What's eating my blood banana?

Blood Banana (Musa 'Zebrina') grown as a tropical or patio plant is most troubled by aphids massing on new growth and spider mites in dry indoor conditions. Outdoors, caterpillars and, in warmer climates, banana weevil can damage stems. The ornamental leaves are also attractive to deer and rabbits when grown outside.

Large colonies on the undersides of emerging leaves and around the pseudostem; honeydew promotes sooty mold and distorts leaf unfurling. Hose off vigorously with water; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days. Introduce ladybugs outdoors.

Yellow or bronze speckled streaks across leaf surfaces; fine webbing along midrib; worst in hot, dry indoor air. Mist foliage daily to raise humidity; wipe leaves with a damp sponge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray until clear.

Leaves chewed along edges or rolled and tied with silk; irregular holes and frass on foliage. Hand-pick caterpillars and remove rolled leaves. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to foliage for ongoing protection outdoors.

Large, ragged bites taken from the broad leaves at browsing height; stems may be stripped; most common when grown outdoors. Use deer repellent sprays on foliage, physical fencing around the planting, or grow in a protected courtyard or patio.