I moved to Houston this time last year and banana trees were in good shape. In late summer/fall, leaves started to turn brown and now all leaves are brown. Are they dead - will they come back? What happened to them and how can I avoid in future?
I'd chop them down, and then start them back up from scratch from the root. People in colder zones frequently let them die back to the ground every year. Also, I would look into why they are dying, enough water? To cold? Need food? Or is it something more nasty like a fungus of some sort, Did the leaves die suddenly, or did you notice some spreading dark patches first. Carol Ja
Thank you for your quick reply. The leaves started going brown gradually but then the whole plants rapidly browned. I don't think it was lack of water but maybe feeding. Can you recommend frequency of watering and what to feed on - my garden misses the greenery badly.
Bananas lke lots of water, but they don't need to be swimming, as for feeding them, 20-10-10 in a slow release is probably the most ideal www.tropic.ca sells some, or your local (on your side of the border) nursery will carry something. I love the look of banana leaves, good luck Carol Ja