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You may think that banana plants are only grown for their nutritional value, but that’s not the case.
This versatile plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors and, with proper care and attention, can be an asset to any home.
Banana trees are native to Southeast Asia. In fact, they are not trees, although they look like them. This is called a false stem and consists of layers of tightly packed leaves.
Bananas are ranked as the largest herbaceous the world’s flowering plants come from the tropics and will therefore thrive in environments that mimic those conditions.
Their ideal environment is one that offers plenty of sun, humidity and warmth.
Contents
Why are the leaves of your banana tree curling?
There are two main reasons why your banana tree leaves curl, namely too little water and too much sun exposure.
very little water
Banana trees grow vigorously, so they need more water than you might think.
If your banana tree begins to curl its leaves, immediately check the soil around the plant.
The soil you are growing your plant in should have good drainage properties so excess water can drain away and not flood the roots, but if the soil dries out your plant will not be happy.
If you are growing this indoors and need help watering your plant, try this Automatic drip irrigation kit.
Excessive sun exposure
Although banana trees thrive in the wild in tropical conditions, they don’t do well in full sun.
They prefer to be in an indirect light environment and will thrive here.
Excessive sun continuously on them can cause sunburn on the leaves.
This is especially important if you are planting a new plant that has not become acclimatized to your garden and the conditions there.
If your plant has trouble finding light, try East to help control lighting.
Why do the leaves of your banana tree hang down and/or bend?
Hanging and bending have similar causes, with the most common problem being lack of water.
Banana trees are voracious eaters and will not survive without water.
Often, if the leaves begin to hang over the midribs, the plant will not recover and may even die.
lack of food
Banana plants do well with the regular addition of fertilizer throughout the growing season.
This is because they will use up all the nutrients in the potting mix or even the surrounding soil and will need extra nutrition to thrive.
During the growing season, you may want to add a dose of balanced fertilizer each time you water your plant. If that doesn’t work, feed the plant at least once a month.
Feed your banana tree a fertilizer that contains a decent amount of potassium.
You can stop feeding and reduce watering when the temperature drops because the plant will stop growing when it cools down.
Why are your banana leaves splitting?
natural development
If you were to see your banana tree in its natural environment, you would most likely see that the leaves are split.
They are designed to split so they don’t become a sail when the wind blows.
The leaves break and the wind blows through them, leaving the plant upright instead of toppling over.
Even when used as a houseplant, the leaves can split. This may be because a fan or air conditioner has blown directly on the plant and it is reacting to the airflow.
lack of humidity
When the leaves spit in the center, it may be because the humidity is low. Remember that your banana tree likes tropical conditions.
A simple way to remedy a lack of humidity is to place a container under the plant and keep it filled with water.
This will help keep the area where the banana tree is growing moist and you should see fewer cracks in the center.
overall age
As banana trees age, some leaves tend to split. It’s just part of the plant’s aging process. You can prune the split leaves if they bother you.
General maintenance of your banana tree
Banana plants fall into the “moderate” care and maintenance category, which makes them perfect for both beginners and more experienced gardeners.
They thrive in conditions of indirect sunlight and need well-drained soil. In a pot, there should be enough drainage holes at the bottom.
Your banana tree will appreciate fertilizer throughout the growing season, although you should cut back on feeding during cooler seasons.
It’s always a good idea to clean the sheets monthly, as this will prevent dust and dirt buildup.
Clean leaves also increase the plant’s ability to absorb light and help maintain the beautiful dark green color.
Although they are often not bothered by mites and aphids, you should watch out for these pests.
You will notice the webs of mites and aphids because they are easy to see with the naked eye.
Both can be easily controlled with soapy water from a spray bottle.
If you liked this article, check it out Why are my banana leaves turning yellow?
final thoughts
These beautiful plants are an asset to any home and patio, or even when grown directly in the garden, although they do require a little maintenance to perform well.
As with any plant, prevention is always easier than cure, and the banana tree is no different.
Once your plant is dry, it may never recover. A good watering routine will give you a happy, healthy plant.
Any problems with the leaves will turn an attractive banana tree into a sad-looking specimen, but with a little attention to the basics, you can keep your banana tree’s leaves from curling and falling and looking proud. in your home or yard.
Even if your goal is to grow the plant for its fruit, there’s no reason why with a little foresight you won’t have a good banana tree for many years to come.
Written by: Valerie Holyoak
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