Q.Why Does My Otherwise Thriving White Bird Of Paradise Have Two Yellowing Leaves With Rust Colored Speckles All Over The Leaves?
The plant is about 6 ft tall, came from Florida to my home in Michigan about three months close to a large south facing window. It has pushed out four large new leaves since I’ve had it. I use a water meter to make sure I don’t over water and watered it when at least the top two inches were totally dry during winter but am watering it now when almost dry. I had a humidifier during winter but now it is humid naturally in warmer weather. I don’t fertilize yet since the greenhouse puts slow release in it typically and I do see the little green beads in the soil. I don’t see any signs of pests and the rest of the plant looks vibrant. Also should I cut them off?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It is probably a form of rust, which is a fungal disease. Go ahead and pull off the affected leaves and it may not spread. If any leaves dropped onto the soil, remove those too. Apply Neem oil to the rest of the leaves. Too much water is often the issue.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-yellow-leaves.htm
