Too much harsh sun or a feeding gap

What's happening

New leaves bleaching to a pale, washed-out yellow on the window side point to harsh midday sun burning tender growth before it hardens off. Pale, weak new leaves with no recent feeding instead point to a nutrient shortfall, since young growth is the first to show when a heavy feeder runs low on food.

How to fix it

If a window is scorching it, pull the plant back from the glass or filter midday sun with a sheer curtain — Bird of Paradise loves bright light but young leaves burn in unfiltered afternoon sun. If feeding is overdue, start a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength through the growing season, and the next leaves should unfurl a healthy green.

This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.