The exotic bird of paradise plant is a popular favorite among indoor gardeners. With its vibrant tropical blooms and architectural foliage, it’s easy to see why. However, these striking plants can sometimes take a turn for the worse and start dying.
If your bird of paradise is showing signs of decline, don’t panic. There are several common issues that cause these plants to struggle. Identify the problem early and you can usually bring your bird of paradise plant back to health.
Warning Signs Your Bird of Paradise is Dying
Watch for these symptoms to catch issues promptly:
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- Wilting, drooping foliage
- Leaf spots or irregular brown/black lesions
- Evidence of pests like sticky honeydew or webbing
- Mold or mildew growth
- Foul odors from the soil
- Lack of new growth
Common Causes of a Dying Bird of Paradise
Once you spot any troubling symptoms, it’s time to diagnose the cause. Here are the most frequent culprits of bird of paradise decline:
Overwatering
Excess irrigation is the #1 killer of indoor birds of paradise. Too much water suffocates the roots leading to rot. Check that soil dries out moderately between waterings.
Underwatering
While less common allowing soil to totally dry out can also damage bird of paradise roots. Leaves may brown, wilt or curl.
Low Humidity
Native to tropical climates, bird of paradise plants need 40-50% humidity minimum. Low humidity causes frustrating leaf tip burn.
Temperature Extremes
Exposure to cold drafts or hot air from heaters can shock bird of paradise plants. Keep temps between 65-80°F.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of nutrients like nitrogen, manganese and zinc can sometimes trigger yellowing leaves. Fertilize in spring and summer.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs and scales weaken plants and spread disease. Check undersides of leaves for bugs.
Diseases
Fungal or bacterial diseases like leaf spot and root rot are serious threats. Prune affected parts immediately.
Root Bound Plants
If the roots are tightly crowded in a too-small pot, growth suffers. Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years.
How to Save a Dying Bird of Paradise
Act quickly using these tips if your plant shows signs of decline:
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Adjust watering practices. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Prune off dead leaves and dispose of them.
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Check roots – remove any that are black, mushy or foul smelling.
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Treat pest infestations early. Insecticidal soap or neem oil helps control bugs.
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Disinfect pruning shears with alcohol after cutting off diseased parts.
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Repot in fresh, well-draining soil if root bound.
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Move plant away from drafty spots and heating/cooling vents.
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Use a humidifier and pebble tray to increase humidity around the plant.
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Fertilize lightly in spring and summer if leaves indicate nutrient deficiencies.
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Treat fungal issues with neem oil or copper fungicide sprays.
With quick troubleshooting and care, your bird of paradise can make a full recovery. But left too long, significant decline can be irreversible. At the first sign of anything amiss, take action to protect your plant’s health. A bit of attention goes a long way for these tropical beauties.
Common Bird of Paradise Care Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about properly caring for bird of paradise houseplants:
How often should I water a bird of paradise plant?
- Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Take care not to overwater.
What causes brown tips on bird of paradise leaves?
- Low humidity, underwatering, and fluorides in tap water are common culprits. Mist often and use filtered water.
How can I increase humidity for my bird of paradise?
- Use a humidifier, place on a pebble tray, or mist leaves frequently to reach 40-50% humidity.
What temperature is best for bird of paradise plants?
- Daytime temps of 65-80°F and above 60°F at night suit them best. Keep away from drafty areas.
When should I repot or divide a bird of paradise?
- Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Dividing is only needed if the plant is very overcrowded.
Why are the edges of my bird of paradise leaves turning brown?
- Low humidity causes frustrating leaf tip burn in this tropical plant. A humidifier should help.
By understanding what makes bird of paradise plants unhappy and addressing issues promptly, you can continue enjoying your little tropical paradise for years to come.
Why are there brown edges and crispy patches on my Bird of Paradise?
Leaves are browning along the edges and turning brittle and crispy over time. These edges may even expand to larger patches across the leaf.
Sun-scorch or leaf burn are most likely caused by not getting enough water or too much sunlight. Even though your Bird of Paradise likes some direct light, if the plant has lived its whole life in low light, it might find it hard to adjust. More light also means your plant dries out faster, so the browning edges could mean it’s not getting enough water or is very dry.
If you want to keep your Bird of Paradise in the sun, try doing it slowly. Start with bright, indirect light and work your way up to a few hours of morning or evening sun. This will help your plant adjust to the increased light and avoid unsightly burns. Remember that when the plant gets more sun, you’ll need to watch how often you water it because it will dry out faster. Even though specific humidity levels don’t bother me too much, if it’s really dry where I am, I might want to add some more humidity.
Why are the leaves on my Bird of Paradise tearing and splitting?
Leaves are tearing or splitting along the veins, creating a frayed look.
These big, fragile leaves are made to split when there are strong winds so they don’t fall over. In nature, this certainly comes in handy, but is usually less of an issue indoors. However, if your plant is in a high traffic or drafty spot, you may notice more splitting.
If you don’t like how frayed it looks, try moving your plant to a safer place where you won’t have to brush against it or deal with drafts as often.
How to recover damaged bird of paradise, Strelitzia Nicolai?
FAQ
How to save a dying bird of paradise?
What does an unhealthy bird of paradise look like?
Should I cut off dying bird of paradise leaves?
Can bird of paradises get root rot?
Bird of Paradises, also known as Strelitzias, are subtropical plants native to South Africa. Well-loved for their beautiful leaves, these gorgeous plants are susceptible to the same ailments as other popular houseplants. The most serious of them, root rot, can kill even the healthiest plant. So, what is root rot, and what can you do about it?
Can a bird of Paradise die?
A seemingly healthy bird of paradise can decline and begin dying in a matter of days. Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, you may miss some warning signs. If you notice any of the following warning signs, your bird of paradise may be in trouble: Be aware that a few old leaves may turn yellow as part of your plant’s normal aging process.
Why does my bird of Paradise have brown leaves?
Brown foliage signifies that your Bird of Paradise’s roots cannot send water and nutrients out to the whole plant. Sometimes brown foliage is due to underwatering, but it may also be the result of overwatering. Plants with brown leaves are often in a more serious stage of root rot.
Why is my bird of Paradise dying?
However, bugs or holes in the foliage are often a sign of a pest infestation. When left unchecked, these pests can overwhelm and kill your bird of paradise. In addition, insects like mealybugs and spider mites can also cause your plant to become infected by deadly diseases.
How do you know if a bird of Paradise is dying?
The base of the plant shows the most obvious signs of root rot. Toxic sour odors will waft from the bottom of your bird of paradise as it weakens and decays. Your bird of paradise may be dying from a fungal infection if you notice white powdery gunk on the foliage or stem. Overwatering is the most common cause or enabler.
Should I replant my bird of Paradise?
After all rotten portions of the plant have been pruned away, it is time to replant your Bird of Paradise. This must be done with fresh, dry soil and a clean planter. Do not reuse soil that has housed a plant with root rot. You may also want to consider treating your Strelitzia with a fungicide.