Overwatering
Wet soil plus yellowing lower leaves points squarely at overwatering — the fastest way to set a Bird of Paradise back.
Diagnosis
Overwatering
What's happening
Bird of Paradise has thick, fleshy roots that need air as much as water. When the mix stays soggy, those roots can't breathe, begin to rot, and stop feeding the plant. It responds by sacrificing its oldest leaves first, which yellow uniformly from the bottom up.
How to fix it
Stop watering and let the soil dry well down. Slide the plant out and inspect the roots — firm and pale is healthy, so trim away any brown, mushy ones with clean scissors and repot into a fresh, chunky, well-draining mix in a pot with drainage holes. Going forward, water only when the top 2 inches feel dry; Bird of Paradise wants a deep drink followed by a real dry-down, never constant moisture.
What fixes it
- A soil moisture meter — A moisture meter removes the guesswork — only water when it reads dry a couple of inches down.
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