Did I mess up by repotting my new bird of paradise right away?

Repotting can be a bit of a shock, especially if some roots were loosened, so I’d avoid making more changes for now unless the pot has no drainage or the plant is planted unusually deep. Keep the base of the leaf stalks above the soil rather than burying them.

For watering, check the soil instead of following a fixed schedule. Water thoroughly when the upper portion has dried, and let excess drain away. Terracotta can dry faster than plastic, so check the soil regularly, but don’t water just because a certain number of days has passed.

Give it as much bright light as you can, increasing any direct sun gradually so it has time to adjust. A bright window is usually more useful than keeping it behind a curtain all day. If it goes outdoors in warm weather, introduce it to the stronger light bit by bit and bring it back in before temperatures get too cold.

Leaf curling can have several causes, including dry soil, heat, or the recent move, so it isn’t a reliable watering signal on its own. Look at the soil and the overall condition of the plant together.

If it starts leaning, that doesn’t automatically mean the roots need another repot. Plants can lean toward a light source, and a large plant may need a sturdy support. Turning the pot a little at a time can help it grow more evenly, but don’t expect a heavy stem to straighten overnight.

For a newly purchased plant, I’d keep the setup steady for a while rather than repeatedly moving it or disturbing the roots. Make sure the pot drains freely and the plant isn’t sitting in leftover water.