Bird of Paradise plants (Strelitzia) are total showstoppers. They bring that instant tropical vibe to your living room or patio with flowers so unique, they look exactly like a colorful crane or parrot taking flight. Those exotic blooms look amazing against the lush, deep green foliage that reminds me so much of banana leaves.
But every now and then, your Bird of Paradise might start acting up by curling its leaves. If you see those leaves rolling inward, it’s the plant’s way of telling you something is wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot the problem and get your plant back to its beautiful self.
Why Are My Bird of Paradise Leaves Curling?
There are a few usual suspects when it comes to leaf curling:
- Not enough water
- Low humidity
- Overwatering (root rot)
- Pest infestations
- The wrong location
Getting the Watering Just Right
Because of those massive leaves, these tropical beauties lose a lot of moisture through evaporation, meaning they’re pretty thirsty plants. If the soil stays dry for too long, the leaves will curl up to conserve moisture. If your soil is bone-dry, give the pot a good soak in a basin of water until it’s hydrated, then make sure to pour off any excess from the saucer.
On the flip side, too much love can be a problem. If you’ve overwatered, stop immediately! You can move the pot into a sunny spot to help the soil dry out faster. However, if the soil starts smelling a bit funky or “sour,” you’re likely dealing with root rot. In that case, your best bet is repotting the plant immediately into fresh, clean soil.
The “Goldilocks” rule for watering? Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again. Also, make sure your pot has great drainage—adding some terracotta shards or pebbles at the bottom helps prevent soggy feet.
Low humidity is another big culprit, especially during the winter when our heaters blast dry air. To keep your plant happy, give it a regular misting, set it near a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby.
Dealing with Pests
If your Bird of Paradise is under attack by bugs, it will often react by curling its leaves. Scale insects and spider mites are the most common uninvited guests, especially during the winter dormancy period. Make it a habit to check the undersides of those big leaves regularly so you can catch any hitchhikers before they move in permanently.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Bird of Paradise plants crave light and warmth, but there is such a thing as “too hot.” If it gets sweltering, the plant rolls its leaves to protect itself from losing too much water. You might notice them unroll again at night when things cool down. During a heatwave, try moving your plant into bright, dappled shade. Also, keep an eye on the wind—drafty balconies or windy corners can stress the plant out. A bright, sheltered spot is always the way to go!
