Bird of paradise drooping problems

dilby

Hi all -
hope you’re enjoying the ☀️ ! 

I’ve got a problem with my bird of paradise I was hoping someone could help me with. It’s up to a bit over 6ft and has been happy as Larry for a couple of years. About a month ago due to a complicated couple of weeks I forgot to water it and it wasn’t happy; leaves started to curl and lots of leaves browned on the edges (I still feel awful!) I went back to misting, watering it and the regular routine but since then some leaves have stayed quite curled and the overall plant is much more droopy, with the leaves just hanging down much more. It’s true it’s coincided with the warmer weather so it could be related but it’s definitely worse than before because we now can’t walk past it without brushing against the leaves which has never happened before as was much more upright. All I read online is that it needs more water or feed, but the soil is moist, leaves are cleaned and misted and I’ve fed it with it’s normal food. Any ideas appreciated as I’m feeling like a terrible owner and want to get her back to feeling her best ☺️

Thanks everyone (photos attached) x

Plantminded

Your plant looks very much like mine does at the moment!  Like you, I was thinking that the recent rise in temperature and increased sunlight may have increased the plant's water demand.  However, sometimes too much water can cause similar symptoms so it's a bit of a dilemma. 

I recommend that when you water, allow the water to drain out of the inner pot, remove this water from the outer pot and don't rewater until the compost feels dry when you test it with your index finger, down to the first knuckle. 

It could also be that after 2 years your plant needs repotting into the next pot size up.  There is a lot of leaf surface area on these plants and the roots need to extend to support them with water and nutrient uptake.  Now is a good time to repot.  I hope this helps.

dilby

Plantminded said:

Your plant looks very much like mine does at the moment!  Like you, I was thinking that the recent rise in temperature and increased sunlight may have increased the plant's water demand.  However, sometimes too much water can cause similar symptoms so it's a bit of a dilemma. 

I recommend that when you water, allow the water to drain out of the inner pot, remove this water from the outer pot and don't rewater until the compost feels dry when you test it with your index finger, down to the first knuckle. 

It could also be that after 2 years your plant needs repotting into the next pot size up.  There is a lot of leaf surface area on these plants and the roots need to extend to support them with water and nutrient uptake.  Now is a good time to repot.  I hope this helps.

Thanks - I actually repotted about 6 months ago and am hoping ill get away with that pot for good; it’s not far from the ceiling now! Does the pot look quite small? I don’t know volume but it’s prob 40cm high and 35cm wide 

Plantminded

That's a good sized pot so we can rule that out as a problem!  My own plant looks better this morning.  I think that's because I've watered it thoroughly and the sun hasn't moved round to the corner of the room where it is sited yet.  The leaf curling could possibly be a response to heat, as a means of lowering transpiration/loss of water.  Is your plant near a south facing window too?  

dilby

Plantminded said:

That's a good sized pot so we can rule that out as a problem!  My own plant looks better this morning.  I think that's because I've watered it thoroughly and the sun hasn't moved round to the corner of the room where it is sited yet.  The leaf curling could possibly be a response to heat, as a means of lowering transpiration/loss of water.  Is your plant near a south facing window too?  

Thanks for the reply ☺️ Yes it is, a bit south facing bifold. However it’s been there for two years now and been very happy

nigebarb37048

I'm new to owning a plant,  i bought this bird of paradise 1 month ago, it was in a small pot so i went to the garden centre and bought a new pot plus compost, its been fine and to me looks ok, i have a moisture thermostat in the soil and its reading moist , but the leaves dont look happy,  any advice please  

Plantminded

That's a very impressive plant! It could be just a temporary reaction to being in the new environment of your home and also being repotted. I wouldn't be too worried at the moment but keep an eye out for leaves curling or yellowing. As well as water levels, try to keep light and temperature levels reasonably constant, for example not causing a draught from nearby windows and doors or placing the plant too close to a radiator.

This article may help you:https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-strelitzia-1902742

Silver surfer

Outside in hot countries it is perfectly normal for the outer/older leaves to droop.
Giving the clump a dome shape...see pic below

ViewAhead

I misread the title as "bird of paradise droppings" ... and was expecting a thread about some exotic parrot and its waste products! 😂