Hi Eric,

Your plant is a Strelitzia or White Bird of Paradise Plant.

White Bird of Paradise Plant – Strelitzia

White Bird of Paradise Plant – Strelitzia

A Bird of Paradise Plant is a slow growing plant with large paddle- shaped leaves that resemble those of a Banana Plant. Even indoors, a Bird of Paradise Plant can easily reach a height of 6ft.-7ft. This plant has no stem and the leaves, sometimes 3ft or more in length, emerge from a central frond. After about 4 or 5 years, a Bird of Paradise Plant(Strelitzia Reginae) may, on very, very rare occasions, produce an exotic orange/red flower that resembles the head of a crane. The Strelizia Nicolai or White Bird of Paradise will produce a blue/white version of this flower. Flower production is much more frequent when a Bird of Paradise Plant is used as an outdoor plant.

Browning on the leaves is usually caused by too much fertilizerPlants need fertilizer only when they are actively growing. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food. Too much fertilizer is worse than not enough. Most plants prefer a water soluble plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Plants that are in bloom or dormant should not be fertilized. Houseplant food contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A fertilizer containing these elements in equal proportion is considered a balanced plant food. Nitrogen helps in photosynthesis and encourages the growth of leaves and stems. Potassium and phosphorus also help in photosynthesis and aid in root and flower development. Most fertilizers have trace elements of other minerals that are lacking in the soil but are necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizers have a high salt content. If a plant is not producing new leaves and doesn’t absorb the fertilizer, salts build up in the soil. These salts can burn the roots, discolor the leaves, and cause new growth to be small. or too many chemicals in the water you are using. Feed a Bird of Paradise Plant monthly in the spring and summer when it is actively growing with a good basic houseplant fertilizerPlants need fertilizer only when they are actively growing. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food. Too much fertilizer is worse than not enough. Most plants prefer a water soluble plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Plants that are in bloom or dormant should not be fertilized. Houseplant food contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A fertilizer containing these elements in equal proportion is considered a balanced plant food. Nitrogen helps in photosynthesis and encourages the growth of leaves and stems. Potassium and phosphorus also help in photosynthesis and aid in root and flower development. Most fertilizers have trace elements of other minerals that are lacking in the soil but are necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizers have a high salt content. If a plant is not producing new leaves and doesn’t absorb the fertilizer, salts build up in the soil. These salts can burn the roots, discolor the leaves, and cause new growth to be small. at 1/2 the recommended strength. Never fertilize a Bird of Paradise Plant in the fall and winter. Excess food in the soil deposits salts that burn the leaves. If the water you are using contains fluoride or chlorine let it sit out over night before using it so the chemicals can evaporate. Never use water that has passed through softener, it has too much salt and it too will burn plant leaves.

A Bird of Paradise Plant requires very bright indirect lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light.. You may have to move your plant to different areas as the seasons change in order to give it adequate light. Placing a Bird of Paradise Plant close to a south- facing window is always best.

In the spring and summer the soil of a Bird of Paradise Plant should be moist but never soggy. This plant needs less water in the fall and winter. Water a Bird of Paradise Plant from the bottom so the soil does not become too compact and remains well aerated. Again, water that has a high salt content burns the leaves.

You can read more about a Bird of Paradise Plant in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.

Bird of Paradise Plant

These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants