Question
I have a bananna plant (a form of palm - sorry I don't know the formal
name)
that I recently repotted from a 10 to a 14 " pot.  I have had it for
several years
and it has always been healthy.  It receives s/e light.  After a repotted it
(2
mos. ago) a shoot (aprox 36" long) grew, but it has remained closed
instead of
opening into a leaf which is the normal course of events.  What is
happening
and is there anyting I can do?

Answer
Hi Iggrunbaum,

You may have either a banana plants (Musa is the correct botanical name) or a white bird of paradise (Strelitzia is the botanical mane). They look similar and are often mistaken for one another, Curiously, neither are related to the Palm family.

Either plant often develops leaves that get stuck. There are multiple causes, but dry air, dry soil, and root disturbance can all cause this symptom. In your case, the repotting may be the cause. Or some of the roots may have dried out before it was repotted.

Often, time will eventually correct the situation. You can try to hasten the process by misting the unopened leaf with a solution of mildly soapy water. That's about all you can do.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

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