Question
Hi there,
I have just bought a 5 ft high Bird of Paradise for indoors.  We live on the 23rd floor of a building with LOADS of light.  The apt is all glass and is south east facing.  The plant is in the east side of the room.  And the leaves have started to turn inward (only slightly so far).  Does this mean that I am underwatering?  Should I be misting the plant?

Answer
Joanne,

Curling and browning foliage points to drying out, either in the root area or in the air surrounding the leaves. Having problems with browning and curling leaves on Bird of Paradise and other tropical plants may be avoided by misting the foliage numerous times per day (especially early morning before direct sunlight and early evening). This will cut down on the amount of moisture the leaves lose and keep them happier. It must be in a pot that is not too large. The plant should nearly fill the pot. There should be no more than 1-2 inches of soil between the outside of the plant and the side of the pot. It will not bloom unless it is root bound. It must be in a pot with a drain hole and a drain tray under it. Water it well so some water goes into the drain tray then an hour later empty the drain tray. If you cannot pick it up use a turkey baster to suction out the excess water. You can also put a 2nd larger drain tray under the drain tray and fill that with water that will not get to the plant because of the 1st drain tray but will evaporate around the plant keeping the air more humid. Even with this it would help to mist at least once a day in the evening, more if you have time.  

You should water it whenever the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. That will keep it evenly moist. Give them an all-purpose fertilizer [20-20-20] next spring and they will grow well.

You can get even more info at http://www.recipegoldmine.com/gardengaryB/bird-paradise.html

If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck!

Darlene