1. Getting started with your Bird Of Paradise
Where to place your Bird Of Paradise
Place it next to a sunny window
Your Bird of Paradise prefers bright direct light. It can adapt to medium light, but growth may slow
Place it away from any AC vents
Bird of Paradise plants are particularly sensitive to cold drafts; their leaves will curl if the plant is cold, or dry due constant airflow.
Potting your Bird Of Paradise
Leave it in its nursery pot
Your plant is comfy in its nursery pot. It's best to let it acclimate to the lighting, temperature, and humidity in its new home for at least 2 weeks before repotting it
Pro tip: if you purchased a planter with your plant, you can simply place the nursery pot in that planter
2. Continually caring for your Bird Of Paradise
Watering your Bird Of Paradise
Water when the soil is dry
It is vital to wait for the soil to dry out sufficiently between waterings. We like to use a chopstick to check. Gently insert the chopstick all the way down; if the chopstick comes out:
1) Clean: your soil is dry and needs a watering
2) Dirty: you'll know the soil is still moist and doesn't need a watering
Rule of thumb: expect to water your plant every 1-2 weeks, and more often with more light. Having said that, soil moisture should be your primary indicator for when you should water your plant, as the time may vary
When watering, gently pour until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom and discard any excess water. Remember, never use cold water as this will shock your plant's roots
Finding your Bird Of Paradise's favourite temperature
Like most houseplants, Bird of Paradise plants are happiest between 18°C-30°C
Repotting your Bird Of Paradise
When placed until bright indirect light, and care for well, Birds of Paradise will grow quite large and will need to be repotted up to once a year, to accommodate that growth
When it's time, remember that Birds of Paradise like soil with a lot of aeration (because they don't retain as much water/moisture). When your plant is ready for repotting, use a well-drained potting mix that includes ingredients such as perlite or lava rocks
Transfer your Bird of Paradise into a pot that's a about 1-2 inches in diameters larger than its current one to give it ample room to grow
Cleaning/pruning your Bird Of Paradise
Big leaves mean more dust. When you see this, gently wipe off each leaf top with a cloth to reveal a healthy shine. This will help your plant soak in more light and breathe through the little pores on its leaves (stomata)
Some common problems with Bird Of Paradises
1. Dry & curling leaves
Usually caused by underwatering. Check the soil's moisture levels following the watering guide above, and if dry, time to give your plant a drink!
2. Yellowing leaves
Usually caused by overwatering. Let your plant dry out (can take up to 3 weeks) before watering again.
3. Leaves splitting
This is completely normal. As part of nature's design, the splits allow wind to pass through the leaves without bending or breaking the plant
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