The Bird of Paradise is a popular tropical plant known for its unique flower shape and vibrant colors. However, some Bird of Paradise owners find their plants grow slowly or seem stunted. There are several possible reasons why a Bird of Paradise may have slow growth.
Common Reasons for Slow Growth
Below are some of the most common causes of slow growth in Bird of Paradise plants:
Insufficient Light
Bird of Paradise plants need a lot of bright, direct sunlight to thrive. They prefer 6 or more hours of direct sun daily. Without enough light, growth will slow.
Some signs your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight:
- Smaller leaf size
- Paler leaf color
- Leggy or spaced out leaves
- Slow growth
If your plant shows these signs, try moving it to a spot with more direct light each day. South or west facing windows are ideal. You can also supplement with a grow light.
Underwatering
While they don’t like soggy soil, Bird of Paradise plants need a regular supply of moisture. Underwatering is another culprit behind slow growth.
Signs of an underwatered Bird of Paradise:
- Dry, drooping leaves
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Stunted new growth
Check the soil moisture frequently, watering when the top few inches become dry. Increase water slightly in summer. The plant should be watered whenever the top 50% of soil is dry. Well-draining soil and containers with drainage holes are important to prevent waterlogging.
Overwatering
While underwatering causes issues, so does overwatering. Too much moisture prevents roots from getting air and leads to root rot.
Symptoms of overwatering include:
- Drooping, yellowing leaves
- Black or mushy roots
- Moldy soil
- Slow growth
Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Water less in winter when growth is slower. Be sure the pot has drainage holes and use well draining soil mixes, like those containing perlite, bark, coco coir, or sand.
Potbound Plants
If a Bird of Paradise plant has been in the same small pot for years with a dense mass of circling roots, it becomes potbound. This restricts growth.
Signs of a potbound plant:
- Stunted growth
- Wilting between waterings
- Roots growing out of drainage holes
- Congested, circling roots
Potbound plants need repotting into a larger container, usually 2-4 inches wider. This gives roots room to spread out and access more moisture and nutrients. Repot in spring using fresh potting mix.
Low Humidity
Native to tropical climates, Bird of Paradise plants thrive in humidity levels between 40-60%. In dry indoor air, their growth may slow.
You can boost humidity for your plant by:
- Using a pebble tray
- Misting leaves
- Using a humidifier
- Placing in bathroom
Monitor the plant for signs of low humidity like crispy leaf edges and dry soil. Increase watering slightly to compensate.
Temperature Extremes
Temperature extremes can also cause Bird of Paradise growth issues. They prefer warm conditions between 65°F to 85°F.
If temperatures dip below 60°F, the plant may show:
- Slower growth
- Leaves turning purple
Keep it away from cold drafts. Move to a warmer spot in winter if needed.
Temperatures above 90°F can also inhibit growth and scorch leaves. Keep the plant out of hot sunlight in summer and use circulation fans to keep the air moving.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Without proper nutrition, Bird of Paradise growth can suffer. These heavy feeding plants need a constant supply of nutrients during the growing period.
Signs of nutrient deficiency include:
- Stunted new leaves
- Pale or yellowing foliage
- Fewer blooms
Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or one for blooming plants. Fertilize regularly in spring and summer according to label directions.
Pests or Diseases
Sometimes pests like mealybugs and spider mites can infest Bird of Paradise plants. Diseases like bacterial leaf spot may also occur. Both pests and diseases zap nutrients and energy, resulting in slower growth.
Check under leaves and on stems for signs of insects. Treat with organic insecticidal soap. Remove diseased areas and treat with fungicides. Improving air circulation also deters pests and diseases.
Incorrect Growing Conditions
Finally, if you’re growing a Bird of Paradise plant in the wrong conditions, it may show limited growth. Bird of Paradise plants are native to warm, humid tropical regions.
They need:
- Warm temperatures between 65°-85°F
- High humidity around 50-60%
- Bright sunlight for 6 or more hours
- Moist but well-draining soil
- Frequent fertilization
- Larger pot size
Trying to grow one in a cold, dry indoor environment can inhibit their growth and prevent flowering. Getting the conditions right encourages healthy, vigorous growth.
Tips to Increase Growth
If your Bird of Paradise growth has slowed or stalled, here are some tips to help:
- Move plant to brighter location with several hours of direct sun.
- Check soil moisture frequently and water when top few inches become dry.
- Mist leaves and use pebble trays to increase humidity.
- Repot annually in spring into a slightly larger container.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer.
- Keep temperatures between 65°-80°F.
- Inspect regularly for pests and treat any found immediately.
With the right adjustments to care, lighting, watering, and fertilization, a languishing Bird of Paradise can take off! Proper conditions remove growth limiting factors.
When to Be Concerned
Slow growth now and then is normal. But if your Bird of Paradise hasn’t put out new leaves or shown progress in several months, it likely needs help.
Be concerned if you notice:
- No new leaves for over 2-3 months
- Thin, dwarf foliage
- Leaf drop
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Weak, droopy stems
- Shriveling or rotting roots
This signals a persistent underlying problem inhibiting growth. It often requires troubleshooting care and environment to identify and correct the issue.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about slow growing Bird of Paradise plants:
Why are the leaves on my Bird of Paradise plant small?
Small leaves often indicate insufficient light. Bird of Paradise plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for large, healthy leaves. Increase sunlight exposure.
Why is my Bird of Paradise not growing vertically?
Leggy, sparsely leaved plants point to a light deficiency. Low light causes vertical stretching as the plant reaches for sunlight. Place in a brighter location.
Why are my Bird of Paradise leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves mean overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Allow soil to partially dry before watering again. Fertilize regularly in growing season.
How can I get my potbound Bird of Paradise to grow?
Potbound roots restrict growth. Repot annually into slightly larger containers with fresh potting mix. This encourages root growth.
Why does my Bird of Paradise have new shoots but not leaves?
If new shoots form but leaves are sparse, it needs more fertilizer. Bird of Paradise are heavy feeders. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
Conclusion
There are many possible causes for a Bird of Paradise plant’s slow growth including insufficient light, overwatering, pests, small pots, and incorrect conditions. Assessing the care, environment, soil moisture, and health will help troubleshoot the cause. With light improvements and attentive care, a languishing Bird of Paradise can rebound and continue growing. Ensuring it gets ideal conditions can prevent stunted growth.
References
| Source | Excerpt Summary |
|---|---|
| Royal Horticultural Society | Notes Bird of Paradise need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight in summer for best growth and flowering. Insufficient light leads to sparse foliage. |
| Missouri Botanical Garden | States Bird of Paradise should be fertilized every 2-4 weeks during active growth in spring and summer. Lack of nutrients can cause stunted plants. |
| Clemson Cooperative Extension | Highlights that Bird of Paradise decline when potbound and need annual repotting and dividing to maintain growth vigor. |
| University of Florida IFAS Extension | Explains ideal temperatures for Bird of Paradise plants are between 65°-85°F. Avoid cold drafts below 60°F that can slow growth. |
| American Society for Horticultural Science | Notes high humidity around 50-60% is preferred for robust Bird of Paradise growth. Low humidity can cause leaf tip burn. |
