---
title: "I am trying to bring my birds of paradise back from some gnarly years…"
description: "I am trying to bring my birds of paradise back from some gnarly years of neglect due to medical school. I saw this on one of her stalks and have been batteling…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/-q2S4RNZQuy36AhUq2_D9w"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Elle"
published: "2024-05-03T15:45:20.296751Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/jxHT9Dgbuj_4KEjw_hSen9YqzoqTuMFCefAO0w8e1cw/FsdCsYHSTS2Cf7VWCyYzvw.webp?size=large"
---

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# I am trying to bring my birds of paradise back from some gnarly years…

_Posted by Elle on 2024-05-03_

I am trying to bring my birds of paradise back from some gnarly years of neglect due to medical school. I saw this on one of her stalks and have been batteling spider mites for about a year. Anyone know what this is? Anyone have any advice? Please be nice, the guilt is killing me already!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/jxHT9Dgbuj_4KEjw_hSen9YqzoqTuMFCefAO0w8e1cw/FsdCsYHSTS2Cf7VWCyYzvw.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### fireside commented on 2024-05-03

I am also interested in the answer! I only noticed this after thrips but not sure if it was there before.

### Naturalee commented on 2024-05-03

This is just scarring. With regards to you spider mite issue. Liquid soap (ideally Castile but if not then dish soap) is your best friend. Dilute in a spray bottle. Spray the whole plant, under and over the leaves to cover all surfaces, leave for 10 mins then rinse.

#### Elle replied on 2024-05-03

Amazing! Thank you. I’ve tried the spray and neem oil. I have just repotted and pruned her hoping to boost her immune system. Then I will try it again. Thanks for much!!!?

#### Naturalee replied on 2024-05-03

No probs. I find large terracotta pots and loam based compost is the best for strelitzia. If they’re in regular soft nutrient rich compost their roots go wild and they need repotting all too often. Replicate hard regular natural ground if you can.

#### Elle replied on 2024-05-04

Yes! Okay! I am feeling motivated again. Thank you!

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