Question
I have the above mentioned banana plant.  Each time new leaves come, they begin to turn brown and die.  The new leaf growing has the brown around the very tip of the leaf.  How am I ever going to get this plant growing?  I live in Las Vegas, NV so it is in my garden room.  I have done everything the horticulerist advised from the place I bought it.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Lonnie,

I don't know what information you were given and I don't know about the light and water that you are providing, so it is hard fro me to say just what the specific cause is of the new leaves dying. It is most likely a watering problem.

But let me describe to you how you should be caring for your dwarf banana and hopefully you will be able to determine where you may have gone wrong.

In general, banana plants require a lot of direct sunlight indoors. Without this light they are inevitably doomed. They need a well-drained soil mix and they use a lot of water when they are healthy and in good light. Good water and light will minimize, but not eliminate, leaf browning.

The banana requires warm temperatures above 60 degrees at all times and can tolerate high temps if the humidity is high. Keep the soil evenly moist in the summer and allow it to dry somewhat more in the winter.

Moving your banana plant into a pot that is too large often leads to soil that stays wet for too long and rots the roots. That is another possibility for you to consider.

Finally, high humidity helps a lot.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]