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Help white bird of paradise

Christian 7b NC

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Just bought this, but suspect there may be root rot. Can someone confirm and provide advice?

Featured Answer

hc mcdole

4 years ago

Get rid of it. It is too large for a houseplant. I had one for a few years that I moved from a 2 or 3 gallon Home Depot Xmas pot up to a 24 inch (or larger) container. New leaves looked great but in a few months were tattered and torn and repeated the next year. Heavy to drag inside and outside. Finally let it outside one winter to let Jack Frost have it. Get the standard BOP plant instead but even then it is quite large - at least they will bloom once in a great while in a pot.

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Comments (9)

green_vibes (z. 7/8)
4 years ago
It seems there're some weeds competing with your plant for the nutrients in the soil. Why don't you re-pot it in new soil and assess the roots at the same time? Better yet, can you take it back for a replacement or refund?
Christian 7b NC thanked green_vibes (z. 7/8)
Mike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy
4 years ago
it’s hard to identify the problem with the picture truncated
Christian 7b NC thanked Mike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy
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I made the same mistake, planting BOP too close to screened porch. However, I dug up and moved the entire plant to a better location without trimming it to the ground as you have done. The root ball was huge and filled with a nest of baby ringneck snakes. My BOP probably weighed 150 pounds and was incredibly difficult to move. It took the abuse well and is very happily growing in a good location now. Take care of yours before it grows back. It will grow back. With a vengeance. Best wishes!
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Oh don't you worry about the pot size! A large plant like this does need a large pot. Nurseries keep their plants in minimal sizes to save space. Whether you put it in a large pot, a huge planter or in the ground makes no difference. I am sure your plant will be much happier in there with some space. It has to be able to develop a good root system. And you don't want it to blow over in the wind either. I think the 'plants want to/need to be pot-bound' tale was just an invention of chronic overwaterers. Just remember, the larger the pot, the longer it takes to dry out. You will have to watch the plant and the soil until you get the feel for it, you don't want to keep it permanently soggy. But as long as it has a drainage hole this will hardly happen. The spot you have it in sounds good to me, just be careful of the sun in the beginning if this plant has been standing in a shady place or indoors until now. But - what are you going to do with it in winter?? Maddy
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bragu_DSM 5
4 years ago
return it if you have the receipt ... or exchange it
Christian 7b NC thanked bragu_DSM 5
Matt z5b - Greenhouse 10a
4 years ago
Nothing wrong with it. I would let it dry up and re pot it. Why do you suspect that... it could easily have just been neglected at lowes or where ever you bought it. Did you keep it?
Pagan Hedgewitch
4 years ago
Let it dry out a bit. They're very drought tolerant plants. Gently turn the pot upside down, holding your hand over the root ball. Tip it out. Does it smell as if it's rotting? If it does gently take out the old soil and cut of any squishy roots, replace it with fresh soil and leave it awhile before watering. Then don't go overboard watering. Common rule is, if it's damp below the surface then leave it another day. .
Lars
4 years ago
I agree with HC McDole - it is much too large to be a house plant. I
planted mine outdoors, and it grew to 20 feet high in two years. It is
common here as a landscaping plant, and some people (including idiotic
newcasters) confuse it with banana trees. I love it as an outdoor plant
but would never consider it a house plant.
Mike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy
4 years ago
You mean throw it away? :O
Chloé
3 years ago
Hey Christian, out of curiosity how is the plant doing?

I hope you decided to keep it :)

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