Hammocked Banana

Im worried about this issue that just came up that I have never seen before. There is white crusty splotches on the edge of some tears on one leaf of my Grand Naine. There is 3 tears on the one leaf and every tear has it, but it is not evident on any other leaves. The leave is also yellowing along its edges. There is a minor issue with spider mites but I've been keeping them pretty much in control with a soap and water and a bit of oil and then wiping the leaves down after. Im not sure if these splotches are some new kind of bug or mildew or if it is soap or something that was left on the leaves, or absorbed into them and then expelled from the leaf. They whiped off fairly easily with just water and its not back yet, but only been a day so Im still keeping an eye on it. Any ideas?

saturn

cottony scale

Hammocked Banana

Damn what should I do?

Chance1945

Looks like mealy bug.

Kostas

It's more likely these are sugary deposits from the guttation of the banana(the tears you see dripping). Guttation pretty much always leaves a white sugary deposit crust behind as it dries and this is easily washed away by wiping with water,although unnecessary. Excessive guttation along with leaf edge yellowing could mean that you are overwatering but not necessarily so. Worth considering it though.

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saturn

Ah that is a good point, it could be guttation, I suppose. In the one photo there is a fine powder all along the ripped edge which didn't fit with my insect assumption. The guttation would be more of a crystal, whereas scale/mealy bugs would be more fluffy/cottony.

LilRaverBoi

If it's grainy/sugary feeling, then I would agree with Kostas....and that's kinda what it looks/sounds like from what you've posted.

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Hammocked Banana

Ya ok I agree it does look like some sort of sugary residue. So I guess Im gunna let it dry right out. Figures I was having issues with the soil being too dry a month or so ago. Soil doesnt seem too wet though, moisture meter says quite dry, even though the top of the soil is damp to the touch. I dont trust this meter anymore...

saturn

I may be wrong here, but I don't think there are any negative concerns with guttation and I am not sure how closely it is related to soil moisture.
So I would be cautious letting them dry out. I don't think it is warranted.

I don't have a hygrometer, so I don't actually know what my RH is. But crap, I water all my naners & tropicals about every other day! The smaller the pot, the more frequent the watering.

Kostas

Guttation happens when there is excess moisture available in the soil and thus more water enters the banana through its roots than it can use. To get rid of it,the banana uses guttation,after taking what it wants from it. This process is not harmful to the plants but too much moisture could eventually be. As long as the plant is healthy and grows fast,there probably isn't a reason to change its watering regim though if it works well for it.

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Hammocked Banana

Thanks a lot. Is it weird that there is guttation on one leaf and none of the others?

Chance1945

Well, I've learned something here. Thanks for asking the question and thanks to Kostos for his answer.

terry

Kostas

Usually it's the newer leafs and often just the newest or the cigar that guttates while the others don't. And that is very logical as the plant uses water pressure for growth and any excess water is guttated from there.
Sometimes,when there is a tear on a leaf,a plant may guttate from that tear if the edge of the cut doesn't dry out. The water pressure building inside the leaf forces some water out from the cut and not healed,leaf veins.


You are very welcome Terry,thanks!

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Hammocked Banana

Thanks for the insight kostas. Its actually an older leaf, but was recently torn when I was treating for the mites.