Hey guys, do you have any good tips I could use to get this tiny white bird of paradise to a favorable size? I've had it for a little over a month now, and all it's done is grow a weak leaf and scrawny, tall stems. I have some red eared slider turtles, should I use some tank water or something? I'd like a decent sized bird of paradise, all I ask! Growing conditions are as follows: indoors, situated on a table on front of an east facing window, usually around 90-97 degrees Fahrenheit in the house, very close to a fan that is usually on. I've tried to put it outside in shade, but you know Arizona heat, too much to handle. Anyway, I've noticed that whenever it is outside, the leaves furl up and close in no time, but when I bring it in, they uncurl in a bit.

A photo would help, but I can offer some general advice.

Your White Bird is a slow grower and tends to grow in spurts. If it was recently moved into a larger pot, that will slow top growth as it puts its energy into filling the larger pot with roots. Otherwise, provide maximum indoor sunlight as close to a sunny window as possible. Sunlight is the key to its growth.

Keep it tightly potted and water it as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry. Use plain water, but distilled or filtered if your tap water is hard.

Do not put it outside. The outside sun is many times more intense than the indoor sun. Cooler temps would be beneficial. Also, patience.

WillC said:A photo would help, but I can offer some general advice.

Your White Bird is a slow grower and tends to grow in spurts. If it was recently moved into a larger pot, that will slow top growth as it puts its energy into filling the larger pot with roots. Otherwise, provide maximum indoor sunlight as close to a sunny window as possible. Sunlight is the key to its growth.

Keep it tightly potted and water it as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry. Use plain water, but distilled or filtered if your tap water is hard.

Do not put it outside. The outside sun is many times more intense than the indoor sun. Cooler temps would be beneficial. Also, patience.

Thanks you for the tips. Do you have any idea why the leaves curl up?

I think you answered your own question:

"Anyway, I've noticed that whenever it is outside, the leaves furl up and close in no time, but when I bring it in, they uncurl in a bit.