"scarring" on bird of paradise leaf

by vandna
(colorado)

scarred leaf

Hello,

Do you have any idea what might be going on with my bird of paradise?
It looks healthy (is giant, and always growing new leaves), but the appearance of the tallest leave has suddenly changed. It has rows of raised "scars" the same color as the leaf and some lines of perpendicular lines of very small brown lines/dots. I'm worried! Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give!

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Apr 15, 2021

Unfurling
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

Due to the way new growth emerges on Bird of Paradise plants, the leaves grow to a certain length rolled up, and very tender. Over days, they unfurl, rolling out to the full sized leaf. Due to the fact that while rolled, the leaf is very delicate, it's easy to damage it, causing permanent scarring. I will suggest that this happened while the leaf was in the process of unrolling itself, and something fell on it, or nudged it. It wouldn't take much.

Don't worry, it's not contagious. There is nothing that will spread. The leaf will still work, even if it's got a few scars, and in time, new leaves will emerge and if it bothers you, cut it off.

Apr 15, 2021

Thanks!
by: vandna

Thanks Jacki, this is reassuring!

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