Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a 9ft banana leaf plant potted in the corner of my living room. It's beside a window and gets ample light and air, and I water it well once a week (as I was instructed to). It looks healthy and has lots of new growth coming up but has developed a powdery white fungus on the stalks of the leaves. The fungus occurs in splotches and is especially prevalent between the stalks, where they meet. Is that normal? Any advice? Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Lee...do you know what the banana leaf plant really is?  A banana, bird of paradise, heliconia?

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P1000765.jpg   QUESTION: Here's a close-up of the white, fungusy stuff. Thanks again, Lee

Answer
Hi Lee...the picture helps for sure.  The plant is strelitzia  reginae  GROW IT: Strelitzia reginea is the species best for growing indoors. Plants take four to six years to mature before flowering. They love lots of moisture in the air, so place pots on pebble- and water-filled saucers to increase humidity.  As for the fungus use and insecticide like 100 % pure  Neem Oil which is organic or one that will help remove the fungus from your plant.  Neem will not wash off which is great.