The Bird of Paradise (strelitzia reginae) is a stunning plant native to South Africa with purple, blue and orange hues. This plant has a distinctive shape, with its long leaves resembling the wings of a bird.
It’s easy to take care of, thriving best in indirect light and humid conditions – you’ll have to mist it regularly and place it in bright but indirect sunlight for it to be happy. With regular watering and light pruning, your Bird of Paradise will be a beautiful addition to any room in your home.
If your Bird of Paradise plant is sunburnt, you can tell – the leaves will start to turn yellow or brown and become dry, or they’ll turn brown around the edges or leaf tips.
How to Keep a Bird of Paradise From Getting Sunburnt
Move your Plant Indoors in Extreme Heat
During periods of extreme heat, move your plant indoors and ensure it gets plenty of light. Be sure to also check for pests like mealybugs or spider mites, which can cause damage by sucking sap from the plant. Be diligent in treating any infestations.
Keep Its Large Leaves out of the Sun (Outdoor BOP)
If you’re keeping your Bird of Paradise outdoors, it’s essential to make sure that the area it’s planted in gets some shade during the day.
Direct sunlight in the afternoon is too harsh for the large Strelitzia leaves and could leave burn marks
Choose a Window that Gets Direct Sunlight in The Morning or Afternoon
Choosing a spot with bright but indirect light will prevent sunburn and help ensure your plant thrives. Choose a south-facing window to allow for the most sunlight or a window that gets direct sunlight in the morning or afternoon. Remember, too much sun can be damaging – so monitor your plant’s growth and adjust its location as needed.
Water Your Plant
The Bird of Paradise needs a lot of water to thrive. If it’s dehydrated, it’s easier for its leaves to get sunburnt.
In addition, be sure to provide adequate moisture, regularly misting the leaves and ensuring the soil doesn’t get too dry. Watch for signs of dehydration, like limp foliage or wilting, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
The Bird Of Paradise Needs a Lot of Humidity
Providing adequate humidity is another important part of keeping your Bird of Paradise healthy. Aim to keep the air around the plant at 40-50% humidity.
If you’re in a dry environment, you may need to mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to maintain this humidity level. Additionally, you can group multiple plants, as their transpiration process creates a moist microclimate that they all benefit from.
What to Do if Your Bird of Paradise’s Leaves Are Sunburnt
If your Bird of Paradise’s leaves become sunburnt, there are a few steps you can take to help it recover.
- First, move the plant to an area with less direct sunlight and avoid moving it during the hottest part of the day.
- Second, check the soil moisture; if it’s too dry, give the plant a good watering and mist the leaves with a spray bottle.
- Third, trim off any badly damaged leaves to reduce stress on the plant and prevent further damage. Lastly, provide necessary nutrients using an appropriate fertilizer formulated for Bird of Paradise plants.
By following these steps, you should be able to help your Bird of Paradise recover from sunburned leaves and enjoy it for years to come.