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Banana plant without bananas?

3K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 ·
I have a banana plant in my tank and ive had it there for maybe a bit more than a year. Its groung superficially well- new leaves growing every week to the surface (similiar looking to lilly pads). But i notived recently that the "bananas" at the base of the plant are yellowing, then falling off. What could be the meaning of this?
 
#3 ·
I have no direct experience with this particular plant [I think I did have one back in the 1980's but I can't remember much about it other than it didn't last long] but here are some suggestions that may help you.

The "bananas" are in fact roots where nutrients are stored, and these must be above the substrate according to some authors or buried no more than 1/3 in the substrate. The plant produces normal roots that will bury themselves into the substrate. Some authors comment that this plant requires very bright light and does better in outdoor ponds (in warmer climates like Florida where it grows wild). In bright light, stems with leaves at the surface develop.

Karen Randall, a recognized authority on aquatic plants, once mentioned that she never had this plant live very long. According to Peter Hiscock, the plant is known to have a limited lifespan in aquaria. One report mentioned a year, but the plant will produce "youngsters" if the leaves grow to the surface, so new plants can be maintained when the parent dies.

Byron.
 
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