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FAQ

How to Care for Wild Banana

Wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai) is a tropical tree that will grow from 8 to 9 m tall. It has banana plant-type leaves and a palm-tree like trunk. It blooms in spring with unusual flowers that resemble a bird. The flower consists of a blue bract, white petals and a bluish-purple tongue. Flowers can be as big as 18 cm wide and 46 cm long.
Water
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Sunlight
Full sun
Wild banana
Wild banana
Wild banana
Wild banana
Wild banana
care_basic_guide

Basic Care Guide

Cultivation:WaterDetail

How to Water Wild banana?

Wild banana is used to the warm and humid tropics, so please be generous and precise when watering them. If the plant is underwatered, the leaves furthest from the stem will turn yellow first. It's ideally to keep the substrate moist, but be sure your pot can be drained from the excess of water, as they do not like to be waterlogged. Water at least once a week, preferably twice, while winter watering can be cut in half. If overwatered, the leaves will turn brown.
Moreover, wild banana is used to high humidity climate, so you might need to mist the plant using a spray bottle on occasion, if the air in your home is dry. Rainwater is best, but soft, lukewarm regular water will suffice. During the dormancy period, it needs less watering (as to imitate the conditions of its natural environment).
Cultivation:WaterDetail
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What is the best way to water my Wild banana?
When watering the Wild banana, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Wild banana comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.
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What should I do if I water my Wild banana too much or too little?
Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Wild banana, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Wild banana, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Wild banana have become brittle and brown.
It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Wild banana. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Wild banana grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Wild banana is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.
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How often should I water my Wild banana?
If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Wild banana needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.
If you grow your Wild banana outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Wild banana can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.
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How much water does my Wild banana need?
When it comes time to water your Wild banana, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.
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How should I water my Wild banana at different growth stages?
The water needs of the Wild banana can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Wild banana is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Wild banana will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Wild banana will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Wild banana more water at this time.
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How should I water my Wild banana through the seasons?
The Wild banana will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Wild banana will contract a disease.
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What's the difference between watering my Wild banana indoors and outdoors?
It is most common to grow the Wild banana indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Wild banana to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Wild banana very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.
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Cultivation:FertilizerDetail

How to Fertilize Wild banana?

To speed up the flowering process and give your wild banana vigor, additional nourishment should be applied. In nature, wild banana receives the extra organic matter from decaying plant litter layer being dissolved by the rainwater. So mulching is a good idea and a great way to provide this.
You can use any organic materials such as leaves, pine needles wood chips or bark to create a 5 to 7 cm deep mulch layer. Just be sure to leave a 6 cm mulch-free zone around the base of the plant.
It is best to use a normally balanced liquid-type fertilizer, with an equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio (N:P:K=1:1:1). Natural manure makes for the perfect organic fertilizing option for your wild banana. Apply fertilizer twice a month during the growing season and reduce it to once a month during the winter dormancy. Always follow the manufacturer-recommended dosage, when applying fertilizer.

Fertilizer

Bright colors and rich textures are what Wild banana can add to your home décor. With a few well-placed and well-cared-for Wild banana plants, you can impress your home guests and enhance the beauty of your house. The issue is, if you don't understand how to fertilize your Wild banana, there is little chance that you can expect this plant to perform its best. Read on to learn answers to some of the most common fertilization questions about Wild banana.
Fertilization is important to a Wild banana overall health and well-being. With the proper supply of energy and nutrients, your Wild banana will develop a healthy array of foliage while also producing a set of sturdy stems and branches. However, it is the flowers of a Wild banana that are often most valuable to the gardeners who grow them. Fortunately, fertilization also helps this plant produce flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. The reason for this is that the right kind of fertilizer will make it much easier for your Wild banana to transfer fuel from its roots through its stems to its flowers. Proper fertilization also keeps this plant's health in good general condition, making it better able to fight off diseases.
The main time of year when you should fertilize a Wild banana is during the early spring when your plant is exiting its dormant phase and preparing to open its buds. Feeding at this time will give your Wild banana plenty of available energy to use to support its overall growth and flower development, but this is not the only time that it is a good idea to feed this plant. An additional feeding at the end of the season during the fall months can also benefit this plant, although this second feeding does not need to be as large as the first one. Also, some gardeners choose to fertilize their Wild banana while they are planting it, but this is not always necessary.
While it is often alright to use a general-purpose fertilizer that has even ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, Wild banana plants often do best when they receive a specific type of fertilizer. In most instances, the most important nutrients for a Wild banana are nitrogen and phosphorus, which is why they should appear in higher volumes in the fertilizer you use compared to the potassium content. A fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-8 or something similar should work well. However, it can also be beneficial to apply an organic material such as compost for at least one of your annual feedings. If you choose to use fertilizer, it is most common to use granular fertilizer for a Wild banana.
Applying fertilizer for your Wild banana is a quite straightforward task that any gardener can perform, even those with minimal experience. To feed your Wild banana with granular fertilizer, all you need to do is sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil. However, before you do so, make sure that you moisten the soil with water. Additionally, you can also amend your Wild banana plant's soil by adding an organic material like compost or manure. If you want to incorporate one of those amendments into your soil, you should place some of the material on top of the soil. Then use a hand rake to gently work the material into the first few inches of soil without disturbing the roots.
There are several negative outcomes that will occur if your regularly overfertilize your Wild banana. First, when you give one of these plants too much fertilizer, you can expect to see leaf discoloration and perhaps some wilting. Excessive fertilization can also lead to fertilizer burn, which will dry out the roots, making them ineffective.
However, the threats of overfertilization do not end there for the Wild banana. If you feed one of these plants too much, it may show a lack of flowers or bloom with flowers that are a bit lackluster. Also, an overfertilized Wild banana will be weaker overall, show stunted growth, and is more vulnerable to diseases and pest infestations.
As is the case for many plants, you do not need to fertilize your Wild banana during the winter. In winter, a Wild banana will be in a dormant phase, which means it does not need to gain much energy from the soil to develop new growth. Fertilizing during winter makes it much more likely that the negative outcomes of overfertilization will occur. The two main feeding times for a Wild banana are during the early spring and the fall. That means that during most of the spring and summer, this plant will not need fertilizer. It is also wise to hold off on feedings if your plant is experiencing excessively hot or dry conditions for whatever reason.
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Cultivation:FertilizerDetail
Why do I need to fertilize my Wild banana?
Fertilization is important to a Wild banana overall health and well-being. With the proper supply of energy and nutrients, your Wild banana will develop a healthy array of foliage while also producing a set of sturdy stems and branches.
However, it is the flowers of a Wild banana that are often most valuable to the gardeners who grow them. Fortunately, fertilization also helps this plant produce flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. The reason for this is that the right kind of fertilizer will make it much easier for your Wild banana to transfer fuel from its roots through its stems to its flowers. Proper fertilization also keeps this plant's health in good general condition, making it better able to fight off diseases.
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When is the best time to fertilize my Wild banana?
The main time of year when you should fertilize a Wild banana is during the early spring when your plant is exiting its dormant phase and preparing to open its buds. Feeding at this time will give your Wild banana plenty of available energy to use to support its overall growth and flower development, but this is not the only time that it is a good idea to feed this plant.
An additional feeding at the end of the season during the fall months can also benefit this plant, although this second feeding does not need to be as large as the first one. Also, some gardeners choose to fertilize their Wild banana while they are planting it, but this is not always necessary.
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When should I avoid fertilizing my Wild banana?
As is the case for many plants, you do not need to fertilize your Wild banana during the winter. In winter, a Wild banana will be in a dormant phase, which means it does not need to gain much energy from the soil to develop new growth. Fertilizing during winter makes it much more likely that the negative outcomes of overfertilization will occur.
The two main feeding times for a Wild banana are during the early spring and the fall. That means that during most of the spring and summer, this plant will not need fertilizer. It is also wise to hold off on feedings if your plant is experiencing excessively hot or dry conditions for whatever reason.
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What type of fertilizer does my Wild banana need?
While it is often alright to use a general-purpose fertilizer that has even ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, Wild banana plants often do best when they receive a specific type of fertilizer. In most instances, the most important nutrients for a Wild banana are nitrogen and phosphorus, which is why they should appear in higher volumes in the fertilizer you use compared to the potassium content.
A fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-8 or something similar should work well. However, it can also be beneficial to apply an organic material such as compost for at least one of your annual feedings. If you choose to use fertilizer, it is most common to use granular fertilizer for a Wild banana.
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How do I fertilize my Wild banana?
Applying fertilizer for your Wild banana is a quite straightforward task that any gardener can perform, even those with minimal experience. To feed your Wild banana with granular fertilizer, all you need to do is sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil. However, before you do so, make sure that you moisten the soil with water.
Additionally, you can also amend your Wild banana plant's soil by adding an organic material like compost or manure. If you want to incorporate one of those amendments into your soil, you should place some of the material on top of the soil. Then use a hand rake to gently work the material into the first few inches of soil without disturbing the roots.
Read More more
What happens if I fertilize my Wild banana too much?
There are several negative outcomes that will occur if your regularly overfertilize your Wild banana. First, when you give one of these plants too much fertilizer, you can expect to see leaf discoloration and perhaps some wilting. Excessive fertilization can also lead to fertilizer burn, which will dry out the roots, making them ineffective.
However, the threats of overfertilization do not end there for the Wild banana. If you feed one of these plants too much, it may show a lack of flowers or bloom with flowers that are a bit lackluster. Also, an overfertilized Wild banana will be weaker overall, show stunted growth, and is more vulnerable to diseases and pest infestations.
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Cultivation:SunlightDetail

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Wild banana?

Wild banana needs a lot of sunlight to bloom. Most important is to keep in mind that if the plant is kept in the shade, it will not flower or it might significantly slow the process of blooming. You should place your plant on a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily but not if the direct midday sun is too strong. During the summer, you can move your plant outside to increase natural sunlight but again, it needs to be shaded and partially protected if the sun is too strong.
Cultivation:SunlightDetail
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What type of sunlight does Wild banana need?
Wild banana needs full sun every day, and these plants rely on a minimum of six hours of sunlight to keep their leaves, roots, and blooms in a healthy state. Even though most perennials need six hours of sunlight a day, plants like the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis could live off less sun for a minimum of three hours daily. Even though these perennial flowering plants can live with only three hours of direct sunlight, they won't be able to thrive like they would in sunnier conditions.
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Can sunlight damage Wild banana? How to protect Wild banana from the sun and heat damage?
The few Perennial Flowering Plants that don't like excessive heat in warm climates might react poorly to too much sun if they have heat damage. These plants may wilt or dry out from too much sun and may also develop growth issues if they're regularly in the sun during the most intense heat of the day. Some plants don't need protection from the light afternoon sun, but those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure should be provided some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners could give these plants plenty of shade by planting them in spots that don't receive direct heat during the afternoon, like under trees or behind bushes.
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Should I protect Wild banana from sun exposure?
While many perennial plants need plenty of sun to bloom to their fullest extent, some of them benefit from less sun in warmer climates. For example, people who live in hotter climates might want to provide shade for their flowering perennials in the hot afternoon sun, and this is even more true for months in the summer.
Even though some perennial flowering plants will benefit from partially shaded in the hottest climates, plants like the Giant Coreopsis aren't intimidated by too much sun. They might sit outside in the full sun in hot weather and still thrive.
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What will happen if Wild banana gets inadequate sunlight?
If you're growing Wild banana and you aren't getting enough sunlight, you'll notice signs of inadequate requirements in your plants. Most plants won't produce as many blooms as they would if they had full sun exposure. Some plants will develop dry spots on their leaves, but most of these plants will still bloom in the inadequate sun. Even though they bloom, the flowers will be smaller and less full.
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Does Wild banana need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
Wild banana is great flowers in gardens and will have optimum blooming if it gets six hours of sunlight a day minimum. Sometimes, flowers stay fresh longer if they're partially shaded during the really hot parts of the day. When Wild banana is young, gardeners want to ensure their younger plants are getting plenty of sunlight but don't have to endure intense heat during the afternoon sunlight. If you have a fully mature plant, provide it with plenty of sun so it may keep up its growth properly.
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How much light does Wild banana need for photosynthesis?
Wild banana will need a minimum of six hours of light to best support their photosynthesis cycles. These flowering plants need the sun to help their foliage and blooms grow. However, certain perennial flowering plants like the Giant Coreopsis might need anywhere from eight to twelve hours of full sun a day to maintain their large flowers and healthy foliage.
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How much light should Wild banana get per day to grow healthily?
If you want your Wild banana to grow healthy and bloom as much as possible during its blooming season, you should try to give your plant six hours of direct sunlight. Some perennial plants might even do more sunlight and could sit in the sun for up to twelve hours, depending on the heat in the area and the general environment. Plants like the Red Hot Poker and Giant Coreopsis thrive in much hotter climates and might sit in all types of strong sunlight.
Some home gardeners have to use grow lights because their spaces don't allow for tons of outdoor sunlight. Most perennials could grow happily in grow lights, but they will need anywhere from eight to fourteen hours of artificial light to stay strong since these lights don't have as much power as the sun.
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Cultivation:PruningDetail

How to Prune Wild banana?

When performed properly, pruning is very beneficial to your wild banana because removing dead or infected leaves and flowers increase the overall health of the plant, reduces the chance of infections and improves the aesthetic appearance. Dead flowers are pretty easy to spot in the bush, as they will start to lose their vibrant colors and turn to brown. It is ok to remove even several dead blooms at once because this will extend the bloom life of the remaining flowers.
It is important to remove all dead leaves as the plant will not shed them by itself. Be sure to cut them as close to the base as possible to prevent any root spread. Just keep in mind that the leaf surfaces can sometimes be ripped even by the slightest touch, but those leaves are healthy and should not be removed until they start to show signs of discoloration or infection. Remember to always wear thick gloves and to disinfect the pruners before you move to the next plant in order to minimize the risks of cross-contamination.
Cultivation:PruningDetail
Does my Wild banana need to be pruned?
The usual goal for the Wild banana is to have it grow as big and full as possible. While the plant doesn’t require consistent trimming, it can benefit by removing old flowers and any damaged, dead, or diseased leaves. You can also trim back the leaves if it is starting to get too big for the pot and space you are keeping it.
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When is the best time to prune my Wild banana?
Wild banana don’t have a winter dormancy cycle at the suitable temperature. With that said, their growth does slow down as the days get shorter, however the leaves don’t die. What does that mean for pruning? It means there’s no specific season where it’s better to prune. Ideally, you will want to wait until the flower blooms before pruning it, which can take about a month after the appearance of the blossom. With deadheading, you’ll want to do this around late spring or when only a few of the blossoms have faded. You should always prune brown or yellow leaves when you notice them. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
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What should I do after pruning my Wild banana?
Once you’ve pruned your plant, you should dispose of the stems and leaves either by composting the healthy ones or throwing out the diseased parts. You can also fertilize just before or after pruning, which gives Wild banana a little vitamin boost that can provide it the nutrients needed to better protect itself from any nearby pathogens or diseases. You don’t need much after care when you’re done pruning. It might benefit from light watering and some liquid plant food to encourage new blooms and growth.
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How can I prune my Wild banana during different growth stages?
Chances are you’re not getting the Wild banana from seed, which means you’re already getting a mature plant. Since the plant doesn’t have a true dormancy cycle, there are really only two phases: blooming and non-blooming. While the plant is blooming, you should only remove yellow or dead leaves and cut off any brown tips on the leaves. Avoid doing too much pruning during this time as it can stress the plant. Still, you should remove any diseased or dead leaves to keep your plant presentable. The best time to prune is after the blossoms have already wilted. You can remove both the spent blossoms and any old and yellowed leaves at the same time. If you’re noticing a large amount of yellow leaves, you might be overwatering your plant or not giving it enough nutrients. While yellow or brown leaves don’t always mean there’s an issue, if you notice a large amount of leaves shifting colors, it usually means there’s a problem with the plant.
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How can I prune my Wild banana during different seasons?
As an evergreen plant, Wild banana doesn’t have the same cycles as those found in colder areas. The leaves will remain green throughout the year, which is one of the many reasons it is a popular houseplant. If you want to deadhead, you should do so after the blossoms have already wilted. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
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Are there any instructions for pruning my Wild banana?
How you prune the Wild banana will depend on whether you’re performing general care or deadheading. For general care, simply cut off the blossoms that have already died. Make sure to get as close to the base as possible and snip at a 45-degree angle. Repeat this for all stalks with wilting blooms. After that, trim back any outer leaves that are old and yellowing. If you simply want to thin the plant out, start with the outermost leaf and work your way in. Avoid removing more than 30 percent of the leaves at once. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
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care_advanced_guide

Advanced Care Guide

Cultivation:WaterAndHardinessDetail

What is the Ideal Temperature Range for Wild banana?

Wild banana originates from Southern Africa, enjoys plenty of moisture and does not tolerate harsh cold temperature well. It’s characterized as a tropical plant, so unless you live in warmer areas, it is best to keep it as a house plant during the winter. It is an evergreen plant, but goes through a period of winter dormancy.
During the growing season, it requires optimal 18 to 21 ℃ to grow the healthiest during the day and down to 10 ℃ at night. If it is below 10 ℃ it will likely not flower and temperatures below freezing may even damage the plant. Since it’s a tropical plant with large-surface leaves it evaporates a lot of moisture and thus requires a lot of water in return.
Cultivation:WaterAndHardinessDetail
What is the optimal temperature for Wild banana?
For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.
As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.
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Does Wild banana require different temperatures for different growing phases?
While Wild banana doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.
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Does Wild banana need different temperatures for different seasons?
Wild banana does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.
Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.
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What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Wild banana healthy?
Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months
If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.
Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat
You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.
Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs
Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.
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What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Wild banana?
The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Wild banana is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.
If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.
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Cultivation:SoilDetail

What Soil is Best for Wild banana?

Wild banana requires well-drained, rich potting mix soil. It will grow in a variety of soil, but prefers it slightly acidic (pH 6.1-6.5). It will achieve its best growth in fertile soil, enhanced with additional organic matter such as compost. It is also smart to mulch the growing container as this will benefit the plant in many ways. Very important to avoid accumulated water in the soil which may cause its root system to rot.
Cultivation:SoilDetail
Cultivation:PropagationDetail

How to Propagate Wild banana?

Propagation of wild banana is easily done by the division of the plant fleshy root. Propagation should be performed during the early springtime.
Take out the plant from the container and use your hands and a garden hose (not a strong stream) to remove the soil from the fleshy root until all roots are visible. Then carefully pull apart the parts of fleshy root in a way that each part contains a stem. You can also use a sharp knife, if the fleshy root will not break apart, just make sure that the knife has been properly disinfected and make sure you do not cut any roots or stems.
Consider applying some rooting hormone (easily available in most garden stores) before you place each division into a separate container, from which a new plant will sprout.

Propagation

Wild banana provides a unique decoration for your garden and this plant is relatively easy to propagate. If you want to propagate more Wild banana, our article will show you the method. You can propagate this plant by division. You can divide your plants either during the spring or the fall. If you divide during the spring, you should do so earlier in the season to give your plant a better chance of adapting to the division before the summer heat arrives. The same is true during fall, as you should divide early enough to give your plant time to recover before the cold winter temperatures arrive. Dividing a plant is not difficult to do, but it is much easier to perform when you have the right tools available to you. Here is a basic list of what you’ll need:
  1. A digging shovel or a knife (preferable one with a pointed blade rather than a flat one)
  2. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
  3. A water source (garden hose, watering can, etc.)
Steps: Step 1: Use your shovel to dig around the entire parent plant and lift it out of the ground. Step 2: Loosen and separate the main roots to have a better idea of where to divide the plant. Step 3:You can just pull the above-ground part of the plant to separate Wild banana if it is easier. If the root system is tightly wound, use your shovel or knife to slice down through the root ball to divide the plant into two parts. Repeat if you have a large plant you wish to divide more than once. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol is required to sterilize the tools before use. Step 4: Wait for the wounds caused by plant division to dry, re-plant your parent plant in its original place. Transplant the divided portion to a new growing location.

Wild banana provides a unique decoration for your garden and this plant is relatively easy to propagate. If you want to propagate more Wild banana, our article will show you the method. You can propagate this plant by division. You can divide your plants either during the spring or the fall. If you divide during the spring, you should do so earlier in the season to give your plant a better chance of adapting to the division before the summer heat arrives. The same is true during fall, as you should divide early enough to give your plant time to recover before the cold winter temperatures arrive. Dividing a plant is not difficult to do, but it is much easier to perform when you have the right tools available to you. Here is a basic list of what you’ll need:
  1. A digging shovel or a knife (preferable one with a pointed blade rather than a flat one)
  2. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
  3. A water source (garden hose, watering can, etc.)
Steps: Step 1: Use your shovel to dig around the entire parent plant and lift it out of the ground. Step 2: Loosen and separate the main roots to have a better idea of where to divide the plant. Step 3:You can just pull the above-ground part of the plant to separate Wild banana if it is easier. If the root system is tightly wound, use your shovel or knife to slice down through the root ball to divide the plant into two parts. Repeat if you have a large plant you wish to divide more than once. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol is required to sterilize the tools before use. Step 4: Wait for the wounds caused by plant division to dry, re-plant your parent plant in its original place. Transplant the divided portion to a new growing location.
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Cultivation:PropagationDetail
Cultivation:PlantingDetail

How to Plant Wild banana?

From five species in the genus, two are grown as house plants; Strelitzia reginae (the Crane Bird plant), which is the smaller one of the two and has orange flowers and the Strelitzia nicolai (the Giant White Bird of Paradise) also called the Wild Banana with the white flowers. Both require similar growing conditions, with the difference that the Crane Bird handles colder temperatures better.
They can be grown from the seeds; however, it might take at least 3-5 years to flower. Furthermore, the fresher the seeds, the sooner it will flower, because the more they get older, the seeds develop a coating which delays germination. Also, the seed is stronger if harvested from the plant which is in its first flowering seasons. Get rid of the orange tufts from the seeds, immerse them in lukewarm water for a day before sowing them in the potting soil. The seed should germinate in 2-3 months.
Only when the seedlings grow 3-5 leaves, transplant them to the individual pots. Do not plant the seed too deep into the soil, because it might delay the flowering process. It is going to require repotting every 2-3 years (springtime is the best time for this), and increase the container size every time you repot.
Cultivation:PlantingDetail
PlantCare:TransplantSummary

How to Transplant Wild banana?

The best period to transplant wild banana would be the balmy seasons, specifically from late spring to early fall (S1-S3), as this allows the plant to better establish itself before the colder months. Choose a well-drained spot with plenty of sunlight for your wild banana. Transplanting tip: enrich the transplant site with organic matter beforehand for optimal growth. Remember, successful transplantation is a matter of both timing and location!
PlantCare:TransplantSummary
care_scenes

More Info on Wild Banana Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide
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Lighting
Full sun
Wild banana thrives when granted expansive amounts of solar exposure, befitting its natural origins in light-flooded settings. It also endures moderate sun access, displaying its adaptability. Over-exposure to the sun might stress the plant, leading to burnt leaves or premature wilting, while insufficient sun could impede optimal growth and flowering.
Best Sunlight Practices
Temperature
-5 - 41 ℃
Wild banana is native to temperate regions and thrives within a temperature range of 59 to 95 °F (15 to 35 ℃). In colder seasons, indoor heating may be needed to maintain this temperature. Adjustments should be made during hotter periods to prevent overheating.
Temp for Healthy Growth
Transplant
2-3 feet
The best period to transplant wild banana would be the balmy seasons, specifically from late spring to early fall (S1-S3), as this allows the plant to better establish itself before the colder months. Choose a well-drained spot with plenty of sunlight for your wild banana. Transplanting tip: enrich the transplant site with organic matter beforehand for optimal growth. Remember, successful transplantation is a matter of both timing and location!
Transplant Techniques
Overwinter
-5 - 41 ℃
Wild banana originates from subtropical climates, blessed with a robust constitution to endure slightly colder spells. Despite being a tropical plant, it enters a dormancy period in winter to conserve energy. Gardeners should ensure wild banana gets bright, indirect sunlight and isn't exposed to temperatures below 10°C. Regular watering regimen should be reduced, but a humid environment maintained. Protect wild banana from frost which, unlike its native climate, it isn't adapted to survive.
Winter Techniques
Feng shui direction
Southeast
The wild banana is often associated with strong yang energy in Feng Shui, and could establish a potent lively aura in your environment. Ideally, it enhances spaces with a Southeast exposure, as this direction is related to prosperity and wealth, and the wild banana's robust energy could symbolically foster this growth. Remember, Feng Shui is subjective and its application may vary across different spaces.
Fengshui Details
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Seasonal Care Tips

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Spring

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Summer

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Fall

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Winter

This plant and other temperate flowering trees, vines, and shrubs often benefit from early spring care.

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1
Spring care includes pruning to remove dead branches. Be careful not to cut away any buds, it will reduce flowering.
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2
Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to support healthy growth.
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3
Pay attention to soil moisture levels, and water whenever the top layer of soil is beginning to dry out.
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4
Ensure container plants are receiving enough sunlight. Move the plants to a location receiving around six hours of sunlight a day.

Temperate flowering trees, vines, and shrubs like this plant require more care in the summer.

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1
Frequent watering in the summer is a must in most climates, especially in the south. Check the soil’s moisture levels daily, watering when it is beginning to dry out.
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2
Stop fertilizing in the summer while the plant is not in bloom.
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3
summer is the ideal time to remove any spent blooms to encourage re-flowering in the fall.
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4
Move container plants out of the bright sunlight.
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5
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Removing plant debris from the area can help with any potential issues.

Your plant needs a bit of care in the autumn months to keep it looking its best and prepare it for winter.

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1
In the late fall, you can give your plant a good prune. Remove any low-hanging or overcrowding branches, along with energy-sapping suckers, to keep the plant growing strong throughout the season.
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2
Clean up any fallen leaves around the plant, as these leaves can cause harmful bacteria to grow around the plant.
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3
Provide it with enough water to keep the soil moist, watering whenever the soil becomes dry.
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4
Make sure it's exposed to strong sunlight and has some shade in the afternoon.
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5
Watch out for any pests and diseases, such as mildew that looks like a powdery coating on the plant.

This plant requires some careful care during the winter.

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1
It's important for your plant to be exposed to cold winter weather during this season, which will help boost its production in the spring, in a process sometimes called “chilling” your plant. Therefore, don't worry about keeping these plants warm or bringing them inside.
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2
You may want to take this dormant time to prune away overcrowding, dead, or diseased parts, however.
care_pet_and_diseases

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Wild banana based on 10 million real cases
Brown spot
Brown spot Brown spot
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Scars
Scars Scars
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Aged yellow and dry
Aged yellow and dry Aged yellow and dry
Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
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Brown spot
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Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
  • Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
  • Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
  • May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
  • Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
  • Leaf margins may turn yellow.
  • Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
  • Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
  • The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
  • Partial or complete premature defoliation
  • Reduced growth
  • Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
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Scars
plant poor
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Symptom Analysis
Symptom Analysis
Scars form when the plant repairs wounds. They can be the result of people or pets passing by and scraping the plant. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the plant will heal but a scar may remain.
Pests and pathogens can also cause scarring. Insects may attack the plant for a meal, resulting in extensive scarring when a few invaders turn into an infestation. Diseases such as fungus and bacteria can weaken the plant, causing brown spots, mushy areas, or blisters that lead to scars.
Scars occur on stems when a leaf or bud has been lost and the plant has healed. The harder tissue is like a scab that protects a wound.
On other occasions, scars can signal problems from environmental conditions, such as overexposure to sunlight or heat. It might surprise you to know that plants can suffer from sunburn, even desert dwellers like cactus!
Solutions
Solutions
Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover.
  1. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes.
  2. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray.
  3. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs.
  4. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Prevention
Prevention
Preventing some sources of scarring is easier than others, but all start with careful attention to your plants once you decide to bring them home.
  1. Review specific guidelines for your plant, including soil drainage, watering, and fertilizer requirements.
  2. Inspect plants before planting and use sterile pots and fresh potting soil or media to limit transfer of fungi or bacteria.
  3. Once established, check your plants regularly for signs of scarring or the presence of pests, as it is better to catch problems as early as possible.
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Aged yellow and dry
plant poor
Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Overview
Overview
Regardless of the type of plant or where it is grown, at some point, it will begin to aged yellow and dry. This is a natural, unavoidable process that happens when the plant has completed all of the steps in its life.
Annual plants go through this process at the end of a single growing season. Perennial plants live for multiple years, if not tens or hundreds of years, but will still ultimately exhibit these symptoms.
Symptom Analysis
Symptom Analysis
When plants have progressed through their natural developmental stages and are nearing the end of their lifecycle, they begin showing signs of decline. Leaves will start to yellow and droop, and over time they turn papery brown and dry.
Once completely dry, the leaves begin to fall from the plant until the entire plant has dried out.
Disease Cause
Disease Cause
At the end of its life, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence or natural aging and death. Cell division stops, and the plant begins catabolizing resources to use in other parts of the plant.
As this happens, the tissues begin yellow and drying until the entire plant is desiccated and perishes.
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More About Wild Banana

Plant Type
Plant Type
Herb
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Spread
Spread
3.5 m
Leaf Color
Leaf Color
Green
Silver
Flower Size
Flower Size
45 cm
Plant Height
Plant Height
6 m

Name story

Bird-of-paradise -tree||Giant bird-of-paradise flower||Giant white bird of paradise||Giant bird-of-paradise tree||Natal bird-of-paradise flower||Giant white bird of paradise tree||White bird-of-paradise tree||White bird of paradise||Natal wild banana||Wild banana
Strelitzia nicolai is widely known as wild banana. This common name was derived from the appearance of its flower, which really looks like an exotic bird. The other common name, Wild banana, refers to its banana-shaped leaves and the growth form similar to that of a banana tree.

Usages

Garden Use
Fast-growing, robust, and decorative, wild banana is an interesting massive background plant for a tropical or subtropical garden. Because of its large banana-like leaves, it can be used within wallside borders. Also, its bird-like flowers can make it an exciting addition to tropical cut flower gardens. Although massive when planted in the soil, wild banana can still survive and thrive as a patio container plant.
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Common Problems

I’ve noticed the yellowing of some leaves on my wild banana, what might be the reason?

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If your indoor wild banana is showing signs of discoloration, it might be a sign of lacking light. Because these are tropical plants, they are used to having a lot of suns. Try moving your wild banana to a brighter spot in the room (possibly where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight) or consider setting up a full-spectrum fluorescent bulb over the plant to increase the lighting. Also, this might be a sign of water deficiency, so be sure to be generous with water, especially during the growing season.

Some leaves are curling on my wild banana, why is this happening?

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Some leaf curling is normal for a plant that grows multiple, densely packed, huge leaves. Also, leaves will get curled a bit with age. However, pronounced curling can also be a sign of a plant in distress. This can happen because of the lack of water with newly planted or repotted plants.
Also, check the temperature in your room, as the plant might be doing this as a protective reaction to cold. Too alkaline or base soil pH can induce leaf curling as well. If the plant is overcrowded, the leaves might also curl, so it may be time to repot. And lastly, this might be a sign of an infestation of certain plant pests or a pathogen, so carefully check every leaf for signs of infestation or feeding damages.
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Wild banana
Wild banana
Wild banana
Wild banana
Wild banana

How to Care for Wild Banana

Wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai) is a tropical tree that will grow from 8 to 9 m tall. It has banana plant-type leaves and a palm-tree like trunk. It blooms in spring with unusual flowers that resemble a bird. The flower consists of a blue bract, white petals and a bluish-purple tongue. Flowers can be as big as 18 cm wide and 46 cm long.
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Sunlight
Full sun
Sunlight Sunlight detail
care_basic_guide

Basic Care Guide

Cultivation:WaterDetail

How to Water Wild banana?

Cultivation:WaterDetail
Wild banana is used to the warm and humid tropics, so please be generous and precise when watering them. If the plant is underwatered, the leaves furthest from the stem will turn yellow first. It's ideally to keep the substrate moist, but be sure your pot can be drained from the excess of water, as they do not like to be waterlogged. Water at least once a week, preferably twice, while winter watering can be cut in half. If overwatered, the leaves will turn brown.
Moreover, wild banana is used to high humidity climate, so you might need to mist the plant using a spray bottle on occasion, if the air in your home is dry. Rainwater is best, but soft, lukewarm regular water will suffice. During the dormancy period, it needs less watering (as to imitate the conditions of its natural environment).
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Cultivation:FertilizerDetail

How to Fertilize Wild banana?

Cultivation:FertilizerDetail
To speed up the flowering process and give your wild banana vigor, additional nourishment should be applied. In nature, wild banana receives the extra organic matter from decaying plant litter layer being dissolved by the rainwater. So mulching is a good idea and a great way to provide this.
You can use any organic materials such as leaves, pine needles wood chips or bark to create a 5 to 7 cm deep mulch layer. Just be sure to leave a 6 cm mulch-free zone around the base of the plant.
It is best to use a normally balanced liquid-type fertilizer, with an equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio (N:P:K=1:1:1). Natural manure makes for the perfect organic fertilizing option for your wild banana. Apply fertilizer twice a month during the growing season and reduce it to once a month during the winter dormancy. Always follow the manufacturer-recommended dosage, when applying fertilizer.
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Fertilizer

Bright colors and rich textures are what Wild banana can add to your home décor. With a few well-placed and well-cared-for Wild banana plants, you can impress your home guests and enhance the beauty of your house. The issue is, if you don't understand how to fertilize your Wild banana, there is little chance that you can expect this plant to perform its best. Read on to learn answers to some of the most common fertilization questions about Wild banana.
Fertilization is important to a Wild banana overall health and well-being. With the proper supply of energy and nutrients, your Wild banana will develop a healthy array of foliage while also producing a set of sturdy stems and branches. However, it is the flowers of a Wild banana that are often most valuable to the gardeners who grow them. Fortunately, fertilization also helps this plant produce flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. The reason for this is that the right kind of fertilizer will make it much easier for your Wild banana to transfer fuel from its roots through its stems to its flowers. Proper fertilization also keeps this plant's health in good general condition, making it better able to fight off diseases.
The main time of year when you should fertilize a Wild banana is during the early spring when your plant is exiting its dormant phase and preparing to open its buds. Feeding at this time will give your Wild banana plenty of available energy to use to support its overall growth and flower development, but this is not the only time that it is a good idea to feed this plant. An additional feeding at the end of the season during the fall months can also benefit this plant, although this second feeding does not need to be as large as the first one. Also, some gardeners choose to fertilize their Wild banana while they are planting it, but this is not always necessary.
While it is often alright to use a general-purpose fertilizer that has even ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, Wild banana plants often do best when they receive a specific type of fertilizer. In most instances, the most important nutrients for a Wild banana are nitrogen and phosphorus, which is why they should appear in higher volumes in the fertilizer you use compared to the potassium content. A fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-8 or something similar should work well. However, it can also be beneficial to apply an organic material such as compost for at least one of your annual feedings. If you choose to use fertilizer, it is most common to use granular fertilizer for a Wild banana.
Applying fertilizer for your Wild banana is a quite straightforward task that any gardener can perform, even those with minimal experience. To feed your Wild banana with granular fertilizer, all you need to do is sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil. However, before you do so, make sure that you moisten the soil with water. Additionally, you can also amend your Wild banana plant's soil by adding an organic material like compost or manure. If you want to incorporate one of those amendments into your soil, you should place some of the material on top of the soil. Then use a hand rake to gently work the material into the first few inches of soil without disturbing the roots.
There are several negative outcomes that will occur if your regularly overfertilize your Wild banana. First, when you give one of these plants too much fertilizer, you can expect to see leaf discoloration and perhaps some wilting. Excessive fertilization can also lead to fertilizer burn, which will dry out the roots, making them ineffective.
However, the threats of overfertilization do not end there for the Wild banana. If you feed one of these plants too much, it may show a lack of flowers or bloom with flowers that are a bit lackluster. Also, an overfertilized Wild banana will be weaker overall, show stunted growth, and is more vulnerable to diseases and pest infestations.
As is the case for many plants, you do not need to fertilize your Wild banana during the winter. In winter, a Wild banana will be in a dormant phase, which means it does not need to gain much energy from the soil to develop new growth. Fertilizing during winter makes it much more likely that the negative outcomes of overfertilization will occur. The two main feeding times for a Wild banana are during the early spring and the fall. That means that during most of the spring and summer, this plant will not need fertilizer. It is also wise to hold off on feedings if your plant is experiencing excessively hot or dry conditions for whatever reason.
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Cultivation:SunlightDetail

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Wild banana?

Cultivation:SunlightDetail
Wild banana needs a lot of sunlight to bloom. Most important is to keep in mind that if the plant is kept in the shade, it will not flower or it might significantly slow the process of blooming. You should place your plant on a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily but not if the direct midday sun is too strong. During the summer, you can move your plant outside to increase natural sunlight but again, it needs to be shaded and partially protected if the sun is too strong.
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Cultivation:PruningDetail

How to Prune Wild banana?

Cultivation:PruningDetail
When performed properly, pruning is very beneficial to your wild banana because removing dead or infected leaves and flowers increase the overall health of the plant, reduces the chance of infections and improves the aesthetic appearance. Dead flowers are pretty easy to spot in the bush, as they will start to lose their vibrant colors and turn to brown. It is ok to remove even several dead blooms at once because this will extend the bloom life of the remaining flowers.
It is important to remove all dead leaves as the plant will not shed them by itself. Be sure to cut them as close to the base as possible to prevent any root spread. Just keep in mind that the leaf surfaces can sometimes be ripped even by the slightest touch, but those leaves are healthy and should not be removed until they start to show signs of discoloration or infection. Remember to always wear thick gloves and to disinfect the pruners before you move to the next plant in order to minimize the risks of cross-contamination.
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Advanced Care Guide

Cultivation:WaterAndHardinessDetail

What is the Ideal Temperature Range for Wild banana?

Cultivation:WaterAndHardinessDetail
Wild banana originates from Southern Africa, enjoys plenty of moisture and does not tolerate harsh cold temperature well. It’s characterized as a tropical plant, so unless you live in warmer areas, it is best to keep it as a house plant during the winter. It is an evergreen plant, but goes through a period of winter dormancy.
During the growing season, it requires optimal 18 to 21 ℃ to grow the healthiest during the day and down to 10 ℃ at night. If it is below 10 ℃ it will likely not flower and temperatures below freezing may even damage the plant. Since it’s a tropical plant with large-surface leaves it evaporates a lot of moisture and thus requires a lot of water in return.
What is the optimal temperature for Wild banana?
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Does Wild banana require different temperatures for different growing phases?
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Does Wild banana need different temperatures for different seasons?
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What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Wild banana healthy?
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Cultivation:SoilDetail

What Soil is Best for Wild banana?

Cultivation:SoilDetail
Wild banana requires well-drained, rich potting mix soil. It will grow in a variety of soil, but prefers it slightly acidic (pH 6.1-6.5). It will achieve its best growth in fertile soil, enhanced with additional organic matter such as compost. It is also smart to mulch the growing container as this will benefit the plant in many ways. Very important to avoid accumulated water in the soil which may cause its root system to rot.
Cultivation:PropagationDetail

How to Propagate Wild banana?

Cultivation:PropagationDetail
Propagation of wild banana is easily done by the division of the plant fleshy root. Propagation should be performed during the early springtime.
Take out the plant from the container and use your hands and a garden hose (not a strong stream) to remove the soil from the fleshy root until all roots are visible. Then carefully pull apart the parts of fleshy root in a way that each part contains a stem. You can also use a sharp knife, if the fleshy root will not break apart, just make sure that the knife has been properly disinfected and make sure you do not cut any roots or stems.
Consider applying some rooting hormone (easily available in most garden stores) before you place each division into a separate container, from which a new plant will sprout.
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Propagation

Wild banana provides a unique decoration for your garden and this plant is relatively easy to propagate. If you want to propagate more Wild banana, our article will show you the method. You can propagate this plant by division. You can divide your plants either during the spring or the fall. If you divide during the spring, you should do so earlier in the season to give your plant a better chance of adapting to the division before the summer heat arrives. The same is true during fall, as you should divide early enough to give your plant time to recover before the cold winter temperatures arrive. Dividing a plant is not difficult to do, but it is much easier to perform when you have the right tools available to you. Here is a basic list of what you’ll need:
  1. A digging shovel or a knife (preferable one with a pointed blade rather than a flat one)
  2. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
  3. A water source (garden hose, watering can, etc.)
Steps: Step 1: Use your shovel to dig around the entire parent plant and lift it out of the ground. Step 2: Loosen and separate the main roots to have a better idea of where to divide the plant. Step 3:You can just pull the above-ground part of the plant to separate Wild banana if it is easier. If the root system is tightly wound, use your shovel or knife to slice down through the root ball to divide the plant into two parts. Repeat if you have a large plant you wish to divide more than once. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol is required to sterilize the tools before use. Step 4: Wait for the wounds caused by plant division to dry, re-plant your parent plant in its original place. Transplant the divided portion to a new growing location.

Wild banana provides a unique decoration for your garden and this plant is relatively easy to propagate. If you want to propagate more Wild banana, our article will show you the method. You can propagate this plant by division. You can divide your plants either during the spring or the fall. If you divide during the spring, you should do so earlier in the season to give your plant a better chance of adapting to the division before the summer heat arrives. The same is true during fall, as you should divide early enough to give your plant time to recover before the cold winter temperatures arrive. Dividing a plant is not difficult to do, but it is much easier to perform when you have the right tools available to you. Here is a basic list of what you’ll need:
  1. A digging shovel or a knife (preferable one with a pointed blade rather than a flat one)
  2. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
  3. A water source (garden hose, watering can, etc.)
Steps: Step 1: Use your shovel to dig around the entire parent plant and lift it out of the ground. Step 2: Loosen and separate the main roots to have a better idea of where to divide the plant. Step 3:You can just pull the above-ground part of the plant to separate Wild banana if it is easier. If the root system is tightly wound, use your shovel or knife to slice down through the root ball to divide the plant into two parts. Repeat if you have a large plant you wish to divide more than once. Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol is required to sterilize the tools before use. Step 4: Wait for the wounds caused by plant division to dry, re-plant your parent plant in its original place. Transplant the divided portion to a new growing location.
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Cultivation:PlantingDetail

How to Plant Wild banana?

Cultivation:PlantingDetail
From five species in the genus, two are grown as house plants; Strelitzia reginae (the Crane Bird plant), which is the smaller one of the two and has orange flowers and the Strelitzia nicolai (the Giant White Bird of Paradise) also called the Wild Banana with the white flowers. Both require similar growing conditions, with the difference that the Crane Bird handles colder temperatures better.
They can be grown from the seeds; however, it might take at least 3-5 years to flower. Furthermore, the fresher the seeds, the sooner it will flower, because the more they get older, the seeds develop a coating which delays germination. Also, the seed is stronger if harvested from the plant which is in its first flowering seasons. Get rid of the orange tufts from the seeds, immerse them in lukewarm water for a day before sowing them in the potting soil. The seed should germinate in 2-3 months.
Only when the seedlings grow 3-5 leaves, transplant them to the individual pots. Do not plant the seed too deep into the soil, because it might delay the flowering process. It is going to require repotting every 2-3 years (springtime is the best time for this), and increase the container size every time you repot.
PlantCare:TransplantSummary

How to Transplant Wild banana?

PlantCare:TransplantSummary
The best period to transplant wild banana would be the balmy seasons, specifically from late spring to early fall (S1-S3), as this allows the plant to better establish itself before the colder months. Choose a well-drained spot with plenty of sunlight for your wild banana. Transplanting tip: enrich the transplant site with organic matter beforehand for optimal growth. Remember, successful transplantation is a matter of both timing and location!
care_seasonal_tips

Seasonal Care Tips

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Spring

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Summer

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Fall

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Winter

This plant and other temperate flowering trees, vines, and shrubs often benefit from early spring care.

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1
Spring care includes pruning to remove dead branches. Be careful not to cut away any buds, it will reduce flowering.
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2
Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to support healthy growth.
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3
Pay attention to soil moisture levels, and water whenever the top layer of soil is beginning to dry out.
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4
Ensure container plants are receiving enough sunlight. Move the plants to a location receiving around six hours of sunlight a day.

Temperate flowering trees, vines, and shrubs like this plant require more care in the summer.

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1
Frequent watering in the summer is a must in most climates, especially in the south. Check the soil’s moisture levels daily, watering when it is beginning to dry out.
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2
Stop fertilizing in the summer while the plant is not in bloom.
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3
summer is the ideal time to remove any spent blooms to encourage re-flowering in the fall.
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4
Move container plants out of the bright sunlight.
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5
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Removing plant debris from the area can help with any potential issues.

Your plant needs a bit of care in the autumn months to keep it looking its best and prepare it for winter.

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1
In the late fall, you can give your plant a good prune. Remove any low-hanging or overcrowding branches, along with energy-sapping suckers, to keep the plant growing strong throughout the season.
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2
Clean up any fallen leaves around the plant, as these leaves can cause harmful bacteria to grow around the plant.
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3
Provide it with enough water to keep the soil moist, watering whenever the soil becomes dry.
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4
Make sure it's exposed to strong sunlight and has some shade in the afternoon.
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5
Watch out for any pests and diseases, such as mildew that looks like a powdery coating on the plant.

This plant requires some careful care during the winter.

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1
It's important for your plant to be exposed to cold winter weather during this season, which will help boost its production in the spring, in a process sometimes called “chilling” your plant. Therefore, don't worry about keeping these plants warm or bringing them inside.
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2
You may want to take this dormant time to prune away overcrowding, dead, or diseased parts, however.
care_pet_and_diseases

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Wild banana based on 10 million real cases
Brown spot
Brown spot Brown spot Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
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Scars
Scars Scars Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Learn More About the Scars more
Aged yellow and dry
Aged yellow and dry Aged yellow and dry Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
Learn More About the Aged yellow and dry more
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Brown spot
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Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
  • Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
  • Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
  • May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
  • Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
  • Leaf margins may turn yellow.
  • Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
  • Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
  • The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
  • Partial or complete premature defoliation
  • Reduced growth
  • Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
Solutions
Solutions
In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary.
Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading.
  1. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear.
  2. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread.
  3. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Prevention
Prevention
Like many other diseases, it is easier to prevent brown spot than cure it, and this is done through cultural practices.
  • Clear fall leaves from the ground before winter to minimize places where fungi and bacteria can overwinter.
  • Maintain good air movement between plants through proper plant spacing.
  • Increase air circulation through the center of plants through pruning.
  • Thoroughly clean all pruning tools after working with diseased plants.
  • Never dispose of disease plant material in a compost pile.
  • Avoid overhead watering to keep moisture off of the foliage.
  • Keep plants healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
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Scars
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Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Symptom Analysis
Symptom Analysis
Scars form when the plant repairs wounds. They can be the result of people or pets passing by and scraping the plant. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the plant will heal but a scar may remain.
Pests and pathogens can also cause scarring. Insects may attack the plant for a meal, resulting in extensive scarring when a few invaders turn into an infestation. Diseases such as fungus and bacteria can weaken the plant, causing brown spots, mushy areas, or blisters that lead to scars.
Scars occur on stems when a leaf or bud has been lost and the plant has healed. The harder tissue is like a scab that protects a wound.
On other occasions, scars can signal problems from environmental conditions, such as overexposure to sunlight or heat. It might surprise you to know that plants can suffer from sunburn, even desert dwellers like cactus!
Solutions
Solutions
Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover.
  1. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes.
  2. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray.
  3. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs.
  4. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Prevention
Prevention
Preventing some sources of scarring is easier than others, but all start with careful attention to your plants once you decide to bring them home.
  1. Review specific guidelines for your plant, including soil drainage, watering, and fertilizer requirements.
  2. Inspect plants before planting and use sterile pots and fresh potting soil or media to limit transfer of fungi or bacteria.
  3. Once established, check your plants regularly for signs of scarring or the presence of pests, as it is better to catch problems as early as possible.
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Aged yellow and dry
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Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Overview
Overview
Regardless of the type of plant or where it is grown, at some point, it will begin to aged yellow and dry. This is a natural, unavoidable process that happens when the plant has completed all of the steps in its life.
Annual plants go through this process at the end of a single growing season. Perennial plants live for multiple years, if not tens or hundreds of years, but will still ultimately exhibit these symptoms.
Symptom Analysis
Symptom Analysis
When plants have progressed through their natural developmental stages and are nearing the end of their lifecycle, they begin showing signs of decline. Leaves will start to yellow and droop, and over time they turn papery brown and dry.
Once completely dry, the leaves begin to fall from the plant until the entire plant has dried out.
Disease Cause
Disease Cause
At the end of its life, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence or natural aging and death. Cell division stops, and the plant begins catabolizing resources to use in other parts of the plant.
As this happens, the tissues begin yellow and drying until the entire plant is desiccated and perishes.
Solutions
Solutions
If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
Prevention
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent plants from dying of “old age.” To help prolong their life, and put off symptoms of aged yellow and dry for as long as possible, take care of them by giving them enough water, fertilizing them appropriately, and making sure they get enough sunlight.
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More About Wild Banana

Plant Type
Plant Type
Herb
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
Spread
Spread
3.5 m
Leaf Color
Leaf Color
Green
Silver
Flower Size
Flower Size
45 cm
Plant Height
Plant Height
6 m

Name story

Bird-of-paradise -tree||Giant bird-of-paradise flower||Giant white bird of paradise||Giant bird-of-paradise tree||Natal bird-of-paradise flower||Giant white bird of paradise tree||White bird-of-paradise tree||White bird of paradise||Natal wild banana||Wild banana
Strelitzia nicolai is widely known as wild banana. This common name was derived from the appearance of its flower, which really looks like an exotic bird. The other common name, Wild banana, refers to its banana-shaped leaves and the growth form similar to that of a banana tree.

Usages

Garden Use
Fast-growing, robust, and decorative, wild banana is an interesting massive background plant for a tropical or subtropical garden. Because of its large banana-like leaves, it can be used within wallside borders. Also, its bird-like flowers can make it an exciting addition to tropical cut flower gardens. Although massive when planted in the soil, wild banana can still survive and thrive as a patio container plant.
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Common Problems

I’ve noticed the yellowing of some leaves on my wild banana, what might be the reason?

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If your indoor wild banana is showing signs of discoloration, it might be a sign of lacking light. Because these are tropical plants, they are used to having a lot of suns. Try moving your wild banana to a brighter spot in the room (possibly where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight) or consider setting up a full-spectrum fluorescent bulb over the plant to increase the lighting. Also, this might be a sign of water deficiency, so be sure to be generous with water, especially during the growing season.

Some leaves are curling on my wild banana, why is this happening?

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Some leaf curling is normal for a plant that grows multiple, densely packed, huge leaves. Also, leaves will get curled a bit with age. However, pronounced curling can also be a sign of a plant in distress. This can happen because of the lack of water with newly planted or repotted plants.
Also, check the temperature in your room, as the plant might be doing this as a protective reaction to cold. Too alkaline or base soil pH can induce leaf curling as well. If the plant is overcrowded, the leaves might also curl, so it may be time to repot. And lastly, this might be a sign of an infestation of certain plant pests or a pathogen, so carefully check every leaf for signs of infestation or feeding damages.
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Lighting
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Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips.
Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
Wild banana thrives when granted expansive amounts of solar exposure, befitting its natural origins in light-flooded settings. It also endures moderate sun access, displaying its adaptability. Over-exposure to the sun might stress the plant, leading to burnt leaves or premature wilting, while insufficient sun could impede optimal growth and flowering.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Wild banana thrives in full sunlight and is commonly grown outdoors where it receives ample sunlight. When placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, symptoms of light deficiency may not be readily apparent.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Wild banana may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Wild banana enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Wild banana thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
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Indoor
Outdoor
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Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Wild banana is native to temperate regions and thrives within a temperature range of 59 to 95 °F (15 to 35 ℃). In colder seasons, indoor heating may be needed to maintain this temperature. Adjustments should be made during hotter periods to prevent overheating.
Regional wintering strategies
Wild banana is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Wild banana indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in %s
Wild banana prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.
Solutions
Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.
Symptoms of High Temperature in %s
During summer, Wild banana should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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Transplant
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How to Successfully Transplant Wild Banana?
The best period to transplant wild banana would be the balmy seasons, specifically from late spring to early fall (S1-S3), as this allows the plant to better establish itself before the colder months. Choose a well-drained spot with plenty of sunlight for your wild banana. Transplanting tip: enrich the transplant site with organic matter beforehand for optimal growth. Remember, successful transplantation is a matter of both timing and location!
What Preparations are Needed Before Transplanting Wild Banana?
What is the Ideal Time for Transplanting Wild Banana?
The best season to transfer your wild banana is during S1-S3, ideally late winter or early spring. This period provides wild banana with all the necessary conditions for a smooth and successful acclimatization phase. By transplanting wild banana during this season, you will maximize its growth potential and health. The timing is perfect as it takes advantage of the emerging warmer weather which stimulates root growth and helps the wild banana establish more effectively in its new location. Taking the time and effort to transplant in this ideal period ultimately leads to a thriving and healthy wild banana!
How Much Space Should You Leave Between Wild Banana Plants?
When planting wild banana, try to space them 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart. This gives them enough room to grow without them competing for nutrients and water. A good rule of thumb: A plant's growth is proportional to the space it's given!
What is the Best Soil Mix for Wild Banana Transplanting?
For wild banana, you'll want a well-draining soil type. Mix in some base fertilizer, compost or well-rotted manure to add nutrients. This will make sure your plants get off to a great start!
Where Should You Relocate Your Wild Banana?
When deciding where to transplant your wild banana, find a location that gets plenty of sunlight, but not too much, as this plant enjoys dappled shade. Be sure to consider the direction your landscape faces when choosing the best spot!
What Equipments Should You Prepare Before Transplantation Wild Banana?
Gardening Gloves
Crucial to protect your hands while managing soil and plant.
Spade or Shovel
A necessity for digging a new hole for wild banana and removing it from its original location.
Wheelbarrow
To transport the plant and soil, especially if the wild banana plant is large.
Bypass Pruners
For pruning off any damaged or diseased roots of the wild banana during the transplant process.
Watering Can or Hose
To water the plant both pre and post-transplant.
Garden Trowel
Useful for adding compost around the new planting site.
Stakes and Garden Twine
To provide additional support for your wild banana plant post-transplant if required.
How Do You Remove Wild Banana from the Soil?
From Ground: Initially, water the wild banana plant to dampen the soil which will make extraction easier. Dig a wide trench around the plant using a spade or shovel while ensuring the plant's root ball remains intact. Endeavor to carefully underpin the spade beneath the root ball to raise the plant from its first location.
From Pot: Start with watering the wild banana in the pot and let it absorb for about an hour to ensure the root ball is thoroughly moist. Then, place your hand over the top of the pot, holding the plant's base between your fingers, and flip the pot upside down. Apply gentle pressure to the sides and bottom of the pot to slide the plant out, preserving the root ball.
From Seedling Tray: Make sure to water the tray prior to removal. Then, gently hold the base of the wild banana and pull the seedling upwards. Be cautious to refrain from damaging the tender young roots.
Step-by-Step Guide for Transplanting Wild Banana
Preparation
Water the wild banana plant a day before the transplant process. The hydrated soil will hold together better, preserving the root structure.
Dig the Hole
Use the shovel to dig the hole in the new location. This hole should be twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the wild banana.
Placing the Plant
Set the wild banana in the hole, ensuring the top of its root ball is level with the border of the hole.
Backfill the Hole
Refill the excavated soil back into the hole. As you backfill, lightly press down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
Water Immediately
Post the transplant, it's crucial to water the wild banana immediately to help the plant settle in and encourage root growth.
How Do You Care For Wild Banana After Transplanting?
Support
Consider using stakes and garden twine to support the wild banana immediately after transplanting, particularly if it is a larger specimen. This will help alleviate the strain on the newly formed roots as the plant establishes.
Pruning
To reduce stress on the wild banana and promote better root development, prune any excess foliage after the transplant.
Watering
Post-transplant, the wild banana will need regular, deep watering. This helps the roots grow deep into the soil, creating a strong, stable plant. However, be careful not to overwater; the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Monitoring
Keep a close eye on the wild banana for a few weeks post-transplant. If you notice leaf wilt or color change, you may need to adjust your care routine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Wild Banana Transplantation.
When is the ideal season to transplant wild banana?
The best time to transplant wild banana is during the first to third seasons, offering a friendly transition period for the plant.
How much spacing should I allow between each wild banana during transplanting?
Allow a distance of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) between each wild banana when transplanting. This spacing encourages healthy growth and prevents crowding.
What types of soil does the wild banana thrive in best?
Wild banana enjoys fertile, well-drained soil. Make sure to enrich the soil with organic matter to offer plenty of nutrients during the transplantation process.
How often should I water wild banana after transplantation?
Water wild banana immediately after transplanting, then keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid water logging as it can lead to root rot.
How do I know if wild banana needs to be transplanted?
If wild banana appears overcrowded or if growth has stagnated despite good care, it might be a sign that transplantation is required.
What size of pot is ideal for transplanting wild banana?
A pot with a diameter of at least 10 inches (25 cm) should suffice. Ensure there are sufficient drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
How do I prepare the roots of wild banana for transplantation?
Gently loosen the root ball of the wild banana, removing any old or dead roots. This process helps the plant to quickly establish in its new location.
How deep should I plant wild banana during transplantation?
The wild banana should be planted at the same depth as in its original pot. Too deep can cause root suffocation and too shallow may expose the roots.
What is the ideal temperature range for transplanting wild banana?
The optimal temperature range for transplanting wild banana is between 50-80°F (10-27°C). This will provide a comfortable environment for the plant to settle in.
Should I fertilize wild banana immediately after transplanting?
Delay fertilizing newly transplanted wild banana until new growth appears, usually a week or two after transplantation, to prevent any potential root burn.
Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?
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