Best Fertilizer for Bird of Paradise Plants

Given the size these plants reach, it’s no surprise they can be heavy feeders. Your Bird of paradise will need a fertilizer that offers nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal amounts.

Nitrogen impacts your plant’s growth rate. Phosphorus will aid your plant in forming healthy roots and potassium will help your plant perform the photosynthesis process and aid your plant with water transportation.

They will also be happy when offered an organic fertilizer, such as manure, blood meal, or bone meal.

Fertilizers

Manure

Animal manure can make a great organic fertilizer for your Bird of paradise. For every 2 cups used, add 4L of water. Avoid applying directly as the manure is too strong and will cause damage to your plant.

You can apply 4L to your plant every 3 months to keep it happy. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Blood meal

Blood meal is dried animal blood that has been turned into a powder. Blood meal contains high nitrogen levels, which help plants grow strong, healthy leaves.

Provide your plant with bone meal during the growing season of spring. Bone meal can last up to 4 months, so use sparingly. Excessive use will lead to fewer flowers.

Granular fertilizer

Granular fertilizer can be mixed into the soil surrounding your plant. Be sure to check the label for the product’s nitrogen content, as like with blood meal, they are usually high in nitrogen. You can feed your plant a granular fertilizer bi-weekly during the growing season.

Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period.

Slow release fertilizer 

Slow-release fertilizers are better for the environment because they release chemicals slowly, as opposed to all at once.

Water soluble fertilizer

You can offer your Bird of paradise a water-soluble fertilizer twice a month. Follow the recommended dosage as indicated on the label. Avoid feeding your plant during the winter months when it is dormant. A build-up in the soil can negatively impact your plant’s overall health.

Is fertilizer harmful to pets?

Applying excess fertilizer could potentially harm your pet if they ingest it for up to 72 hours after application.

Commercial fertilizers contain all kinds of chemicals that will nourish your plant but aren’t suitable for your furry friend to ingest. Many fertilizers contain Disulfoton, which is responsible for seizures in dogs and can even cause death.

Applying too much of the product increases its toxicity period. Always follow the recommended dosage, and keep your plant and pet separate, especially following a feeding.

Where possible, purchase a pet-safe fertilizer from your local nursery or online market.

Symptoms of fertilizer poisoning in pets 

If you suspect your plant has consumed some of the fertilizer, closely monitor them for the following symptoms:

• Redness of the skin
• vomiting 
• diarrhea
• excess salivation
• loss of coordination
• seizures
• death

If you suspect your pet is suffering from fertilizer toxicity, seek veterinarian help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to resolve by themselves, as this can be fatal.