Q: I planted two Hawaiian plantain trees several months ago. The plants have not grown and the leaves have turned yellowish. I have tried fertilizing them several times but there has been no visible improvement.

D.O., Key West

A: Plantains grow just like bananas do. Make sure the roots don't dry out; yellow leaves are an indication that this has happened. Both bananas and plantains require moist soil, especially when becoming established. However, they are not flood-tolerant. Plants need time to develop a good root system and during this time little top growth occurs. Providing some shade during establishment will be helpful. Also, make sure the trees aren't exposed to saltwater.

To help moderate soil moisture as well as provide some nutrients, mulch, mulch and then add more mulch to bananas and plantains. Keep the mulch from touching the stems. Fertilize only after growth resumes. Overfertilizing can burn roots and sets the plants back even more.

Q: We recently cleaned out our water softener tank and dumped all the salt water in my front planter, which killed all my plants. When is it safe to replant?

N.A., Pinecrest

A: All the salt needs to be leached from the soil by dumping a lot of fresh water over the area. A good thorough flushing should take care of the problem. If the area gets rainwater, that may be enough. Wait a month before replanting to be on the safe side.

You can plant some annuals in the area to see if they show any salt damage such as leaf burn before planting more expensive plants.

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail aghu@ifas.ufl.edu.

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