I am having a problem with my 5' stalks folding over and then the leaf dies (I assume it can't get any nutrients if the stem is blocked. I have lots of stems that I have had to cut off. They are about 18" tall with brown tips. I need to know why the stems are "folding" and bending, if I need to prop up the stems and how to do that, and how and where to cut the unsightly dying stems that I have pruned. I use a wooden stick pushed into the pot to check the moisture weekly to be sure that the soil is dry before I water the plant. I use water with Miracle Grow once a month. Can you please advise me as to how to trim and support this beautiful plant?
Although it is hardy, if not taken care of properly, it can succumb to fungal disease. Birds of Paradise with rotting and collapsing stems may be experiencing Pythium root rot.
Root rot diseases can be very difficult if not impossible to cure once symptoms appear. So the key is keeping your Bird of Paradise healthy. First off, make sure the soil has good drainage and don’t overwater. Do not allow your Bird of Paradise to become overcrowded by weeds or other plants. Make sure it gets plenty of sunshine, at least four hours of direct sunlight a day
I have a blooming Pride of Barbados (Is it also known as Mexican Bird Of Paradise?) This AM I discovered a small leafy plant a couple feet away from the Pride of Barbados. The leaf looks exactly like the leaves on my blooming plant, but it is just one leaf growing out of the ground. Is it possible the large plant sent out an underground runner to produce a new plant? Thank you.
Yes, these can propagate by roots, or by seed. It is possible that there is a shoot from the main plant, but it is also very possible that a seed has come up!
You can care for it until it is a little bigger, and then transplant very carefully to another spot, or a container.
This article will help you to care for these plants:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-an-exotic-flower-like-none-other.htm
Do they like coffee grounds and banana peelings as bougainvillea does?
They do! This is a good way to introduce nitrogen and potassium into the soil. When the plant is old enough to flower, it can help to promote blooming as well, since banana peels produce ethylene gas, which promotes blooming, and ripening.
my bird of paradise has no blue at all. just orange and the flowers are quite small. growing in a 20 inch pot and the leaves are light green.
It appears that your plant needs a little fertilization. Use a well rounded tropical fertilizer once ever year, and make sure this plant receives bright, filtered light. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/feeding-bird-paradise-plants.htm
I have a white bird of paradise that has 3 stalks about 30' high which are growing into my oak tree. I have new ones growing in the center. I want to have a company cut the large stalks down before It falls on my pool enclosure. Can this be done without causing plant to die? Would a tree company do this?
Yes, removal of the larger stems can be done without harm to the remaining portion. And yes, a reputable professional tree service will be able to do this without damaging the underlying plants and fence and pool. Get some quotes and ask specifically to explain how they will go about it and how they will protect your plants and property. Listen to the answer and if it sounds too cheap or too vague on safe method, go with the more professional and convincing reply.
I was told to plant the bird of Paradise on the north side of my home but reading westside witch is it ? And what if you don't have a westside window inside for winter time.
The north side will be fine, but it will be happier in a west-facing window. If you have an east-facing window, it will, at least get a little direct morning sun. Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-as-a-houseplant.htm
I bought a home last month with a mature (taller than my house) bird of paradise in the Tampa Bay area. I believe it hasn’t been taken care of for a couple years. There are about 8 stalks, and all have dead leaves hanging from them. Green leaves are also on each stalk. Do I need to wait until Spring to remove the dead leaves?