Question
QUESTION: I have a banana leaf palm in my NYC apt. Since I brought it home and replanted it started to die. Some of the leafs are turning completely brown and dry and the other green leafs are drooping and have brown dry spots. I water it every other week and use a bit of miracle grow (As recommended by the plant shop) I would really like to save her and will try anything!
Thanks!
Satya

ANSWER: Hi Satya, Bananas are tropical herbaceous perennials that need a bright and humid growing condition; it needs to be in as large a container as you can obtain, and the soil mixture must be one of a rich humus type potting soil. The soil cannot be allowed to dry out and needs to be kept damp at all times, not wet! ,,but damp; bright light and constant misting of the leaves to simulate humidity, which is vital to its survival. Half strength Miracle-Grow every other time you water is fine for your Banana, but if it were in the ground in a tropical venue, then granular would be imperative. Bananas are heavy feeders and need a constant supply of nutrients to uptake, hence the every other day feeding I recommended. It sounds like your plant is tremendously stressed, and may or may not make it, but follow my lead here and if it is still viable, it should turn the corner for you. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Nick,
Thank you so much for your response I really appreciate it. OK, so my plan should be to water the plan every other day and mist her everyday. Should I add miracle grow to every feeding (every other day?) How much water should I be using? The plant is about 4-5' and in a large container that I mixed 2 different types of soil as recommended by the plant shop. It is by 2 windows, does it need to be right in front of one? Should I trim the dry dead leafs? The good news is I see some new growth at the base of the stems that haven't unfolded yet.  Sorry for the barrage of questions.
Thanks Again,
Satya

Answer
..the new growth is probably a new plant developing, watch this pup, and when it gets to be about 2 feet high, you can separate it and start a new plant. Water it just enough to keep the Corm, which is the root system, from going completely dry; every other watering, give it a half dose of the Miracle Grow. The more light, the better and keep those leaves misted. Nick