Water is essential for plant growth. Though water is a crucial requirement in plant life if undersupplied or oversupplied would harm plant life. It is necessary to have a continuous water supply in balanced proportion as the plant grows.

Bananas too are affected by oversupply or undersupply of water. Excess water negatively affects plant growth, slowing down the growth and can eventually lead to death. It is thus important to know the signs that arise from an excess water supply.

In this article, I will take you through some common signs that show that your plant is overwatered or on the verge of being overwatered. The following are observable signs of over watered banana plant:

Signs of Excessive Watering of Banana Plant

Wilting leaves

Wilting leaves are a common feature in most plants that are overwatered. This is due to the inability of plant roots to absorb water in drenched soil. Once the roots cannot absorb water, it means that there is no more uptake of soluble nutrients from the soil.

Mushy leaves

When banana leaves have become wet and soft, the plant is likely overwatered. A normal texture when you touch the banana leaves should be firm. Observe the change in texture when you touch your banana leaves and check whether the leaves are ever wet.

Yellow leaves

When a banana plant is exposed to stagnated water for a long time, the roots start to rot. This implies that the plant is starved of food. The leaves turn yellow and finally wither away.

Stunted growth

Overwatering results in slowed growth since the plant is deprived of essential growth elements. This is due to root rot caused by pathogens that thrive in water.

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that is caused by leaves remaining wet for a prolonged period. The disease manifests through white powdery growth in the leaves, fruits, and stems of the plant.

Soft stem

A soft stem is an indication of a plant that is overwatered. Water clogs the stem because no translocation occurs due to excess water.

Attack by pests and diseases

Overwatered banana is highly susceptible to attack by pests and diseases.

Brown spots in the leaves.

Brown patches in the leaves are a sign of an overwatered plant.

How to avoid Overwatering Bananas

Mulching

Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil and prevent plant roots from becoming soggy and rotten.

Planned Watering Time

If the soil has been clogged with water, it is advisable to stop watering so that it may dry. Having specific watering time is also helpful. Early morning is preferred since the plant will have adequate time to absorb the water during the day and utilize it optimally.

Checking moisture level before watering

You should conduct regular moisture checkups before watering. If the soil is already wet and has enough moisture, you should not add more water.

Improving drainage

You can add organic matter into the soil to improve drainage. You can as well dig an outlet trench to allow water to move out from where it may be flooded. When there is continuous heavy rain and the soil is unable to absorb it, it will be harmful to plant life. Flooding is a common phenomenon that leads to overwatering of plants and oftentimes leads to plant death. Channeling excess water out is necessary during heavy rains.