Question
Hi Will:
I read Tracy's response to a question raised by another banana plant owner.  As mentioned by her, I have several banana plants of two varieties, and it seems especially the basjoo ones have root rot. I live in Yorktown, Virginia, USA, I think in Zone 8.  I have my plants in the garage with "grow lights" since November. But they still have at least 3 to 4 leaves each and are getting leaves very slowly and some of leaves are coming out partially brown and dry.  The biggest basjoo plant is approx 7 to 8 ft tall and is getting crushed by the ceiling.  I am not sure how to take care of the root rot and not sure if the pot, the big one is in, is too big.  The diameter of the lower stem is 4" and the pot is approx. 2 feet.  When I say root rot, I find that the leaf stem are brown inside.  Does this mean root rot flowing up into the leaves?

Answer
Hi Sandra,

I don't know what information you received from Tracy, but I cannot vouch for its reliability.

Your Banana plant could be reacting to the cold (you didn't indicate how cold your garage gets), it may be going dormant, it may not be getting adequate light (how many grow lights, what type, what intensity, how far away are they?) or the roots may rotting.

Anyone who provides a diagnosis based solely on the "partially brown dry leaves" symptoms, is not being responsible. There are several possibilities mentioned above, but I would need the additional information to be able to help you further.

Root rot does not spread up the stems. When roots start to die from any disease, the roots cannot absorb enough water to supply the new growth and the lack of water absorption is what can cause leaf die back, not the spread of the disease.


Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC