Bird of Paradise Leaf is Stuck
Plant: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
How long have you had the plant? 1 to 6 months
Concerns:
I woke up this morning and my birds of paradise leaf was growing like this. It’s grown a few leaves since I got it ~ 2 months ago, but this hasn’t happened yet!
This is my first time having a birds, so I was wondering if you could inform me on what to do or what causes the leaf to half tear during growth?
Darryl
Sometimes a bird of paradise new leaf will partially rip if the moisture levels are not consistent (both air and soil).
This is the one of the rare times that I’d recommend misting – you should mist the new leaf spike daily.
For now, because the lower part is already ripped, you can help the upper portion to unravel by gently wiping it with a wet paper towel or cloth. The leaf might loosen while you’re doing this so be wary of it.
Plant Parent
Thank you for your help! I did what you recommended, and this is what it looks like this morning!
Darryl
Glad it worked out for you!
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My bird of paradise has a leaf that is broken- it’s not “split” it broke in half and now just hangs. Should I cut it off or leave it?
If you find it unsightly, then cut it off.