Why Bird of Paradise Flowers Turn Black: Fungal Issues, Fertilizer Burn, and Chemical Drift

Common Causes

• Fungal infection: Frequent moisture (fog, sprinklers, hand-watering) on flowers.
• Fertilizer burn: Too much fertilizer, or fertilizing dry plants.
• Chemical drift: Lawn products, house-washing chemicals, or garden sprays hitting flowers on hot days.

Response

1. Clip off blackened flowers.
2. Water deeply but infrequently (every 5–7 days).
3. Monitor for recurrence.