Birds of Paradise Plant Care Guide | The Sill (2024)

FAQs

How do you take care of a croton plant on the sill? ›

WATER- These guys like to stay evenly moist, and don't like to dry out. If your house is on the dry side you can mist your Croton in between watering. PRUNING - Other than removing unhealthy leaves, Croton plants need little pruning. Overgrown leaves or branches can be trimmed just above a node or leaf set.

Place your aloe on a warm, sunny sill, and water only when dry. Aloes are drought-tolerant and prefer to be under-watered. Not sure when to water? Wrinkles on the aloe's fleshy leaves are a telltale sign.

Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. The Bird of Paradise prefers a humid environment. Add a pebble tray or a humidifier nearby if you notice crispy leaf edges.

The large, heavy leaves of the Bird of Paradise put a lot of weight on the top. Without adequate support, such as a deep enough pot to stabilize the plant or stakes to help support its stems, the plant's stems may start bending under this top-heavy burden, or the whole plant will start leaning.

Overwatering is a common culprit for mushy Croton leaves. If your plant's soil feels like a wet sponge, it's time for an intervention. Cease watering immediately and let the soil dry out. Check the roots; if they're brown and slimy, it's root rot.

You'll know your aloe plant is being overwatered when the leaves develop what are called water-soaked spots that look soggy and soft. It's almost as though the entire leaf becomes saturated with water, then it turns to mush.

Cut off and dispose of discoloured, soft leaves, as they provide the perfect conditions for fungal growth. The most common reasons for brown leaves on Aloe vera: Growth: As younger leaves grow out, older ones must be removed.

Low-growing and tolerant of a range of light levels, many succulents, such as aloes, agaves, echeverias and crassulas, are perfect for growing on windowsills. Most thrive in full sun and need very little watering.

Some indications that your plant could be overwatered are droopy leaves, excessive splitting, and browning edged leaves with a yellow line. If you think you may have overwatered, a soil probe can help you assess how we the soil is at the root level and aerate the soil to release excess moisture.

Your Bird of Paradise likes a salt-free diet, so make sure you are using good water. You may need to switch to distilled water if you notice the leaves are turning brown. However, first try letting your tap water sit uncovered overnight to allow for the chlorine and fluoride to evaporate.

Do birds of paradise like to be misted? ›

Although your plant will do just fine in household humidity, increase the humidity around the plant, by misting or using a humidifier, to keep the splitting to a minimum. Avoid keeping your plant in any drafts though.

The best planters for Bird of Paradise plants are typically large containers with sub-irrigation systems or drainage holes at the bottom. These plants have extensive root systems and require ample space to grow, so choose a planter that is at least 3-5 inches wider than the plant's root ball.

💡 Correcting Light Conditions

Rotate your White Bird of Paradise regularly to ensure even growth and symmetry. If leaves droop or refuse to unfurl, it's a cry for more light. Move it to a brighter spot and keep those leaves dust-free for maximum light absorption.

Where to Plant Croton. If your winters are mild enough to plant croton in the landscape, you can grow it outdoors. Croton needs sun but does not do well in the scorching sun, so choose a location with partial or dappled shade. Make sure the soil provides excellent drainage and has a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.

Crotons need plenty of bright light, a consistently warm spot and high humidity. They can take some direct sunshine but keep them away from direct midday sun. Keep the soil moist from spring to autumn, and provide some humidity by misting regularly or standing on a tray of moist pebbles.

Croton has the best color in bright, indirect light. Croton does best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil. They need bright, indirect light when grown indoors. Outdoors they thrive in partial shade, and in cool climates can tolerate full sun if kept moist (and are acclimated first when moved from inside).

If you accidentally let your Croton's soil dry out completely, you may see some leaves drop. It will benefit from a good soak in the sink or tub to properly rehydrate the soil. Keep in mind that when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your Croton and cause leaves to drop.