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Jul 11, 2014 8:53 PM CST
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i just bought this bird of paradise plant locally. I was told that it was 15 years old. in the pictures you can see the leaves are borwining and drying up. what is wrong and what can I do to fix it. the store guy said just to cut the dead and fertilize and it will come back quick and flower this year.

any help is appreciated.
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Jul 11, 2014 9:15 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
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Welcome! to ATP, and .. . Uh, oh, Chris. That might be a division from a 15 year old clump of Bird of Paradise, but . . if it is, it isn't going to bloom any time soon. They need to be a good large clump and crowded with each other to bloom well. They sell them at the box stores here in at least 3gal. pots, and sometimes those big plants will bloom the year you get them, but not always.

I can't tell from the leaves, but IF by chance it is a Heliconia, which is sometimes known as "false bird of paradise" then yes, there's a chance you will see healthy new leaves and a flower this summer.

Keep us posted and when it puts up a good sized new leaf post another picture, ok? Your profile doesn't show where you are, is it warm there most of the year? Or will you be bringing this plant indoors for the winter? In any case, keep that puppy in good light and keep it warm.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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Jul 13, 2014 11:46 AM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

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Hi Chrisber! Welcome! from me too!

Your plant is definitely not a 15 year old Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) and as dyzzypyxxy mentioned, it might be Parrot's Beak (Heliconia psittacorum) and I agree you should keep it in bright light and warm temperatures. Keep us posted on how it's doing.
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Jul 13, 2014 12:50 PM CST
Name: Carter Mayer
Houston, TX (Zone 9b)
Adeniums Tropicals Plant Identifier
That's definitely a "regular" bird of paradise, Strelitzea reginae, but like the others said, it's only a division from a 15 year old plant, which means it is somewhat of a young plant. It might be a few years until you see blooms.

It looks like it has been neglected pretty badly prior to you purchasing it, so while it's still weak and rebounding, be wary of overwatering it. The thick, fleshy roots can rot. Also, I'd fertilize it at half strength(ish) until it starts growing well.

These are fairly tough plants once they're growing and healthy, but this one looks like it might need a little TLC for a few months.
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