The Bird of Paradise plant, also known as Strelitzia reginae, is a stunning tropical plant known for its uniquely shaped orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird’s beak and plumage. Though native to South Africa, Bird of Paradise plants have become popular houseplants around the world. With proper care, these plants can thrive indoors, producing their signature vibrant blooms year after year. One of the keys to keeping a Bird of Paradise houseplant healthy is proper watering technique. Many houseplant owners wonder, should you water a Bird of Paradise from the top, drenching the leaves and soil, or focus the water at the base and root system? Understanding the best watering method can make all the difference in maintaining a thriving indoor Bird of Paradise.
Watering Bird of Paradise from the Top vs the Bottom
When watering any houseplant, it’s important to fully saturate the soil until water drains freely from the bottom of the pot. This ensures water penetrates deeply into the root zone. However, there are two main techniques that can achieve this:
Top watering involves pouring water over the top of the pot, drenching the leaves, stems and soil. The water then trickles down through the pot.
Bottom watering means placing the pot in a bowl of water and allowing the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom up.
So which is better for Bird of Paradise plants? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each method.
Pros of Top Watering Bird of Paradise
– Washes dust and dirt from leaves. The broad, flat leaves of a Bird of Paradise can collect dust. Top watering cleans them off.
– Encourages blooming. Some sources state that dripping water on the leaves and crown may promote more prolific flowering.
– Convenient for potted plants. Top watering is typically easier for potted plants than hauling them to a sink for bottom watering.
Cons of Top Watering Bird of Paradise
– Risk of fungal disease. Getting the leaves frequently wet can lead to fungal issues like leaf spot.
– Potential yellowing of leaves. If mineral deposits in water sit on the leaves, they may cause unsightly spotting.
– Less oxygen to roots. Water poured from the top can compact soil, leading to less air circulation to the roots.
Pros of Bottom Watering Bird of Paradise
– Prevents diseases. Leaves stay dry, avoiding fungal or bacterial problems.
– Oxygenates roots. Water saturates soil gradually from the bottom, preventing compaction.
– Avoids leaf spotting. Minerals in water don’t come into contact with leaves.
Cons of Bottom Watering Bird of Paradise
– Leaves stay dusty. Without rinsing, dust remains on the leaves.
– New blooms may be reduced. Lack of water on crown may limit new flowers.
– Difficult for large or potted plants. Carrying pots to a sink for bottom watering can be cumbersome.
Conclusion
While both top and bottom watering can be effective methods, most experts recommend avoiding getting the leaves of a Bird of Paradise wet on a regular basis. Pouring water directly into the potting mix from the top is more likely to splash moisture onto the leaves, potentially causing issues.
Bottom watering helps prevent fungal or bacterial diseases while still thoroughly saturating the soil and roots. It’s also the preferred method if your water has a high mineral content, as it will keep those deposits off the plant’s foliage.
Bottom line: For best results with a houseplant Bird of Paradise, water from the base or bottom up by placing the pot in a container of water. The moisture will soak into the soil without drenching the leaves. Then allow the plant to drain completely before returning it to its decorative pot or location.
Aim to water whenever the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Give the plant a good soak each time until it drains freely from the bottom. Proper bottom watering will replicate the natural conditions these tropical plants thrive in, helping your Bird of Paradise stay healthy and blooming happily indoors!
Tips for Watering Bird of Paradise Plants
Here are some additional tips to help you master watering your indoor Bird of Paradise plant:
– Check soil dryness with your finger before watering. About 1-2 inches down should be dry before soaking again.
– Water until it flows freely from the drainage holes below. Never leave it sitting in water.
– Add pebbles or gravel in the drainage tray to keep the bottom of the pot elevated.
– Allow at least 30 minutes after watering before returning the plant to its decorative pot.
– Water less often in winter when growth slows. In bright light, they may need water only every 3-4 weeks.
– Mist leaves occasionally to remove dust if not top watering. Use rainwater or distilled water to prevent spots.
– Use lukewarm, room temperature water. Cold water straight from the tap can shock the roots.
– Try using distilled or filtered water if your tap water has high mineral content.
Ideal Potting Mix for Bird of Paradise
The potting mix used for a Bird of Paradise plant can impact how efficiently the soil absorbs water. Here are some key points on the best potting mixes:
– Use a loose, well-draining mix specific for orchids or bromeliads. Avoid standard potting soil.
– Incorporate perlite, bark chips, coco coir, or peat moss to improve drainage.
– Re-pot every 2-3 years as the organic matter in potting mix breaks down over time.
– Add a layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the pot below the soil to improve drainage.
– For established plants, add compost or worm castings to refresh the potting medium with nutrients.
Avoid Dense Soil
One key to proper watering is using an airy, loose potting mix that won’t become overly dense. Soil that is too compact prevents proper air circulation to the roots and retains too much moisture.
Use a commercial orchid or bromeliad mix amended with extra perlite or bark. You can also make your own mix with equal parts peat moss, perlite, bark chips and compost. This will create the ideal aerated environment for healthy Bird of Paradise roots.
Signs of Improper Watering
It’s important to monitor your Bird of Paradise and adjust your watering as needed. Here are some signs of under or overwatering:
Underwatering:
– Wilting or drooping leaves that don’t bounce back after watering
– Leaf edges turning brown or yellow
– Leaf drop, especially lower leaves
– Soil pulling away from the edges of the pot
Overwatering:
– Soft, mushy leaves
– Leaves turning yellow
– Mold or fungus on soil surface or lower leaves
– Roots rotting and smelling foul
– Very slow growth
Using a Moisture Meter
One useful tool for perfecting your Bird of Paradise watering technique is using a soil moisture meter. These meters have a long probe you insert into the soil to get an accurate reading of the moisture level.
Look for a meter that has a graduated moisture scale, not just an on/off type of reading. The goal is to water your plant when the moisture level drops to around 3-4 on the scale, then soak the soil until the meter reads 7-8 after draining.
Having specific moisture readings takes the guesswork out of judging when your Bird of Paradise needs to be watered. This can prevent both under and overwatering situations.
Pot Size Matters
The size of the pot used for your Bird of Paradise also impacts soil moisture and watering frequency. Here are some key factors to consider:
– Large pots retain moisture longer than small pots. You’ll need to water less frequently.
– Small pots tend to need watering more often as they dry out faster.
– Shallow pots also dry out quicker than deep pots.
– Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of any pot you use.
– Gradually increase pot size as your Bird of Paradise grows. A pot-bound plant needs more frequent watering.
– Add moisture-retaining elements like peat moss if using a fast-draining mix in large pots.
Bird of Paradise Watering Schedule
As a tropical plant, Bird of Paradise prefers consistent moisture in the growing season. Here are some general guidelines for a watering schedule:
Spring & Summer
– Check soil moisture 2-3 times per week.
– Water whenever top 1-2 inches becomes dry.
– Soak thoroughly until water drains from bottom.
– Allow to drain completely before returning to decorative pot.
Fall & Winter
– Check soil every 5-7 days for dryness when growth slows.
– Water less frequently, allowing soil to dry out further between waterings.
– Soak soil fully each time, watering until drainage occurs.
– Keep plant slightly drier if in cool environment below 55°F (13°C).
Using a Self-Watering Planter
One way to simplify watering your Bird of Paradise is to use a self-watering planter or pot. These have built-in reservoirs that provide constant moisture to the plant’s roots.
Self-watering planters take care of keeping the soil consistently hydrated. You just need to monitor and refill the water reservoir as needed.
Some key tips for using self-watering planters:
– Ensure the pot is large enough for the size of your plant, with room for growth.
– Use a well-draining potting mix, not regular soil that may become too compacted.
– Check moisture level in the soil regularly to ensure it’s absorbing water properly.
– Change out old water in the reservoir frequently to avoid stagnation.
– Allow soil to dry out a bit between refilling the water reservoir.
Outdoor Watering Tips
If you live in a warm climate where Bird of Paradise can be grown outdoors as landscape plants, the watering needs are a bit different. Here are some outdoor watering tips:
– Provide 1-2 inches of water per week during warm months for established plants.
– Water directly at the soil, not over foliage. Drip irrigation systems work great.
– Mulch around the plant to retain soil moisture longer.
– Reduce watering frequency in winter but don’t allow prolonged droughts.
– Bird of Paradise may need protection if temperatures drop below 30°F (-1°C).
– Monitor for signs of underwatering or overwatering. Adjust frequency accordingly.
Use Natural Rainfall
One water-saving tip for outdoor Bird of Paradise plants is to take advantage of rainfall. Monitor rainfall totals and reduce your supplemental watering accordingly.
Most types of Bird of Paradise are naturally adapted to seasonal rainfall in their native African habitat. Allowing natural precipitation to handle some of the watering, supplemented as needed, can be beneficial.
Just take care not to allow the soil to completely dry out for extended periods. While Bird of Paradise handles occasional drought, continual lack of moisture will cause decline. Monitor soil moisture and water as needed between rains.
Humidity Needs
In addition to proper watering at the roots, Bird of Paradise plants also appreciate humid conditions. Here are some tips to boost humidity around your indoor plants:
– Use a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity.
– Mist leaves occasionally with a spray bottle.
– Run a humidifier nearby.
– Group plants together to create a self-contained humid microclimate.
– Avoid positioning near heating/cooling vents that can dry the air.
Providing ample humidity as well as proper soil moisture through conscientious watering gives Bird of Paradise the growing conditions they naturally enjoy. This translates into healthy, thriving plants.
Troubleshooting Common Bird of Paradise Problems
Even with proper care, Bird of Paradise plants may sometimes struggle with various issues. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
Problem: Brown leaf tips
– Potential causes: Dry air, underwatering, or accumulated salts in soil.
– Solutions: Increase humidity, check watering schedule, or flush soil to remove salt buildup.
Problem: Brown spots on leaves
– Potential causes: Tap water minerals, sunburn, or bacterial leaf spot.
– Solutions: Use distilled water, adjust sunlight exposure, improve air circulation, or treat with bactericide if needed.
Problem: Wilting leaves
– Potential causes: Underwatering, overwatering, or pot-bound roots.
– Solutions: Check soil moisture, reduce or increase watering frequency, or repot into larger container.
Problem: Yellowing lower leaves
– Potential causes: Overwatering, low light, or nutrient deficiency.
– Solutions: Allow soil to dry out further between waterings, increase sunlight, or fertilize more regularly.
Problem: Leaf drop
– Potential causes: Underwatering, overwatering, or temperature stress.
– Solutions: Adjust watering practices, move plant to suitable temperature range, or prune severely damaged foliage.
Problem: Flower stalks fall over
– Potential causes: Insufficient lighting or inadequate support.
– Solutions: Place plant where it receives several hours of direct sun daily and stake up flower spikes for support.
Problem: No new blooms
– Potential causes: Insufficient sunlight, improper nutrition, or incorrect pruning.
– Solutions: Provide bright light to encourage reblooming, fertilize in spring and summer, and avoid pruning blooms or flower stalks.
Conclusion
Achieving success with growing healthy Bird of Paradise houseplants requires learning the right watering techniques. While occasional top watering won’t harm the plants, bottom watering is generally recommended as the safest approach. Allowing the soil to dry out between thorough soakings, while providing adequate humidity and bright light, gives Bird of Paradise the conditions they need to thrive indoors. Pay close attention to your particular plant’s needs and make adjustments as required to keep it growing vigorously. With the proper care, the vibrant orange blooms of Bird of Paradise will brighten up your indoor environment for years to come.
