Bird of paradise (Strelitzia) plants are quite the sight to behold with their lovely blossoms and rough-textured leaves. It makes sense that they represent beauty, love, and faithfulness. However, if your plant has yellow leaves, you might not feel that way.
The most likely reason for a bird of paradise plant fading leaves is overwatering. Pests, transplant shock, temperature stress, pests, underwatering, low humidity, fertilizer burn, or too much light are some more frequent causes. Iteration and error are always involved in determining the precise cause.
Fortunately, I can help you figure out why your bird of paradise’s leaves are turning yellow. I’ll also describe each issue’s solutions. Your plant ought should be able to regrow its vivid blue and green foliage and flourish once more.
What Causes Birds of Paradise Leaves Turning Yellow?
1. Lighting
Outside, full sun is preferred by bird of paradise plants above partial shade. When the plant is brought indoors, this can make it challenging to give appropriate light, resulting in a bird of paradise with yellow foliage.
If your indoor plant is turning yellow for no obvious reason, consider giving it more light by placing a full spectrum fluorescent bulb directly over it or relocating it to a more well-lit area. However, be cautious about placing any plant too close to a window that receives a lot of direct sunlight as the amplified ultraviolet radiation might damage sensitive leaf tissues.
2. Watering
Inadequate hydration is another major reason why bird of paradise leaves turn yellow. Bird of paradise plants are particularly sensitive to being either too dry or too wet, unlike most plants where you can err on the side of dry.
The plant may be particularly sensitive to changes in moisture availability for the first six months following planting or repotting, but by adding a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm) deep layer of mulch around the plant, you may assist reduce drying and balance moisture retention. To assist prevent stem rot, take care that the mulch does not come in contact with the plant’s stem.
3. Pests
Although they are infrequent, major pests on indoor bird of paradise plants do occasionally appear. If plants spend the summer outdoors, they will be particularly vulnerable. Some of these pests, including the following, partially contribute to yellowing:
- Aphids: Leaf yellowing in whole or in patches, along with a sticky residue, are hallmark symptoms. Ants may be drawn to aphids as well. To flush out aphids and drown them, mist the undersides of your plant with water using a garden sprayer. Spray every day for the next two weeks, and repeat as necessary.
- Scale: Scale bugs, like aphids, may yellow plants in a variety of ways and secrete sticky substances. Since scales are covered in thick protective shells, unlike aphids, they are difficult to identify as insects. In most cases, they resemble little plant cankers or other odd growths. Neem oil or imidacloprid are the most effective treatments for them, but when using neonicotinoids, use them only as advised and only in the evening.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are the most noticeable of this group; they are another sap-feeding insect like aphids and scale. There is no question about the identity of the numerous little white insects if they are accumulating behind the fading leaves of your plant. As they are highly prone to drowning, spritz these pests with water every few days.
- Crown borer: You have a crown borer if you see tiny holes at the base of your bird of paradise plant’s leaves or in the crown. There isn’t much you can do once the plant starts to yellow besides remove the damaged tissues, take excellent care of it, and eliminate any plants that are already dead.
Can Yellow Leaves Turn Green Again?
Are your birds of paradise leaves turning yellow? Are you wondering if they could turn green again?
A leaf usually dies after it gets yellow. If the issue is immediately resolved, a leaf that has a slight discoloration brought on by inadequate nutrition or mild stress will occasionally turn green again, but it’s best not to get your hopes up.
However, this in no way indicates that the plant is doomed. A few yellow leaves should be taken as warning signs; if the problem is resolved, the plant will recover its former lush beauty.
Can I Remove Yellow Leaves?
Are you curious to know if you could personally remove yellow leaves on your birds of paradise instead of waiting for nature?
A leaf can be removed once it has turned entirely yellow because it is no longer producing energy for the plant. The leaf will eventually dry out and fall off if nature is allowed to take its course.
Gently tug the leaf to determine whether it is prepared to separate if you wish to hasten the process for aesthetic purposes. Don’t rip the leaf off if it protests! Trim the leaf with scissors instead, cutting it close to the stem.
Note: Before using, sterilize the blades by soaking them in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or by another reliable technique.
If the leaf is just partially yellowing, you can trim off the discolored areas to extend the leaf’s functional life. However, it’s better to remove any yellowing leaves from your plant if it appears that they may be home to pests or pathogens that cause rot.
How Fast Does the Birds of Paradise Grow?
Are you curious to know how fast your birds of paradise can grow with or without fertilizer?
The birds of paradise are quick growers. It can reach a height of 10 feet inside in ideal circumstances!
Because they grow so quickly, fertilize every two weeks in the spring and summer, or use foliar feed all year.
How Do You Revive Birds of Paradise?
Are your birds of paradise leaves turning yellow? Are you wondering how you could revive them?
Give the soil a good soak with water when you first plant your bird of paradise, and maintain it that way until new growth starts.
Once your plants are established, you should water them more frequently, especially during warm weather. Be careful not to overwater newly planted bird of paradise plants.
How Can I Prevent My Bird of Paradise Leaves Turning Yellow?
1. Ensure Proper Watering Habits
Both overwatering and underwatering should be avoided. Theoretically, you ought to water your plant every one to two weeks. But the frequency should change based on things like the season, the temperature, the size of the plant and the pot, among other things.
In actuality, watering should be done when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel a little dry. The optimum times to water are early in the morning or late at night.
2. Provide Plenty of Light
A plant of sunshine is the parrot of paradise. Give your plant a minimum of 6 hours of direct, strong sunlight. Alternately, utilize grow lamps that emit light between 2000 and 5000 FC (21,500-53,800 lux)
Your bird of paradise should ideally receive some shade and some direct sunlight (3-5 hours per day).
3. Use Well-Drained soil
Rich organic potting soil is ideal for the bird of paradise. Vermiculite, perlite, sand, or compost can be added to the soil to enhance drainage and soil aeration and prevent waterlogging. For optimum nutrient availability, make sure pH stays in the 5.5–7.5 range.
4. Use Proper Pot
Choose a container that is just the right size for your bird of paradise. As a general rule, make sure the container is one or two inches larger than the plant’s current size.
Why Is My Birds of Paradise Plant Not Flowering?
Are you planting a birds of paradise for the first time? Is your plant having trouble flowering? Are you curious to know the reason behind this problem?
Your birds of paradise plant may produce few or no blooms if they don’t get adequate light.
If trees and other plants that have grown around your bird of paradise are casting too much shade, either cut away branches to allow more light in or transplant it in a spot with more sunlight. A lack of specific nutrients might also prevent bird of paradise plants from producing healthy blossoms.
Best Self Watering Planters
1. Santino Self-Watering Planter
This Santino container is another excellent self-watering container. Sizes range from 5.5 inches to 6.7 inches to 7.9 inches to 8.8 inches. You may give your indoor garden a fantastic appearance by purchasing a few planters in various sizes.
The planter is constructed of durable plastic that won’t leak. Plant development may be aided by air movement inside the self-watering planter. Additionally, Santino claims that after you fill this planter, it should water your plant consistently for the following four weeks. White, shade (black), jade, and cream are some of the available hues for the Santino Self-Watering Planter.
Pros:
- Santino offers self-watering planters in a variety of sizes, so you may find one that is perfect for your particular houseplant.
- You can comfortably and quickly monitor the water levels thanks to a small glass at the front of the planter.
Cons:
- Despite not being marketed, several customers claim the Santino planter includes gravel. It appears that neither the product instructions nor the gravel make any mention of it. In all honesty, I would consider the gravel to be an added bonus if I got it, but I won’t be sad if I don’t.
Conclusion
A show-stopper can be The Bird of Paradise. It can be difficult to coax their lovely blossoms out, and it frequently takes the plant years to get established enough to bloom. Additionally, they have a tendency to be finicky and specific about the surroundings in which they dwell.
However, you shouldn’t let this stop you from getting one. Beautiful outcomes can be achieved with sufficient time and careful attention. Try to be mindful of your Strelitzia. A successful plant receives the assistance it requires immediately. The majority of the problems discussed in this essay only get serious when they’re allowed to fester.