Low humidity
Crispy brown edges and curling margins in dry air are a classic Bird of Paradise humidity complaint.
Diagnosis
Low humidity
What's happening
Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant that wants moderate to high humidity. In very dry indoor air, especially near a heating vent or air conditioner, the broad leaf margins lose water faster than the roots can replace it, so the edges brown and crisp and the whole leaf may curl inward to conserve moisture.
How to fix it
Raise the humidity around the plant: group it with other plants, set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, or run a small humidifier nearby — and move it away from vents and drafts. Trim the worst of the browned edges with clean scissors following the leaf's natural shape so it looks tidy while new growth comes in greener.
What fixes it
- A small room humidifier — A small humidifier near the plant keeps the broad leaf edges from crisping, especially in dry winter air.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Bird of Paradise care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this