Why Does My Bird Of Paradise Have Yellow Leaves?

Are there any insects or insect made damage present on your bird of paradise?

Are there clusters of small insects on the undersides of curled, distorted leaves?

Are there any waxy bumps on the leaves hiding tiny insects?

Are there any small, white, moth-like insects clustering under your plant’s yellowing leaves?

Is your bird of paradise positioned somewhere in the shade?

The leaves of your bird of paradise are yellow because of aphids. Signs of these insects are leaves yellowing in whole or in spots and a sticky residue (honeydew). Aphids may also attract ants. Spray the undersides of your plant with water from a garden sprayer to dislodge aphids and drown them. Continue spraying daily for two weeks, repeating as often as necessary. In severe cases use insecticidal soap or pyrethrin dust.

Scale bugs can cause yellowing in a variety of patterns and exude sticky residue. Unlike aphids, you’re unlikely to recognize the scale as an insect, since they hide under thick protective shells. Generally, they look more like small cankers or other unusual growths on the plant. They’re most effectively treated with neem oil.

The leaves of your Bird of Paradise are yellow because of whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. Whiteflies secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that makes leaves sticky to the touch. Control whiteflies by eliminating garden weeds and by introducing green lacewings in the garden. Spray infested plants with insecticidal soap every 3 days for 2 weeks.

If you notice small holes in the base of your bird of paradise’s leaves or the crown, you’ve got a crown borer. Once the plant has begun to yellow, there’s little you can do but remove the damaged tissues, provide excellent care, and destroy any plants that are goners.

When growing outside, bird of paradise plants prefer full sun to light shade. This can make it difficult to provide adequate light when the plant is moved indoors, resulting in a bird of paradise with yellow leaves. If your plant is indoors and is yellowing for no apparent reason, try increasing its light by adding a full-spectrum fluorescent bulb directly over the plant or moving it to a brighter room.

Bird of paradise leaves turning yellow is also commonly caused by improper watering. Bird of paradise plant is very intolerant of being either too dry or too wet soil. During the first six months after planting or repotting, the plant may be extra sensitive to fluctuations in available moisture, but by applying a two- to three-inch deep layer of mulch around the plant, you can help slow drying and even out moisture retention.