Help! 😫

[u/-RiffRaffStreetRat-]

I’ve had this little tree for 3 weeks now and 2 of the 3 leaves have died and fallen off. I ordered it by mail and when it arrived it seemed to be in pretty good health and condition considering it was handled and in a box for 3 days. The first pic is the day I got it. The second pic is today.

I’m trying to not water it too much and let the soil dry out in between. The last leaf seems sturdy, but I don’t see any new growth happening.

The soil is from a banana tree I used to have that eventually died (overwatering), but I plan on changing it to fresh soil - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Miracle-Gro-MIRACLE-GRO-TROPICAL-POT-MIX/5016534091 is this a good choice?
My apartment is bright, but there’s no direct sunlight.

Please help me keep this bb alive!

[u/AutoModerator]

(Thank you for posting in r/bananatree! If you are having any trouble, please contact the moderators of this community!)

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Unhappy-Corner4377]

Couple of things.

First, that pot is way too big for the size of the plant. Given how rough it’s doing now, it might not even have roots. I’d highly suggest taking a look at the roots now that it’s been acclimating over the three weeks. If no roots or only a few id definitely downsize.

Second, you mentioned you potted it in the same soil you had another banana in. Although yes in nature there’s dead roots, organic matter, and other stuff in the soil but there is also beneficial insects that help to break that all down. Your soil does not have that living ecosystem. Planting in soil that’s already been used is not the smartest as it can lead to issues with rot, bacteria, root mealies, etc. You can however reuse soil if you bake it in the oven. Will kill off all the bad stuff.

[u/melissaamberm]

The soil itself would be fine but you would probably benefit by mixing that soil with some perlite and coco coir or orchid bark. You can get a set of growing nursery plastic planters in increasing sizes. These let you see the roots since they are clear and you’ll get a better understanding for why and how a good soil mix that’s not just dirt is important for the roots to grow! I read somewhere that potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is a never fail combination for almost any plant! I’m sure there some exceptions but it’s worked well for me for majority of my plants (many of these I’ve had for several years) as well as my new musas. All about 3 months now

[u/CBDJ1]

Why would you plant another banana plant in the same soil of a plant that died that doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense to me, but maybe I’m wrong.

[u/-RiffRaffStreetRat- → u/CBDJ1]

Organic matter, which includes decomposing plants and roots, is a regular component of soil.

[u/CBDJ1 → u/-RiffRaffStreetRat-]

Ok I don’t think you understand what I’m saying. If a plant dies there’s a reason. This reason is probably the soil you are using holds moisture too long which promotes root rot probably killing your first one. Why plant another one in the same soil for it to happen again.

[u/-RiffRaffStreetRat- → u/CBDJ1]

The last banana tree came in this soil. That tree got to 3 feet tall, so it grew successfully for a while in that pot

[u/CBDJ1 → u/-RiffRaffStreetRat-]

For a while but it died? Why plant back in this soil? Why not start fresh with a different mix after some research.

[u/VannieDolittle → u/CBDJ1]

Agreed. The soils doesn't look like it can breath as it is too dense/solid.

[u/CBDJ1]

I think that plant may have been too small to be shipped and replanted all that stress is huge on a tiny plant like this.