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Bird of Paradise

Hi have bird of paradise and flowers started to bloom then started turning n going sticky. Was small black substance on leaves? Wiped them clean n treated with provado ultimate bug killer?? 

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  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,121

    Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) , although originating from S.Africa , do appreciate being placed outside in the UK summer .

    A warm bright and airy location is preferable ; this should solve what sounds like sooty-mould on your plant . A fungicidal treatment would be more useful than a bug-killer . I have treated similar plants by gently cleaning the leaves with a mild soap solution .

  • Hi Paul and thanks. What fungicidal do you recommend and do I cut back the dead flower? 

  • LynLyn Posts: 22,863
    billiejeanlewis says:

    Hi Paul and thanks. What fungicidal do you recommend and do I cut back the dead flower? 

    See original post

     You could try SB, availabe from Amazon, 

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,121

    Very diluted tepid-bleach*solution is often just as effective as manufactured fungicides and insecticides ; wear gloves though to gently wash the leaves ;  and yes , the dead flowers can be cut back when finished . Alternatively , Bayer make a product called Fungus Fighter (from garden centre).

    * Bleach is a very potent fungicide , insecticide and viricide (in fact it will control almost anything)! Don't make too strong a solution though . Good luck !

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