How far down should the stems of bird-of-paradise be cut after the blossom dries?
You can cut the stems of spent blooms back to the base of the plant.
I have had a healthy bird of paradise for 10 years but I have never gotten it to bloom. Any thoughts?
These plants are notorious for being temperamental when it comes to flowering. They will readily flower for months and then just stop, with no scientific reason for this behavior. It may have a lack of phosphorus, which helps encourage flowering. Since a little extra phosphorus will not hurt, I would give the plants some phosphorus, like bone meal, just to make sure that all the bases are covered. This article should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-blooms.htm
I took a bird of paradise that had its leaves curl up but is still very green. What is the problem?
If the leaves stay green but curl up, that is a sign of too little light. Try and keep the plant within 5 feet of a window that provides at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day for best results. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-as-a-houseplant.htm
The plant is 12 years old. Bloomed fantastically until last year. This year nothing and it appears to be dying. Shoots grow to 3 or 4 feet then droop and die. Full sun, regular watering via neighborhood irrigation system. Fertilized regularly (3 - 4 times a year). What do I need to do to save it?
These plants are notorious for being tempermental when it comes to flowering. They will readily flower for months and then just stop, with no scientific reason for this behavior. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-blooms.htm The plant could also be suffering from a fungal infection of some kind. Treat the plant with a fungicide and see if this helps at all.
Some leaves seem to start to unfurl but either stop or only partially open. Is this natural or is it caused by some condition I can address?
This article might help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/leaf-curl-on-bird-of-paradise.htm
When is the best time of year to plant a Red Bird of Paradise in Arizona?
This is usually planted in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Once planted, make sure to give it plenty of water so that the roots can establish before the heat of summer comes.
I have a bird of paradise plant that I got sometime around last November. Everything has been going well up until around last week. Three new leaf stalks have sprouted and when they got mature, I noticed the leaves came out deformed. It's hard to explain, and would be easier if I could attach a picture, but it would look almost as if the new leaves were made of plastic, and someone melted the edges. They're not as full and open as the other leaves. I regularly water it and have used Miracle-gro shake and feed every three months. Other than that, that's all I've done besides watering it. If you need a picture, please let me know and I can send one.
Thanks in advance,
Kade
Birds of paradise do that sometime. Their leaves form in a growing tip deep down inside the structure, much like grass and palms. The plant suffered some kind of stress when the leaves were deep in this nursery; it may even have been when you purchased the plant. As more new leaves form, they should be ok. If you start to see brown on the edges and/or tips of the leaves, cut back on the water.