The bird of paradise is a popular tropical plant known for its unique flower that resembles a bird in flight. While the flowers are quite striking, many gardeners struggle to get their bird of paradise plants to grow straight and tall. A bird of paradise with a crooked or leaning growth habit detracts from the beauty of the flowers and leaves the gardener frustrated.
Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to encourage your bird of paradise to grow straight upwards. With the right care and training early on, you can have a bird of paradise with a strong, upright growth pattern.
Provide a Sturdy Stake or Pole
One of the best ways to make a bird of paradise grow straight is to provide a strong stake or pole for support. Insert the stake deep into the soil near the base of the plant while it is still young and relatively small. Use a stake that is at least 5-6 feet tall.
As the bird of paradise grows, gently tie the main stem to the stake using soft plant ties or twine. Make sure not to tie too tightly as this could cause damage. The goal is to just give gentle guidance and support so the plant grows vertically.
Continually check the ties as the plant grows taller and re-secure and adjust as needed. The stake provides a straight focal point for the bird of paradise to gravitate towards as it extends upward. Removing the stake too early while the plant is still unstable can cause leaning and curvature later on.
Use a Bamboo Stake for Flexibility
Opt for a bamboo stake over wood or metal if possible. Bamboo has some natural flexibility which can bend slightly in wind or weather without breaking. This is beneficial for the bird of paradise, allowing some movement while still providing upright support.
Place the Stake on the Windward Side
Position the stake on the side that receives the most wind or sunlight. This provides support on the side that needs it most and helps prevent leaning away from the prevailing conditions in your garden.
Provide Optimal Growing Conditions
In addition to staking, be sure to give your bird of paradise the proper care and growing conditions to promote strong, straight growth:
Sunlight
Bird of paradise plants need abundant sunlight to thrive. Provide a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is preferable as intense hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light leads to weak, lanky growth.
Space
Give your bird of paradise adequate spacing from other plants. Overcrowding leads to competition for light and leaning or stretching towards sunlight.
Water
Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Provide extra water during hot, dry spells. Underwatering causes stress and poor growth.
Nutrients
Fertilize bird of paradise regularly during the active growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release granular fertilizer. Lack of nutrients equals lackluster growth.
Pruning
Prune back any leaves or stems that become distorted, twisted or crooked to encourage straighter new growth. Also prune back wayward offshoots.
Provide Shelter from Strong Winds
Bird of paradise plants grown in very windy locations are prone to leaning and distortion. Plant your bird of paradise in a sheltered spot protected from strong winds if possible.
You can also insert stakes on multiple sides to brace the plant against prevailing winds. Surround the plant with windbreak plants or create a temporary windscreen using stakes and burlap.
Re-pot into Larger Containers
If growing your bird of paradise in a container, make sure to re-pot into larger pots as needed. Root restriction leads to crooked growth as the plant tries to expand.
A good rule of thumb is to move your bird of paradise into a slightly bigger pot whenever the roots have filled the current container. Make sure there are drainage holes in the container to prevent waterlogging.
Correct Leaning Early
Check your bird of paradise frequently, especially when young, for any early signs of leaning or curvature. If the stem begins slanting, gently try to manipulate it back into a straight position.
Be careful not to damage the plant by forcing it too aggressively. Staking and training it with ties can help re-establish proper growth direction. Don’t wait until major leaning occurs or it becomes much harder to correct.
Propagate with Offsets for a Fresh Start
If your existing bird of paradise already has severe leaning or crooked growth that cannot be remedied, you can start over by propagating offsets.
Offsets are the small plantlets or “pups” that emerge from the base of the mother plant. Separate these offsets and pot them independently to grow as new, straight plants. Guide the offsets upright using stakes as previously described.
Change Locations to Promote Vertical Growth
Sometimes a crooked bird of paradise is the result of environmental factors out of your control. Insufficient sunlight, persistent wind or root competition can make straight growth difficult.
In these cases, the best solution may be to transplant your bird of paradise to a new area with better growing conditions. A spot with morning sunlight, protected from wind and spaced away from other plants often results in improved vertical growth pattern.
Use Plant Growth Regulators
For very stubborn cases, you can apply a synthetic plant growth regulator (PGR) product to a bird of paradise. PGRs alter the plant’s natural hormones to control growth and promote upright shape.
However, PGRs must be used carefully by following label directions. Improper use can damage the plant. Consult with your local nursery or extension office for guidance using PGRs on bird of paradise.
Be Patient
Fixing a crooked or leaning bird of paradise takes time and diligence. Proper staking, training, and care from a young age makes the process much easier. But have patience even with mature plants.
With persistence using stakes, ties, adjustments, and optimal care, you can get your bird of paradise growing straighter over time. Appreciate the slow but steady improvements.
When to Seek Professional Help
In most cases, you can trains your bird of paradise to grow straight on your own using the techniques described. But if you’ve tried everything without success, or simply want guidance from an expert, seek help from a professional horticulturist.
They can assess your specific situation, soil conditions, and plant health to provide tailored recommendations. With their expertise, a stubborn bird of paradise can often be whipped into proper shape.
Common Problems That Contribute to Crooked Growth
Many issues can cause a bird of paradise to grow in distorted, crooked ways. Identify and correct these problems to get your plant straightening up:
Too Much Fertilizer
Excessive fertilizer causes fast, weak growth unable to support itself. Stick to label rates.
Pests
Insects or mites can damage new growth and plant tissue leading to bending stems. Inspect for pests and use organic treatments if needed.
Disease
Fungal or bacterial diseases attack the plant cells necessary for rigid stems. Treat any diseases promptly.
Temperature Extremes
Excess heat or cold weakens the plant. Move potted plants to sheltered areas during extreme weather.
Old Age
As a bird of paradise ages and becomes top heavy, bending stems are more likely. Staking is essential for senior plants.
Insufficient Light
With not enough sun exposure, weak growth occurs, causing leaning towards light sources. Rotate or relocate plants to maximize sunlight.
Transplant Shock
Disturbing the roots from re-potting or dividing can interrupt growth patterns. Allow sufficient recovery time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to straighten a crooked bird of paradise?
With early intervention, you may see improved upright growth in as little as a few weeks. But significantly straightening severely distorted mature plants can take several months to over a year. Be diligent and patient.
Should you trim a leaning bird of paradise?
Selective pruning helps promote straighter new growth. But never cut off more than 20% of leaves at once or remove the central stalk. Excessive pruning stresses the plant.
What causes a bird of paradise to bend?
Common causes include insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, pests, under watering, age/top-heaviness, wind, and root binding in containers. Address the underlying issue.
When staking a bird of paradise, what side do you tie it to?
Tie the stem to the side of the stake that faces the direction the plant is leaning away from. This gently brings it back to straightness.
Should I rotate my bird of paradise?
Yes, periodically turn potted bird of paradise plants to ensure even sunlight exposure and prevent leaning toward light. Don’t rotate too frequently.
Conclusion
Coaxing a bird of paradise plant to grow in an upright, straight fashion involves providing strong staking early on, optimal care and conditions, and correcting issues as they arise. With patience and persistence, you can have a beautiful bird of paradise with impeccable posture and stature. Proper form highlights the amazing flower display these tropical plants are prized for.
