Red Banana Browning After Insecticide: Chemical Stress, Not Bugs

Misdiagnosis

Florida red bananas treated with Ortho Max for snails. Now leaf edges brown, holes in leaves. Owner thinks snails returned.

Real Cause: Ortho Stress

Bananas don't need insecticides—no significant pests. Ortho likely burned foliage. Also, check planting depth: root crown must be at soil level.

Recovery Plan

• Stop Ortho.
• Mulch is good—keep it.
• Every other watering: half-strength Miracle-Gro.
• In 2 months: 10-10-10 granular.
• Once healthy: full-strength Miracle-Gro monthly + high-K granular quarterly.
• Keep damp, not wet.