How do I know if my Bird of Paradise is Healthy?

The overall appearance of your plant can give you a good indicator as to whether your plant is healthy or not.

A healthy plant will appear full and unblemished. The foliage is deep green in color, and the plant has no trouble supporting itself.

Foliage

Since the Bird of paradise puts out such large leaves, it’s no surprise that they can be the biggest indicator of your plants’ overall health.

Pay close attention to any changes in your plants’ foliage, as this is a sign that something is a miss.

Leaves should be mostly blemish-free and the stems holding them should be turgid and firm to the touch.

Wilting, drooping ,curling

If you notice any wilting, drooping, yellowing, or curling of the leaves, this is an indicator that your plant is experiencing some form of stress and something is a miss.

Splitting

Splitting along the veins of the leaves is normal, especially in the Strelitzia nicolai, but too much splitting means that your plant is unhappy and may be getting too much wind or not enough sunlight.

Growth

A full, bushy plant signals a healthy plant. New growth should be the same size as or bigger than previous leaves. If the new growth on your plant looks much smaller than usual, this is usually a sign that it is not getting enough light.

Absence of pests

A healthy Bird of paradise will be pest free. Infestations of any kind will deplete the nutrients in your plant. While the Bird of paradise is not particularly prone to pests, it is a good habit to examine your plant during your regular watering routine to ensure your plant is bug free.

Check the surface of the leaves, underneath them as well as the stems.

Common household pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites. If you suspect you have an infestation, you can read a guide here, on how to get rid of them.

Blooms

Large, vibrant flowers are a sign of a healthy plant.

Flowers that are dull, small, or disheveled in appearance, or that do not bloom at all during the growing cycle, can indicate that your plant is unhappy in its environment.

A Bird of paradise that is younger than 4 years old will not be able to bloom.

Roots

The roots of your plant act as a lifeline, transporting not only water but nutrients and minerals as well. Since roots have such an important role, it is essential to keep them healthy. While the Bird of paradise may not be prone to pests, it is prone to root rot.

When repotting, examine your roots up close to get an indication of health. Roots should be pale and firm to the touch. Soggy, brown, or black roots that have a foul odor indicate root rot.

Allow your Bird of paradise roots to become root bound, but when they start to spill out of drainage pots, or crack pots, be sure to size up to keep your plant happy.

Tips to keep your Bird of paradise healthy

1. Provide lots of light. A Bird of paradise needs a minimum of 6 hours of indirect light per day to be happy.
2. Adjust your plants’ watering schedule during the winter months when the plant will consume less.
3. Feed your plant with fertilizer during the growing season.
4. Rotate your plant monthly to ensure it receives light from all sides. This will help your plant grow straight.

In conclusion

The Bird of paradise doesn’t ask for much, but it does need a few things to stay healthy.

Provide your plant with regular feedings of nutrients through the summer months to ensure optimal growth.

To encourage new leaves and blooms, situate it somewhere that receives lots of light but minimal wind.

Repot your plant every few years to keep your plant’s roots snug but not overly rootbound.

Your Bird of paradise will reward your care and commitment with gorgeous, large foliage that’s sure to be the centerpiece of every room in the house.