I have had my bird of paradise plant or approximately 2 years. It is the giant variety. It sits on my window ledge. I noticed today that one of the big leaves at the top started to curl inwards. I try to keep it in as much sun as possible. I don't have a garden. I keep the soil moist and mist the leaves regularly. Please help. Thanks.
This happens when they are not getting enough light. Move it to a location where it will get more or brighter light. If this is not possible, you will want to add supplemental light, like a flourecent light near it.
A couple of the clumps of my bird of paradise broke off when we were trying to get it out of the old pot. Will they grow roots from the base, or is it a lost cause? I'm heartbroken because they had new leaves and blooms starting.
They likely will not grow roots. You can try, but you will have a better chance of rooting them if you remove the new blossoms.
I bought a (white) Bird of Paradise 3 years ago at a retail store. It is over 6 feet tall and looks very healthy, but it has never bloomed. Is there anything I can do? It stays in the house in the winter and outside for about 6 months a year. Anything you tell me would be greatly appreciated. I live in Louisville, Ky. We have very humid summers.
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
Have young Bird of Paradise (3 ft) with only 3 medium size leaves (brownish on tips, and splitting). I have had it a one year and it just barely grows. It's about 3 feet from window and has potting soil with sand in it too. The lower trunk has the old brown leaves from when I cut of a dead looking leaf, thinking that it would help it grow. What can I do to make it grow more leaves and BE HAPPY? The size pot it's in is 13 inches tall and about 17 inches wide (in a clay pot). When should I prune or cut leaves? Can someone send me tutorials with photos on the steps of what to do and what it should look like in the stages? Thank you.
It sounds like it may be root bound. They like to be a little root bound, but if they get too root bound, they can have trouble taking up water - which would be what is causing the brown tips and stunted growth.
This article will help you with repotting:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/learn-more-about-repotting-houseplants.htm
I have two bird of paradise about 5 feet away from each other in planters. They have a southern exposure and one blooms all summer long, but the other gets buds that don't open. They just seem to get stuck halfway. I have had two blooms open this year for the first time. What is going on?
This is normally caused by a humidity issue. I would increase the water to the plant just a bit to increase humidity. You may also want to try wetting the leaves a bit in the morning (but not in the evening as this can encourage fungus) to raise the humidity.
I just repotted a bird of paradise and the leaves are curling in. What did I do wrong?
After repotting, plants will oftentimes experience a period of shock while adjusting to their new environment. The curling inward of the leaves could indicate that the plant is stressed, most likely from the repotting. Make sure that you have given it adequate water and place it in similar light conditions as before.
I have had my orange ~ purple Bird of Paradise in the same pot since purchase {approx. 4 years ago}. It is big and and stunningly beautiful. It has been and will continue to remain indoors and has no sign of blooming. The roots are now protruding from the bottom of its 10" pot, so I finally have to face my fear of a bigger pot. It has done so well rootbound but I realize that may not make it happy. Any suggestions on how to do this? Should I shake the dirt loose from the roots? Should I just cut the pot away with scissors and place it just as it is in the new prepared pot? Can I use gravel from outside for drainage?
I think if it is very rootbound, cutting the pot away would be your best option. Do not take the old dirt away from the roots. To decrease the chances of transplant shock, try to disturb the roots as little as possible while transferring to the new pot. There will be some root disturbance, but this is ok. Just try to keep it to a minimum. You can use gravel from outside for drainage.
After you are done, keep an eye out for transplant shock. This article will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm