My banana plant is one year old. it's been doing really well until recently. I noticed that the new leaves gradually shred. We're in the dry stage right now in SW Florida. Are shredding leaves a sign that the plant isn't getting enough water? does it need a nutrient? I think the edges of the leaves are slightly yellow compared to the rest of the leaves. Will appreciate any help you can offer. thanks in advance
Shredded Leaves on my Banana plant
How large are your trees? Some Musa have raggedy looking leaves as they mature:
http://www.google.com/search?q=Images+of+Musa+acuminata&hl=en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=A_i5TaxJyfnSAYmXiQU&ved=0CBkQsAQ&biw=1436&bih=802
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57891/
edited to add: Yellowing foliage could be from too much or too little water, but I think there are diseases and pests that can cause yellowing leaves as well.
This message was edited Apr 28, 2011 6:35 PM
Mine start tearing (shredding) as they begin to unfurl - I have several different cultivars and they ALL do it. I think mine is due to the constant wind. I doubt mine is due to the dryness - I live very near the ocean and also have a sprinkler system that runs 7 days a week for an hour in each of 5 zones. My birds of paradise plants do the same thing.
Bananas are heavy feeders and like lots of water. It's pretty much impossible to over-water them in Florida, unless they're in a container or somewhere with bad drainage. Our soil is very porous, and not very nutritive.
It's been so warm for April, it's possible you should increase the water to the plant. Are you fertilizing it regularly?
That being said, it is normal for banana leaves to shred and tear in the wind. If you can plant it (or place the container) somewhere protected from high winds they will stay intact better. But if you go around and see other banana plantings, you will see shredded leaves on most, if not all.
Shredded leaves on bananas it pretty much their natural state. unless you can keep them in a totally wind free environment. Being gross feeders you really need to fertilise them. They like something a bit higher in nitrogen.
Another reason for shredding (if you see pieces missing) is squirrel damage. Here in Florida, squirrels use the fiberous stems as a source of water, and a source for nesting material. Sometimes they will just bite the stem of a newly emerging leaf in half, drink the water, and take nothing more.