Is this a Problem?
 

Last night I noticed that right at the base of the pstem of my RP there was a crack in the outer most layer about a half an inch long that has rot around it. I pulled off that layer and the one underneath has the same thing, but it looks like the layer under that is ok. I don't really want to continue peeling layers but should I get rid of the next one so the rot doesn't spread? I'll try and post some pics later. Any advice would be great.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

Yes the rot will spread from one layer to the next unless it really heats up and drys out. Best to remove any mushy stuff.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

ok thanks, i will start cutting again tonight.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

I agree with momo, also using a fungicide will help the rot. be careful peeling though as eventually the stem can become weak, so get to the rot early.

alex

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

Cool avatar, Alex. Aristilochias are pretty neat.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

I'm having the same problem. Been cutting all the rotten stuff out.
This is only on some of the ice cream though.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

Ok here are some pics of the rot problem. Last night I cut out the rot that was at the base of the pstem. I was concerned this week because the growth seemed to have slowed and so today I took a closer look at the top of the stem and found that even though it had put on one leaf the next cigar leaf was rotten. So I started cutting back the pstem about a half inch at a time and of course I found a lot more rot. I ended up cutting off ~2ft of stem until the whole section was green.

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Re: Is this a Problem?
 

Everything was going well with my RP after I cut it right back to get rid of the rot. It had put on about 3in of new growth from saturday to tuesday until.... my toddler son broke the new tip off. My wife tells me that she came down the stairs to find him sitting with pieces of banana around him, looked at her and said "I break it". :ha::ha::ha::ha:

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

LOL...that's too bad! I'm sure it will grow back just fine though...just set it back a few days, that's all. I don't think I'll ever have kids because I'm much too anal about my plants and living spaces.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

What type of soil are you using.In the pic it looks heavy,it might be the reason why they have started to rot,as no air is getting through or it might not be draining properly.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

The soil I'm using is about 70% compost and 30% garden soil from my yard. I had just watered it before I noticed the rot and started cutting. The soil is admittedly on the heavy side but I've been very careful about watering only sparingly and I've been makeing sure not to water unless the top couple of inches is dry. I think the rot is more from having been shipped the corm from arizona to saskatchewan in january. It shipped during a "warm" spell so outside temperatures were averaging around -10 C.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

That does sound like a heavy soil. Garden soil for potting is about the worst thing to use. I use miracle grow potting mix & lots of perlite - esp at bottom half.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

I could amend the soil with perlite I have plenty but with it not being well established I'm not sure that I want to risk stressing it more by repotting. Any thoughts?

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

Well I'd check the roots to see if they are brown, since the top was rotting. While your at it mise well mix in to reduce the water hold rate, making sure not to get dirt to far up on the corm (reduces chances of rott). I'd also get the pot off the floor to get it in a warmer region of the house (heat rises). That size of corm will recover. I wouldn't water it for a month. :^)

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

If you can remove the plant without disturbing or tearing the roots, I would add lots of perlite & repot. I have nanas growing in pots in 59F sunroom & would never let them go a month without water. If they are growing, even very slowly, they need some water & well draining soil.

Re: Is this a Problem?
 

I just looked at the pic provided (looks pretty wet to me). I'd rather have a banana suckin' every drop out of the dirt than have rot is all. I would mist the sides of the pot, but nothing directly on the plant (corm). :^)

The pot is raised off the floor near a register and has a heating pad wrapped over it. Since it was "cut back" by my son last tuesday its put on about 24inches of growth. Am I wrong in thinking that the winter shipping is more likely to be the source of the rot than heavier soil?

This is a pic of my RP this morning.