Why do bird of paradise leaves split

Also, keep in mind that your bird of paradise is more at risk of drying out during the spring and summer months. And What To Do. If the soil feels dry then give it a good soaking so that lots of water drains down through the roots. Low levels of humidity will also dry out the leaves of your plant and cause them to tear more easily. These plants need lots of bright light and insufficient sunlight is the biggest reason they hardly ever bloom indoors.

Inadequate light can contribute to stems becoming weakened and leaves splitting. I don't have gray hair, I have wisdom-highlights. I must be very wise. Quote Post 2. Quote Post 5. Quote Post 6. Quote Post 8.

Quote Post 9. Quote Post Member Login: Username or email:. Pinterest Facebook Youtube Twitter Instagram. I'm attaching a few pics of what's been happening with my BOP plant since I've had it over the last month or so. The leaves seem to be splitting and breaking. Does anyone know if this is because of the weight of the leaves? What else could be causing it, lack of moisture? The top pic is when I bought it at the nursery.

As you'll see, the leaves were much less broken at that time. Thanks for any help! I'd hate to lose this gorgeous plant! You will have to tell us what the growing conditions are Do you thank that this large plant, with these large leaves, simply got traumatized when you took her home?

Loading, transporting, and unloading can cause damage easily, and these leaves are so large, that they can be damaged pretty easily. Indoors BOP need to be misted frequently - particularly in winter. And how much light? Near a window? Indoors they have a tendency to do this - but yours is quite extreme. The ends of leaves start to curl and roll back upwards and then they rip. Beyond the above, not much you can do about it and nothing can be done to "fix" the ripped leaves.

Sorta like banana leaves out doors ripped to shreds. Good luck. Seeking Feng Shui with my plants since 1 Quote Post 3. Tropical evergreens, such as palm trees, tend to keep their leaves for longer than nonevergreen plants and grow them much more slowly. This means that every leaf is important to plant health and must be treated properly. With proper care, Bird of Paradise can produce up to one leaf per month during the growing season.

However, it is not uncommon for them to grow more slowly. Due to this slow growth, leaves that do not unfurl can affect the appearance of the plant. More importantly, it can impact photosynthesis — the process through which plants absorb light to produce energy.

Often this situation can be quickly resolved, allowing your plant to resume growth as usual. As a tropical plant, Bird of Paradise needs significant amounts of sunlight to thrive. Ideally, your plant should receive at least five hours of sunlight daily. Failure to receive the appropriate amount of light can result in limp leaves or a plant that lacks the energy to fully unfurl new leaves. Placing your Bird of Paradise in a bright sunroom or near a sunny window can help it obtain the direct light it needs.

You may even want to move your Bird of Paradise outside onto a porch or patio on hot, summer days. If you live in a space that lacks natural light, or if you experience prolonged, cloudy winters, you may wish to consider using a grow light. For more information on our favorite grow lights, click here.

While overwatering is usually the most common cause of a plant ailment, underwatering can cause some health issues, too. Often underwatering results in leaves that appear curled, wavy, or that refuse to open. If you notice that the top inches of soil are dry, it is time to water your plant.

When you water your Bird of Paradise, make sure to provide enough water that the excess flows from the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Gift Cards. Medium Plants. Small Plants. Hanging Plants. Plant Care View All Posts. Contact Us Client List. Plant Care October 17, Why are the leaves of my Bird of Paradise splitting? Will my Bird of Paradise flower? Most often, Bird of Paradise will not produce flowers indoors. Only in their natural habitat of high humidity and high light conditions will the circumstances be right for them to flower.

The variety Greenery Unlimited offers is the white flowering giant Bird of Paradise, as the leaves are much larger and more impressive than those of the orange flowering variety, which flower more commonly.

What is this spear emerging from the middle of my plant? A new leaf! New leaves always come from the center of the plant and shoot out in a tightly wound spear. Over the course of a few weeks the leaf will slowly uncurl and reveal a brilliant, shiny, bright green new leaf. Although tempting, do not assist the leaf to open as this can damage the leaf. If the leaf seems stuck in spots and is splitting, you may want to try to increase the humidity around the plant and mist the emerging leaf.

How can I tell if my Bird of Paradise is getting enough light? Bird of Paradise love lots of bright indirect light, and some direct light too. Some symptoms of the plant suffering from lack of light are extreme leaf splitting, drooping leaves, new leaves that won't open, and leaf browning.

You may also find the plant has difficulty with water absorption through the roots and therefore will suffer from overwatering more easily if it is not receiving enough light. How often should I fertilize my plant? In general, houseplants will thrive when they are fertilized spring through fall. Fertilize once a month with an organic houseplant fertilizer, following the package instructions for dilution and administration.

Greenery Unlimited uses an organic potting mix with a slow release fertilizer in the soil, so should you purchase your plant from us you will not need fertilizer within the first 6 months of receiving it.

How can I tell if my Bird of Paradise is being overwatered? In proper lighting conditions, the Bird of Paradise drinks plenty of water.

Although it does require a drying out period and is susceptible to root rot if the soil remains overly moist. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it is more susceptible to overwatering. Some indications that your plant could be overwatered are droopy leaves, excessive splitting, and browning edged leaves with a yellow line. If you think you may have overwatered, a soil probe can help you assess how we the soil is at the root level and aerate the soil to release excess moisture.

One great way to help prevent overwatering is to plant your Bird of Paradise with aeration stones at the bottom of the planter. Proper drainage is essential for long-term root health and aeration stones can absorb excess water at the base of the planter helping to ensure your roots are never in standing water. The leaf began to brown and yellow while it was still curled up, and upon unfurling presented discoloration and damage ABOVE: Curling edges and brown and yellow leaf margins from root damage due to overly wet soil.

How can I tell if my Bird of Paradise is not getting enough water? Underwatering most commonly presents as dry crispy tips or edges on the leaves, leaf splitting or breaking with brittle edges, and brown shriveled basal leaves.