Bird of paradise left in car for hours during midday heat...
Someone bought me a plant as a gift, but they accidentally left it in their car for about 6 hours during the midday heat (from 1-7 pm) :( I think it is heat scorched, but I’m hoping I can revive it!
One of the stems also got some damage to it on the drive over from getting bent. It did not go all the way through, but it had internal exposure and was falling over where the cut was. It is Saran wrapped to keep the plant upright, and to keep the “wound” closed so that maybe it can heal itself?
I have watered it to drainage twice, as I don’t think I gave it enough the first time? Is there any hope for it? anything else I can do for it?
One of the stems also got some damage to it on the drive over from getting bent. It did not go all the way through, but it had internal exposure and was falling over where the cut was. It is Saran wrapped to keep the plant upright, and to keep the “wound” closed so that maybe it can heal itself?
I have watered it to drainage twice, as I don’t think I gave it enough the first time? Is there any hope for it? anything else I can do for it?
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@RichNiaouli10 the plant is likely in shock and will need some time to recover. I’d cut that lower damaged leaf off as it’s just going to take energy away from the rest of the plant. For the broken leaf wrapped in Saran wrap, it could heal. I used scotch tape one time on a pink princess stalk I broke and it actually healed over time. I’d try some plant tape or masking tape instead of the Saran Wrap. I’d also place the plant in the tub and it water again using the shower. Take it out of the tub and then run hot water to create steam bath to provide the plant some humidity. Leave it in the bathroom for 20 mins with the steam and then place it in a bright sunny spot in your home. I have 2 BOP and they are pretty sturdy forgiving plants. I think yours will come back with some tlc.
@RichNiaouli10 Because cars act like greenhouses, midday heat causes severe dehydration and sunburn. Follow these steps to maximize your plant's chances of bouncing back: Hydrate Immediately: Heat-shocked plants dry out quickly. Soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, but allow it to dry slightly between future waterings to avoid root rot. Relocate to Indirect Light: Direct sun will scorch already damaged leaves. Move the plant to a warm spot with bright but indirect sunlight. Prune Carefully: Trim away leaves that are completely black, crispy, or dead. However, leave partially green leaves alone for now—even damaged foliage helps the plant photosynthesize while it recovers. Boost Humidity: Tropical plants need moist air. Mist the leaves, group it with other plants, or use a room humidifier nearby to prevent further moisture loss. Hold Off on Fertilizer: Do not fertilize a stressed plant. Added nutrients can burn the roots while the plant is trying to survive the shock. Be Patient: Recovery takes time. It is normal for old leaves to drop or curl over the next few weeks; focus on the root system, as healthy roots will push out new growth.
