"Banana plant" people

Hi there I was wondering if someone has actually kept a thriving banana plant. I have no problem growing some of the hardest to grow plants out there, but no matter what tank (I have many types of ecosystems with different parameters, co2, high tech and low tech) I put a banana plant in, it doesn't last more than a year. Either the leaves rot after a few months (while all other plants are thriving) or the banana root rots away. I have kept them suspended close to top of tank anchored with driftwood, I have planted them in substrate, I have simply left them resting on top of substrate. I have even had them with roots in tank and leaves growing out. No matter what I do, they die. Someone please tell me the secret.

 

I don’t have any currently, but I’ve grown some really happy ones in the past. In the tanks where they do well, there’s always been some detritus buildup and low flow.

They’re usually tanks for heavy biofilm and tiny organism feeders, so I don’t really do any gravel vaccing or scrubbing. They always thrive there. They multiply and send shoots everywhere and eventually cover the surface.

No fancy lighting, no co2, and only moderate ferts. I do frequent small water changes and let some gunk build up, and that’s about it. They don’t appreciate coddling.

 

I don’t have any currently, but I’ve grown some really happy ones in the past. In the tanks where they do well, there’s always been some detritus buildup and low flow.

They’re usually tanks for heavy biofilm and tiny organism feeders, so I don’t really do any gravel vaccing or scrubbing. They always thrive there. They multiply and send shoots everywhere and eventually cover the surface.

No fancy lighting, no co2, and only moderate ferts. I do frequent small water changes and let some gunk build up, and that’s about it. They don’t appreciate coddling.

Thank you! I have tried them in shrimp tanks that only had sponge filter (low flow, low fertz), biofilm and it will do ok for months, even a year. I just can never get one to stay alive past that point. That's good to know about gunk build up, because I gravel vac most my tanks. Hope you are having a good weekend!

 

Thank you! I have tried them in shrimp tanks that only had sponge filter (low flow, low fertz), biofilm and it will do ok for months, even a year. I just can never get one to stay alive past that point. That's good to know about gunk build up, because I gravel vac most my tanks. Hope you are having a good weekend!

I have one but there's a bunch of holes in it. It grows a lot of leaves so it' surviving I guess. I think they are easy to grow, it's just that my tank has a defficiency of something (I have no CO2 and fertilize when I remember to (very inconsistently)). Considering that mine still grows new leaves and that I do nothing at all to keep them alive I would say it's easy to grow.

 

I have one but there's a bunch of holes in it. It grows a lot of leaves so it' surviving I guess. I think they are easy to grow, it's just that my tank has a defficiency of something (I have no CO2 and fertilize when I remember to (very inconsistently)). Considering that mine still grows new leaves and that I do nothing at all to keep them alive I would say it's easy to grow.

If new growth also has holes developing, it may be a potassium deficiency.

 

If new growth also has holes developing, it may be a potassium deficiency.

Yeah probably, I think I need to dose my fertilizer more often

 

Yeah probably, I think I need to dose my fertilizer more often

Yes me too, I'm scared to overdose so I always do a half dose then wait a few days to see if plants look better.

 

I too am having issues with mine. It was growing like gangbusters for months. I even had it send up the lilypad type leaves that float. Mine rooted itself into my substrate. (Fluval Stratum) But now, the banana-like roots are rotting. Any suggestions?

 

I too am having issues with mine. It was growing like gangbusters for months. I even had it send up the lilypad type leaves that float. Mine rooted itself into my substrate. (Fluval Stratum) But now, the banana-like roots are rotting. Any suggestions?

I wish I could help, I have tried trimming off rotten banana part, but seems to restart rot after trimming (at least for me). They are the cutest plants I wish I could keep them!

 

I wish I could help, I have tried trimming off rotten banana part, but seems to restart rot after trimming (at least for me). They are the cutest plants I wish I could keep them!

Did you have long roots also?

From Banana Plant – An Unusual Aquarium Plant for Beginners

“sometimes the banana lily’s tubers will melt away and disappear after planting. There are several theories as to why this happens – like maybe the plant doesn’t need the tubers anymore if it’s getting enough nutrients from the roots. Bottom line: if your plant looks healthy and is still growing, there’s no cause for concern.”

So I guess I’ll just relax and see what happens.

 

From Banana Plant – An Unusual Aquarium Plant for Beginners

“sometimes the banana lily’s tubers will melt away and disappear after planting. There are several theories as to why this happens – like maybe the plant doesn’t need the tubers anymore if it’s getting enough nutrients from the roots. Bottom line: if your plant looks healthy and is still growing, there’s no cause for concern.”

So I guess I’ll just relax and see what happens.

I bet that’s the case it looks like it has nice healthy roots and good substrate. Good luck!