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Bird of paradise · Strelitzia reginae

How do I get rid of pests on my Bird of Paradise?

Bird of Paradise plants are prone to spider mites and mealybugs that hide in the crevices of the leaves. Check the undersides of the leaves and the stem junctions for signs of infestation.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for webbing.
  2. Check the stem junctions for white cottony spots.
  3. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and pests.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see fine webbing between leaves and tiny yellow stippling or dots on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry conditions.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the leaves once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for small, white, cottony masses in the leaf axils or along the stems. They feed on sap and leave behind sticky residue.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the white masses. Follow up with a neem oil spray to catch any remaining eggs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bird of paradise

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Small infestations are easy to manage, but if the plant is covered in webs or losing leaves, it needs immediate treatment. Isolate the plant from others to prevent spread.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe the leaves monthly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and discourage pests. Keep the plant healthy with proper light and water to boost its natural defenses.

Bird of paradise: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bird of paradise and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill pests?
A very mild solution of water and a drop of gentle dish soap can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh detergents.
Do I need to repot if I have pests?
Usually no, unless the infestation is severe and has moved into the soil. Focus on treating the leaves first.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Bird of paradise

Back to the Bird of paradise guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.