Newbie - need advice re: plant damaged during storm

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Last week, we had an unexpected high wind thunderstorm rip through our area with winds over 70 mph (89 mph for about 10-15 mins). I was home since I recently had surgery - so, I ran outside and moved some containers down off of the sitting ledge that’s around the fire pit + along the side of the covered patio.

However, I failed to move this container (it’s extremely heavy) + I didn’t think about the size of the leaves becoming “sails” - until I saw the whole container fly off the patio into the yard.

Everything in the container was dumped out into the yard 😞 The plants in the container looked a lot nicer before - I put it back together fairly quickly because I’m not feeling well.

I have ordered a base with wheels for this container (and for a few others) so they can be moved to a more protected area next time.

This may be a dumb Q - but this is the first year that I‘ve planted my own containers (last year was the first summer having several containers - patio was built in Oct. 2021 replacing previous deck). I am just starting to learn about different types of plants/flowers/etc. + how to care for them.

Should I just leave the damaged leaves alone - or should I prune them? I did remove two big leaves already because the stems were badly damaged. I’m actually not even sure what the official name of this plant is - I just bought it because I liked it.

Thanks,

Dani

EDIT - I just noticed Baxter is hanging out by the container - he loves being outside!

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Comments (4)

callirhoe123
3 years ago
Looks like a banana plant, Leave the leaves or cut them off, Depends on how you want it to look, I'd remove them, Suit yourself:)
dani_m08
Original Author
3 years ago
I believe it is a banana also - but I don’t know the specific type.

I just didn’t know if removing too many (since I’ve already removed two large ones) at one time would have any type of adverse affecton the plant (perhaps too much stress or expose it to infection). I don’t want to do something that would make the plant more vulnerable to developing some type of issue.

I may be overthinking this - I tend to do that at times!
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
3 years ago
those leaves are 99% undamaged.. they are still converting light into energy.. WHY CUT THEM OFF...

you should see some of my plants.. after a summer hail storm... so what.. i dont cut them all apart..

plant life is a series of insults and annual damage.. its really not a big deal.. TO THEM...

leave them until you see fresh new growth.. which they can power.. and once the new leaves are emerging.. just cut off the worst one or two...

most potted plants will be storing energy now thru fall.. for the dormancy.. or winter slow down period.. so dont get carried away.. and cut off all the leaves just because you dont think they are perfect anymore..

you dont mention where you are.. but what is your plant for the huge potted plant for winter.. can it stay outside.. or will it get half of your living room??

ken
dani_m08
Original Author
3 years ago
@ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5 - my SO actually is the one who wanted to remove the damaged leaves - I assumed that we should just leave the rest alone (after I removed the two broken ones).

My plan for the winter is to “over winter” it indoors. I have an area in my kitchen with a V shaped area with six sets of double stacked windows from the floor to (almost) ceiling (plus, that area vaults up to right under 14’). The six windows on the bottom start at about 5” off the floor and are 75” in height + there is a second set of six windows above those. This area faces west.

Currently, I have a large square table that seats 8 (turned so it fits perfectly into the V shape) in the V area. However, I am renovating my kitchen - and my plan is to put a small pedestal table with two comfortable chairs in there to have a coffee nook. I’ve empty nested - my SO and I typically eat at the island + I have a dining room. I will still be able to expand the pedestal table to seat eight when needed. Switching out the table will open up an area for this banana plant + two other plants that I have in containers (not sure of the exact names of those two plants - I am very new to this).

Also, I am going to finish my basement in the next 18 months or so - it is a side walkout + I will be adding a couple more windows. I will be able to move him down there if needed in the future.

I bought this plant (plus the other two in photos below) from a local nursery about 5-6 weeks ago for only $100 (for all three). It was a complete impulse buy - so, I didn’t research anything about the three plants ahead of time.

I appreciate any wisdom you’d be willing to share!