Underwatering
Dry soil and yellowing lower leaves usually mean it went too long between drinks.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Bird of Paradise is a big plant with broad leaves that move a lot of water. When the soil dries out completely, the roots can't keep the oldest leaves hydrated, so they yellow and the lower margins crisp while the soil shrinks back from the side of the pot.
How to fix it
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. If the water runs straight through bone-dry soil without soaking in, bottom-water instead: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes, then drain fully. From now on, check the soil weekly — this is a thirsty plant in active growth, and during summer a large specimen may need watering more than once a week.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can makes it easy to water this large plant deeply and evenly down at the soil.
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