Question
There appears to be black spots on the stalks of our 6yr old large bird of paradise.  It is loosing leaves and did not produce blooms this year.  Am I dealing with a fungus, bacteria or root rot?  Water and fert. frequency has not changed in with time.

Answer
Monica, if everything else is constant, as far as watering etc. then it is indeed a fungus, a broad spectrum copper fungicide is in order; spray the entire plant and keep in mind that the afflicted leaves will remain spotted, its the new leaves you will look to for being fungus free....regards Nick