kevline

Hi All I'm new to this site and I'm hoping someone can help me out. I bought a package of banana plant seeds about a year ago and germinated a seed. 12 months later growing it indoors in an east window its now over 6' tall. I'm sure its not getting exactly all the light it needs but it seems to be doing ok except that after about 2-3 weeks of a leaf unfolding it bends in the stem of the leaf (no idea if thats the correct terminology). I'm curious to know the cause of this. It just seems that the weight of the leaf is too great for the stem and it bends.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!!!

D_&_T

Hi and Welcome

Do you have any pictures of whats happening to your Banana?
Where do you live?

__________________

Tropicallvr

It sounds like you're growing Ensete ventricosum. That is a really common problem with them when grown indoors. If it's possible try to place it in a sunnier spot, and that should shorten the leaves, and compact the plant a little more. Also you might have to cut it back if it gets too "leggy".

natedogg1026

Kevline, Sounds Like She Just Needs To Go Outdoors Where She Can Get More Light. They Don't Make Very Good Houseplants. Probably Just Needs Some Of Mother Natures Healing.

__________________
Banana's are a safe addiction. Right?Maybe I need classes.

bigdog

I agree with Kyle and Nate. It's probably just the growing conditions. Lack of light and air circulation will cause a banana plant to be pretty weak (any sun-loving plant, for that matter). Similarly, even greenhouse-grown plants need a little acclimation to natural sunlight. And growing plants with little to no air movement will cause the stems/petioles to be pretty weak.

jason

Hi years ago when I first started growing bananas in side the house I had that problem once in a while,,come to find out over the years I was giving my bananas to much water for their enviorment they dont get great light and it is never really warm inside the house so they do not need as much water because of that..so try less water.hoped this helped Take care-THE PLANT GUY.

Bananaman88

Ditto to what everyone has already said. Increase light as much as possible, keep water to a minimum, and try to get a little leaf-movement with a fan or something. No wind = no trunk strength. I've seen beautiful greenhouse specimens moved outside only to have ALL the leaves broken along the petiole or even the entire trunk snap within minutes due to weak petiole or trunk from lack of wind. Same principle as when staking a tree. You want the tree to move in the wind a bit for trunk strength.

Tropicallvr

Good thinking guys. I wonder if just a fan would correct the problem? Maybe set on an appliance timer?

Bananaman88

I'd say give the fan a try first, especially if you already have one on hand. Try the simplest thing first!