Bird of Paradise plants, also known as Strelitzia reginae, are popular houseplants known for their vibrant orange and blue blooms that resemble a tropical bird. However, it’s common for Bird of Paradise leaves to start drying out and turn brown or crispy around the edges. There are several potential causes for this issue, most of which can be easily corrected with a few simple adjustments to the plant’s care routine.
In this article, we will examine the most common reasons why Bird of Paradise leaves dry out and provide solutions to get your plant’s foliage lush and healthy again. With proper care, your Bird of Paradise will continue gracing your home with its signature architectural foliage and stunning blooms for years to come.
Overwatering
Excessive watering is one of the most common causes of Bird of Paradise leaves drying out. These tropical plants prefer soil that drains well and dries out slightly between waterings. Sitting in soggy soil for too long can cause root rot, which damages the roots’ ability to take up water and nutrients.
To determine if overwatering is the culprit, check the moisture level in the soil before watering again. Use your finger to press an inch or two into the top few inches of soil. If it feels wet or soggy, hold off on watering. Allow the soil to dry out at least 1-2 inches down before watering again.
When watering, pour slowly until it drains from the bottom drainage holes, then discard any water in the saucer. This ensures the soil gets thoroughly saturated without becoming waterlogged. Water less frequently in the winter when growth slows.
If the leaves continue to dry out despite cutting back on watering, try repotting in fresh, well-draining soil to help dry out excess moisture around the roots.
Signs of overwatering
– Leaves turning brown or yellow
– Soft, mushy leaves
– Wilting leaves
– Brown crispy leaf edges
– Drooping leaves
– Excess moisture in the soil
– Water dripping from the drainage holes after watering
How to fix overwatering
– Check soil moisture before watering and only water when the top few inches become dry
– Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess water
– Repot in fresh, well-draining soil if needed
– Cut back on watering frequency, especially in winter
– Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, underwatering can also cause Bird of Paradise leaves to dry out. If the plant goes too long without water, the leaves will start to curl, brown, and crispy.
Check the soil moisture by pressing a finger an inch down – if it’s dry and crumbly, it’s time to water. Bird of Paradise prefer evenly moist soil, so water thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry. The plant may need more frequent watering during hot, dry weather or if in a sunny location.
When underwatered, the oldest leaves near the bottom typically brown and dry first. Remove any severely damaged leaves, then improve watering consistency to prevent new leaf damage. It may take some time for the plant to recover and produce new growth after prolonged underwatering.
Signs of underwatering
– Dry, crumbly soil
– Wilting or drooping leaves
– Leaves and leaf edges turning brown or crispy
– Older bottom leaves affected first
– New leaf growth slows or stops
– Leaves curling inward
How to fix underwatering
– Check soil moisture and water when dry 1-2 inches down
– Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom
– Increase watering frequency during hot, dry periods
– Remove any severely damaged leaves
– Maintain consistent soil moisture going forward
Low Humidity
Bird of Paradise requires relatively high humidity to thrive. Their large, broad leaves lose moisture rapidly in dry indoor air. Low humidity can cause the leaf edges to turn brown, dry and curl upward.
Misting the leaves periodically can help increase local humidity. Group the Bird of Paradise with other plants, which increases ambient humidity as the plants transpire. Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, which gently evaporates to humidify the surrounding air. Run a humidifier nearby to maintain 40-60% humidity in the room.
Keep the plant away from hot or cold drafts from heating and cooling vents, as this can accelerate moisture loss. If the dry air is due to low household humidity in winter, place the plant in a naturally humid room like the kitchen or bathroom when possible.
Signs of low humidity
– Dry, crisp brown edges on leaves
– Leaves curling or cupping upward
– Leaf tips turning brown
– Flower buds drying out and dropping before opening
– Rapid moisture loss from leaves
How to increase humidity
– Mist leaves regularly
– Use a pebble tray
– Group with other plants
– Run a humidifier
– Keep away from drafts
– Move to naturally humid room in winter
Sun Burn
While Bird of Paradise requires bright, indirect light, too much direct sun can scorch and dry out the leaves. Sunburn typically affects the side of the plant facing the light source. The damaged areas turn yellow, brown or white, with crispy dried edges.
Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even sun exposure. Filter harsh sunlight with sheer curtains. Move to a slightly shadier spot, avoiding intense afternoon sun shining directly on the leaves. The more sunlight the plant receives, the more moisture it loses through transpiration, so increase watering frequency if situated in brighter light.
Prune off any sunburned leaves. Apply a thin layer of organic compost or worm castings around the base to provide nutrients for new growth. Keep the plant protected from direct sun until it recovers to prevent further damage.
Signs of sunburn
– Yellow, brown or white patches on leaves
– Crispy, dried areas at leaf edges and tips
– Damage primarily on one side of plant
– Dry soil due to increased sunlight
How to treat sunburn
– Rotate or move plant away from direct sun
– Filter sunlight with sheer curtains
– Prune off damaged leaves
– Apply organic compost or worm castings
– Increase watering frequency
– Keep protected from direct sun until recovered
Drafts
Exposure to cool drafts from windows, vents, or doors can shock Bird of Paradise leaves. This rapid temperature change causes moisture loss from the leaves, turning the edges brown and crispy.
Avoid placing the plant in line with air conditioning or heating vents. Close vents and redirect airflow away from the plant. Keep the Bird of Paradise a few feet back from drafty windows and doors. Shield the plant with sheer curtains to help block drafts and filter light.
Misting leaves can help compensate for moisture loss from drafts. Increase humidity around the plant by grouping with other plants, using a humidifier, or placing on a pebble tray. Maintaining consistent surrounding temperatures and airflow prevents excessive transpiration.
Signs of draft damage
– Brown, dried out leaf edges
– Crispy or curling leaf tips
– Leaves yellowing or browning
– Dry soil from increased transpiration
– Located in path of vents or drafty windows
How to protect from drafts
– Move away from air vents and drafty areas
– Close nearby windows, doors, or vents
– Redirect airflow using curtains or furniture
– Mist leaves to add moisture
– Use pebble tray or humidifier
– Keep indoor temperatures consistent
Fluoride and Chlorine in Water
Tap water containing fluoride or chlorine compounds can also cause the leaf edges to dry out. These chemicals accumulate on the foliage and can burn the tender leaf tissue.
Use distilled, rain, or bottled spring water when possible. If using tap, allow it to sit out overnight first to allow the chemicals to dissipate into the air. A water filtration system also helps remove these compounds from your supply.
Rinsing or misting leaves with pure, non-fluoridated water can help wash off chemical residue. Cut back on fertilizing when watering with tap to prevent over-accumulation of salts on the foliage. If the damage is significant, pruning affected leaves improves the plant’s appearance.
Signs of chemical damage
– Browning leaf edges and tips
– White crusty deposits on leaves
– Leaves turning yellow or wilting
– Worse on older leaves near base
– Using unfiltered tap water
How to prevent chemical damage
– Use distilled, rain, or spring water
– Let tap water sit out before using
– Install a water filtration system
– Rinse/mist leaves with pure water
– Reduce fertilizer when using tap water
– Prune damaged leaves
Low Temperature
Although Bird of Paradise adapts well to average indoor environments, cold drafts or temperatures dipping below 55°F (13°C) can cause leaf damage. The foliage may turn dark green, wilt, or become dried out.
Move the plant away from drafty windows, vents, or doors. Avoid placing in excessively cool rooms like an unheated conservatory. Maintain indoor temperatures above 60°F, using a portable heater or by moving to a warmer room in winter.
Keep the soil moderately moist but not soggy when growing in cool conditions. Increase humidity around the plant by misting, using a pebble tray, or grouping with other plants. Insulating the pot with bubble wrap also protects the roots from chilly air.
Signs of low temperature damage
– Leaves turning darker green
– Wilting or shriveling foliage
– Dry, brown leaf edges
– Slow growth
– Cool room or drafty location
How to prevent cold damage
– Maintain indoor temperatures above 55°F
– Move to a warm room in winter
– Keep away from drafty areas
– Use a portable heater if needed
– Insulate pot with bubble wrap
– Keep soil moderately moist
– Increase humidity around plant
Pests
Insect pests can also cause drying along the edges of Bird of Paradise leaves. Spider mites are a common culprit, feeding on the undersides of leaves and causing stippling damage. Mealybugs and scale insects suck sap, robbing moisture from the leaves.
Check along the midribs and undersides of leaves for small pests or unusual white specks. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove any visible insects. Removing affected leaves can help reduce pest populations. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill mites, mealybugs, and soft scales. Systemic pesticides work well against sap-sucking scale insects.
Signs of pest damage
– Stippling or speckled areas on leaves
– Fine webbing under leaves
– Honeydew or sticky residue on leaves
– White cottony masses on stems or leaves
– Small insects visible on plant
– Leaves drying from the edges inward
How to treat pests
– Inspect closely for signs of insects
– Wipe leaves to remove visible pests
– Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
– Use systemic pesticide for scale insects
– Remove heavily infested leaves
– Apply pesticide spray according to label
Nutrient Deficiencies
If your Bird of Paradise isn’t getting enough of certain nutrients, the leaves can dry out and turn brown around the edges. This often indicates a deficiency in nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, or iron.
Nitrogen deficiency causes uniform yellowing on older leaves. Lack of potassium turns leaf edges dry and shriveled. Magnesium deficiency starts as yellowing between the leaf veins. Iron deficiency appears as yellowing between the veins with green veins.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer to provide complete nutrients. For targeted supplementation, use a fertilizer containing the specific nutrient that is lacking. Improve drainage or repot into fresh soil if deficiencies persist. Getting a soil test can reveal the exact nutrients your plant needs.
Signs of nutrient deficiencies
– Leaves yellowing or browning at edges
– Brown crispy leaf edges
– Yellowing between leaf veins
– Green veins with yellowing leaves
– Slow growth
– Oldest leaves affected first
How to fix deficiencies
– Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
– Use a nutrient-specific fertilizer if needed
– Test soil and adjust as needed
– Repot in fresh soil to improve drainage
– Prune off severely damaged leaves
– Increase watering frequency
Old Leaf Drop
As part of their natural growth habit, Bird of Paradise leaves will gradually yellow, dry out, and drop off the plant as they age. This is normal and allows room for new leaves to form. The oldest, lowest leaves tend to turn yellow first before dropping.
Remove any unsightly or dead leaves before they fall off naturally. Increase humidity if leaf drop seems excessive but is not accompanied by other signs of stress like pests or cultural issues. Providing good care optimizes the plant’s leaf longevity, but some natural old leaf drop is inevitable.
Signs of natural leaf drop
– Oldest leaves yellowing or browning first
– Leaf drop progresses from bottom up
– No other signs of pests or stress
– Normal part of growth cycle
– New leaves emerging at top
Caring for plants dropping leaves
– Remove old leaves before they drop
– Increase humidity levels
– Ensure plant is getting adequate water
– Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growth
– Prune at soil level for neat appearance
– Expect some leaf drop as part of natural growth
How to Revive Bird of Paradise Leaves
If your Bird of Paradise leaves are drying out, use these tips to rehydrate and revive them:
– Move to a shady location protected from direct sun. Filter sunlight with sheer curtains.
– Mist leaves daily using pure, non-fluoridated water. Avoid hard tap water which can scorch tender leaves.
– Use a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain 50-60% humidity around the plant.
– Water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid excess moisture.
– Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and chemical residue. Rinse if needed.
– Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer to nourish and stimulate new growth.
– Remove any shriveled, dead leaves to improve appearance and reduce pest habitat.
– Inspect closely for signs of pests like mites, scale, or mealybugs and treat any found.
– Give the plant time to recover in ideal conditions before exposing to bright light or drafts again.
Tips to Prevent Bird of Paradise Leaves Drying
Here are some general care tips to keep your Bird of Paradise leaves lush and beautiful:
– Provide bright, indirect light indoors. Filter harsh direct sun.
– Maintain 40-60% humidity in the room. Group plants or use a humidifier.
– Water thoroughly only when the soil becomes partly dry. Avoid saturating the soil.
– Check for pests like spider mites early and treat before they proliferate.
– Mist leaves occasionally or rinse with pure water to remove dust.
– Rotate the plant periodically for even sun exposure and growth.
– Keep away from hot and cold drafts from heating and cooling vents.
– Avoid temperature extremes outside the ideal range of 65-85°F.
– Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
– Improve drainage by repotting in fresh potting mix when needed.
– Remove spent leaves and blooms to keep your plant looking its best!
When to Worry About Dry Leaves
A few brown leaf tips or edges are common on many houseplants and not necessarily cause for concern. However, significant or worsening leaf drying indicates an underlying issue that needs attention.
– If leaf damage is primarily on one side, suspect sunburn and move to a shadier spot. Rotate periodically.
– Leaves consistently drying from the base up often signals underwatering. Check soil before watering.
– Dry air and low humidity frequently affect the leaf edges and tips first. Increase humidity around the plant.
– Tiny white spots, stippling, or sticky residue may indicate pest infestations. Inspect closely and treat.
– If older bottom leaves are yellowing or browning, rule out nutrient deficiencies and amend soil.
– Repotting into fresh soil can help if drying worsens despite adjusting water and humidity.
– Consider if any changes like location, temperature, or drafts preceded the issue. Reverse any stressors.
Seek advice from your local nursery or extension office if troubleshooting doesn’t reveal an obvious cause. They can assess drying damage and suggest tailored solutions for your situation.
Conclusion
Dry, crispy leaves are a common complaint among Bird of Paradise owners. While not ideal, leaf drying is rarely fatal and proper adjustments to care can get your plant thriving again.
To pinpoint the cause, systematically rule out potential issues like underwatering, low humidity, sunburn, pests, and nutrient deficiency. Revive damaged foliage by moving to a shady spot and increasing humidity. Consistent moisture and protection from drafts prevent future leaf damage.
With some attentive care and troubleshooting, you can get your Bird of Paradise back to vigorously producing lush green leaves. Check your plant closely, adjust care as needed, and be patient as it recovers. The vibrant blooms and bold tropical allure of Bird of Paradise are well worth the effort.