Bird of paradise is a popular tropical plant known for its unique flower resembling a bird. With large, banana-like leaves and colorful blooms, it makes an eye-catching addition to any indoor or outdoor space. However, keeping your bird of paradise happy and healthy requires paying close attention to its watering needs. Understanding how often to water bird of paradise is key to helping the plant thrive.
How Often Should Bird of Paradise Be Watered?
When it comes to watering bird of paradise plants, the general recommendation is to water them 1-2 times per week during the growing season (spring through fall). Here are some more specific guidelines:
Indoor Bird of Paradise Plants
– Water 1 time per week in spring and summer. The plant is actively growing and will need more frequent watering.
– Water every 10-14 days in fall and winter. Growth slows so the plant needs less water.
– Check the soil before watering. Stick your finger into the top few inches of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, hold off.
– Water until it runs out the bottom drainage holes, then empty the drainage tray. This ensures the entire root zone gets hydrated.
Outdoor Bird of Paradise Plants
– Water 2 times per week in spring and summer, especially during hot, dry weather. Outdoors the plant loses more moisture to sun and wind.
– Water 1 time per week in fall and 1-2 times per month in winter. Reduce frequency in cool weather.
– Water in the early morning so moisture doesn’t evaporate as quickly.
– Check soil moisture before watering and water deeply to encourage roots to grow downwards.
– Provide additional water if plant looks droopy or leaves start to curl. Signs like these indicate underwatering.
Watering Basics
When watering any bird of paradise, follow these important tips:
Water Until It Runs Out Drainage Holes
– Don’t just water the surface of the soil. Pour enough so water comes through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
– Let the plant sit in the drainage tray for 15-30 minutes after watering, then dump out excess water.
Use Room Temperature Water
– Cold water straight from the tap can shock plant roots. Let water sit out until it reaches room temperature before using.
Watch for Signs of Under or Overwatering
– Drooping leaves, dry soil, and yellow lower leaves indicate underwatering. Water more frequently.
– Wilting, drooping leaves with yellow spots signal overwatering. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
Adjust for Seasons
– Plants need more frequent watering in hot summer months than in cool winter months when growth has slowed.
Feel Soil Before Watering
– Stick your finger into the soil to check moisture levels instead of watering on a set schedule. This accounts for environmental factors.
Potting Medium
The potting mix used for bird of paradise can impact how often you need to water. Here are helpful tips:
Use Loose, Fast-Draining Mix
– A mix of peat moss, perlite, bark chips and compost will hold some moisture but drain well to prevent soggy soil.
– Avoid regular potting soil, which stays too wet.
Add Sand or Perlite to Improve Drainage
– Mixing in sand, perlite, or small lava rocks creates air pockets for faster drainage.
Repot Annually
– Old potting mix starts to decompose and hold more water. Repot in fresh mix each spring.
Choose Pot with Drainage Holes
– Make sure your container has holes so excess water can drain out.
Environmental Factors
Where you keep your bird of paradise plant also affects how often it needs water. Here are some things to consider:
Indoor vs. Outdoor
– Plants outdoors in sun and wind need watering more often than indoor plants.
Heat and Humidity
– Hot, dry indoor air from heating systems causes faster moisture loss. Mist leaves or use a pebble tray to boost humidity.
Sun Exposure
– Bird of paradise appreciates bright light. Too much direct sun can dry out the soil more quickly.
Air Circulation
– Good airflow is important but constant breezes will lead to faster soil drying.
Plant Size
– Larger plants with more foliage lose more moisture through transpiration and need more frequent watering.
Signs of Underwatering
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of underwatering in bird of paradise so you can water properly:
Drooping or Wilting Leaves
– Leaves and stems start to droop or wilt when the plant is too dry. It may perk up after watering.
Dry, Brittle Leaves
– Severe underwatering causes leaves to turn dry and crispy-looking.
Stunted Growth
– Lack of water prevents new leaves from unfurling fully. Plant growth slows.
Yellow Lower Leaves
– Lower, older leaves turn yellow and may drop from the plant.
Dry Soil
– Check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the pot. Dry soil indicates it’s time to water.
Light Soil Weight
– Dry soil will feel lighter when lifting the plant pot.
Signs of Overwatering
Too much moisture can also cause issues for bird of paradise. Look for these signs:
Wilting Leaves
– While wilting can indicate under watering, it can also signal overwatering if soil is kept too wet.
Yellow Leaves
– Lower leaves may turn yellow from too much moisture around the roots.
Leaf Spotting
– Wet conditions cause fungal leaf spot diseases, leading to brown spots on foliage.
Root Rot
– Excess moisture causes roots to rot and die back. Plants decline or die.
Moldy Smell
– A musty, moldy odor from the potting mix is a sign of oversaturated soil.
Heavy Soil Weight
– Lifting a pot that feels heavy right after watering indicates too much moisture was retained.
When to Water Bird of Paradise
In addition to watering frequency, the time of day matters too. Here are some tips:
Morning: Best Time to Water
– Water first thing in the morning before heat of day sets in. This allows roots and leaves time to dry out.
Avoid Afternoon Watering
– Watering in hot afternoon sun can burn leaves and lead to rapid soil drying.
Evening Watering: Use Caution
– Take care not to overwater in evening. Wet foliage overnight promotes disease.
Anytime: Check Soil First
– Time of day matters less if you check soil moisture first and only water when needed.
How Much Water Does Bird of Paradise Need?
In addition to when and how often to water, the amount of water needed is also important:
Water Until It Flows Out Drainage Holes
– Apply enough water so it saturates entire root zone, not just top of soil.
Volume Depends on Pot Size
– Larger pots need more water total but doesn’t change frequency recommendations.
Outdoor Plants May Need More
– Homegrown outdoor plants lose more water to sun, wind, and faster growth.
Indoor Plants: Less Volume
– Use less total water for indoor plants since they grow slower and conditions are more stable.
Adjust Amount as Plant Grows
– Mature plants need more water volume than younger small plants.
Watering Methods
How you apply water to your bird of paradise also matters. Follow these best practices:
Hand Watering with Watering Can
– Use a watering can with a long spout to reach soil without getting leaves wet.
Soaking Pot in Basin of Water
– Letting pot sit in an inch of water until soil surface is moist allows thorough soaking.
Drip or Soaker Hoses for Outdoors
– These provide consistent moisture right to the soil without wasting water by spraying foliage.
Automatic Irrigation Systems
– Timers provide convenient, regular watering if adjusted for seasonal needs and soil moisture.
Self-Watering Pots and Reservoirs
– These maintain even moisture through wicking systems so can be left unattended longer.
Troubleshooting Watering Issues
If your bird of paradise shows signs of underwatering or overwatering, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Repot Annually
– Old potting soil starts to hold too much water. Change pots each spring.
Improve Drainage
– Add perlite, small rocks, or bark to potting mix to create better drainage.
Water More Slowly
– Gentle stream of water is better than fast pouring to prevent runoff.
Check Roots for Rot
– Overwatering causes root rot. Trim off mushy roots and repot in dry soil.
Move Plant Location
– Find a spot with conditions matched to the plant’s preferences to simplify watering needs.
Use Self-Watering Pot
– These maintain consistent moisture levels to prevent under and overwatering.
Key Takeaways
Caring for a bird of paradise plant isn’t difficult if you understand its watering needs. Follow these key tips:
Water 1-2 Times Per Week
– Indoor plants need weekly watering. Outdoor plants need at least 2x weekly when it’s hot.
Check Soil Before Watering
– Don’t water on a schedule. Feel soil to gauge moisture then water only when needed.
Watch for Under and Overwatering Signs
– Drooping leaves mean under watering. Wilting and leaf spotting are signs of overwatering.
Water Deeply Until It Flows Out Drain Holes
– Soak entire root zone, not just the surface.
Adjust Watering for Plant Size and Conditions
– Larger plants, outdoor growing, and hot, dry air call for more frequent watering.
Proper watering is vital for a thriving bird of paradise plant. Pay close attention to moisture needs and make adjustments anytime you notice signs of distress. With a little practice, you’ll master the watering schedule that keeps your bird of paradise looking its best in any season.
