Bermy nana

One of my red banana plant suckers is producing mutated leaves and ridged petioles. It seems the leaves on one side (left in the picture) are being produced with a ridge on the outer edge of the petiole. The last leaf came out as shown curved over so much that the leaf could not unfurl, almost bent back on itself. Will this improve as the plant matures? Is it a problem or sign of disease?

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kelehawaii

Since (I think) you are in a part of the world where BBTV (Banana Bunchy Top Disease) has not yet appeared, I'd say that the plant may be suffering from either a dearth of moisture or nutrients. I notice that, in your photo, the soil on top is rather dry. Bananas like to be no drier than moist and they prefer being wet with EXCELLENT drainage. One of the secrets to banana success is 'keep 'em wet'. They must also have a slightly acid soil and high nitrogen and potash levels in the soil.

Hope this helps.

Caloosamusa

It may also be suffering from insufficient lighting. I hope this helps.

Bermy nana

Thanks for the advice. I did put the pot on heat in my garage for a week or so while it was just emerging from the soil. It may be a combo of not enough light and moisture. I have had it outside for a week now and it is getting lots of sunlight mixed with recent rains. I'll keep you posted on the next leaf that emerges.

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kelehawaii

You can go ahead and remove the no good leaves and that will spur the plant to produce new ones. Should speed up the process a bit.