repotting may be a good idea but then again, if it the banana keeps looking worse, you may not know if it was the repotting that made it worse or the mites.
If you do decide to repot...I would go get some cactus/palm mix (this has great drainage). If you can, add some organic stuff and even more perlite if you'd like. I love cactus/palm mix because it's so fluffy and light that you know the roots can breath.
Al's mix does sound wonderful but at this time, I'm not able to go through that process living in an apt lol.
Keep us updated.
Zach
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The new shoot looks ok- it's got one tiny brown spot on it so far, but the spot us only about 3 mm in size, so hopefully there wasn't too much damage. When I sprayed the plant down, the soil got absolutely soaked (was already watered a day or two ago) so I hope this doesn't hurt it too much. I tried to tip the pot so the water would drain as much as possible.
I kept the humidifier on all day, and it will be on again tonight, but, as I have to keep an eye on my utility bills (I'm a student!) I don't know how long I'll be able to sustain that practice. I can probably justify it for a while if it's for the benefit of the plant.
The new shoots just take FOREVER to mature. Is this normal?
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yeah I wouldn't water for a LONG time... I would just keep the humidifier on at night like you normally do..that would be just fine.
BTW, what kind of soil is it in now?
Zach
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When you clean the leaves, don't let the soil get wet. maybe put newspapers over it. That plant needs some warm weather (like the 80s) and higher light levels. Then it will kick in. I wouldn't keep it inside when outside temps finally warm up.
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Zach- I think when I planted it I just got Miracle Grow soil- I didn't know about soil ammending at the time. =( That's why I think it'd be good to change the soil.
Dave- too late- it did get wet, although I tried not to. I didn't think about covering the soil with anything (duh) and was worried the whole time I was rinsing the leaves that the soil was getting much too wet. Also, I am worried about putting it outside because everytime it goes in the sun (even indoors) it wilts. I've tried to build up its resistance slowly, but no matter how long, it gets droopy. Should I still do it? I've read that super dwarf cavendish prefer shade mostly.
Thanks guys.
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When you've put it outside in the past, I know you did the adjustment slowly but I was wondering if you first put it in total shade and for how long was it in total shade? Is it hot where you are yet?
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ilikewinter, just wanted to commend you on your web page. I just love the green and white background, and also your ambition for growing in such a small space -- great job!
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Eloise, thank you! =) Yeah- it wasn't ever supposed to be that many plants, but you could say I got a little addicted. Every time we bought another plant, my husband would say- Ok, this is the last one, right? =)
Jardinerowa- It has gotten hot (was in 80-90 degrees this past week) but on Tuesday we got a nice, cooling storm in and it's been in the 50-60's since, and cloudy. I think I tried just dappled sun/shade before putting it all the way out. Should I try letting it be in full shade first? For how long?
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I think you should leave it now that it's already out.
The weather is crazy...it was 109 here(yes I know..crazy) a couple days ago and then yesterday it was 58!!!! Talk about a drop!
Zach
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The little guy is still doing poorly. I have been wiping down the leaves every week, but I am afraid to do it more as it rips the leaves apart, even though I am very gentle). The brown parts are the problem, they tear easily. The leaves that I left on since last time are all folded and are turning more and more brown. I have left it by the humidifier all night. The new leaf is still green and growing, but all the rest are a'goners.
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