Complete Guide to Bird of Paradise Care and Growth

Ideal Light for Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise is not a low-light plant. To thrive and, more importantly, to bloom, it needs very bright light. It can handle and even enjoys a few hours of direct sunlight, especially morning sun from an east-facing window. A spot near a south or west-facing window is also ideal.

Without enough light, the plant will survive, but its growth will be slow, and it will likely never produce its famous flowers. If you notice your plant leaning heavily, it’s stretching for more light.

Best & Worst Light Conditions

• Best Light Conditions:

  • Directly in front of a large south- or west-facing window.
  • In a sunroom or conservatory.
  • Any location that receives at least 4-6 hours of bright, direct sunlight per day.

• Avoid:

  • Low-light corners or rooms with only north-facing windows.
  • Placing it too far from a window.

Watering Needs

Watering Frequency

• Growing Season (Spring-Summer): Water once a week, or whenever the top few inches of soil are dry.
• Dormant Season (Fall-Winter): Reduce watering frequency. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings, perhaps every 2-3 weeks.

How to Water

Which Bird of Paradise Do You Have?

While both are called Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai are quite different.

• Orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

  • Size: This is the smaller of the two, typically growing 4-6 feet tall indoors.
  • Leaves: The leaves are paddle-shaped, growing in a dense, fountain-like clump.
  • Flowers: Produces the iconic orange and brilliant blue flowers that look like a crane’s head. It is more likely to bloom indoors than the nicolai.

• White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

  • Size: This is a true giant, capable of reaching over 15-20 feet tall indoors. It’s often mistaken for a banana plant.
  • Leaves: The leaves are massive, resembling those of a banana tree, and grow on thick, tree-like stalks.
  • Flowers: Produces much larger flowers with white sepals and a blueish-purple “tongue.” It rarely blooms indoors, as it needs to be very large and mature. It’s primarily grown for its incredible foliage.

Why Do The Leaves Split?

One of the first things new owners notice is that the large leaves on their Bird of Paradise begin to split. Many worry that the plant is damaged, but this is a completely normal and healthy part of the plant’s design.

In its native, windy environment, these splits (also called fenestrations) are an evolutionary advantage. They allow strong gusts of wind to pass through the leaves without tearing the entire leaf off the stalk. A splitting leaf is a sign that your plant is maturing and behaving exactly as it should. Do not cut the splits or remove the leaf.

Does It Need High Humidity?

Yes, as a lush tropical native, the Bird of Paradise thrives in high humidity. Its massive leaves lose a lot of moisture to the air, a process called transpiration. Providing moist air is key to preventing the edges of the leaves from turning brown and crispy. It is one of the quintessential 👉 plants that love humidity.

• Ideal Humidity: Aim for 60-70%.
• Signs of Low Humidity: Brown, crispy leaf edges and tips are the most common signs.

How to Increase Humidity

• Humidifier: Using a room humidifier near the plant is the most effective solution.
• Misting: Regularly misting the large leaves with water can provide a welcome boost of moisture.
• Grouping: Placing it with other plants creates a more humid micro-environment.

The Famous Crane Flower

Yes, but flowering indoors requires specific conditions. The main factors are maturity, light, and care.

• Maturity: A plant typically needs to be at least 4-5 years old and well-established before it has enough energy to bloom.
• Light: This is the most critical factor. The plant needs several hours of bright, direct sunlight every day to trigger flower production. A plant in a lower-light spot will likely never bloom.
• Fertilizer: Consistent feeding during the growing season provides the necessary nutrients for flowering.

If you have a mature plant in a very bright location, you have a good chance of seeing the spectacular flowers emerge, especially on the S. reginae. The white flowers of the S. nicolai are a much rarer sight indoors due to the massive size the plant must reach to bloom.

What Kind of Soil Does Bird of Paradise Like?

Bird of Paradise needs a rich, well-draining soil that can retain some moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. A standard, high-quality potting mix amended to improve drainage is ideal.

The ideal soil should be:

• Nutrient-rich to support its large size and fast growth.
• Well-draining to prevent root rot.
• Able to retain some moisture.

DIY Soil Mix Recipe for Bird of Paradise

You can create an excellent custom mix with this formula:

• 2 parts high-quality potting soil
• 1 part perlite or pumice
• 1 part compost or coco coir

This creates a fertile and well-draining medium perfect for its thick roots.

Fertilizing for Lush Growth

When and How to Fertilize

• Growing Season (Spring and Summer): Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
• Dormant Season (Fall and Winter): Reduce feeding to once a month or stop entirely.

Apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid burning the roots.

When to Repot

Bird of Paradise plants grow quickly and develop a large root system. They prefer to be slightly pot-bound, which can help encourage flowering, but will need repotting every 1-2 years.

• Frequency: Every 1-2 years.
• Signs:
  • Roots are growing out of the drainage holes or pushing the plant up.
  • The plant dries out extremely quickly.
  • Growth has slowed significantly.

Spring is the best time to repot.

How to Repot

1. Choose a New Pot: Select a sturdy pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
2. Remove the Plant: Carefully remove the plant from its pot. It may be a tight fit.
3. Inspect Roots: Gently loosen the root ball. This is also the time to divide the plant if desired.
4. Pot Up: Place a layer of fresh soil in the new pot. Center the plant and fill in around it, ensuring it’s at the same depth as before.
5. Water: Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Why and When to Prune

Pruning a Bird of Paradise is mainly for cosmetic purposes, to keep the plant looking clean and tidy.

• Why Prune: To remove any yellow or dead leaves, old brown stalks, or spent flower stems.
• When to Prune: You can remove dead foliage at any time of year.

How to Prune

Pests That May Affect Bird of Paradise

The large leaves of the Bird of Paradise can sometimes play host to common houseplant pests. Inspect the leaves regularly, especially the undersides and where they join the stem.

• Spider Mites - These are the most common pest. They thrive in dry conditions and cause stippling on the leaves. High humidity helps prevent them.
• Mealybugs - Look for white, cottony masses in leaf crevices.
• Scale Insects - Appear as hard, brown bumps on the stems and leaves.
• Aphids - Can attack new, tender growth and flower buds.

Troubleshooting Bird of Paradise Issues

Most issues with a Bird of Paradise are related to water, light, or humidity.

• Brown, Crispy Edges - This is almost always a sign of low humidity. The plant is losing moisture from its large leaves too quickly. Try grouping plants, using a humidifier, or misting.
• Yellowing Leaves - Typically caused by overwatering. Ensure the soil has good drainage and you’re letting the top layer dry out.
• Curling Leaves - A clear sign of a thirsty plant. The leaves curl to conserve water. This is your cue to check the soil and water thoroughly if dry.
• Root Rot - A serious issue caused by soil that is kept too wet. Prevent this with a well-draining pot and proper watering technique.
• Failure to Bloom - The plant is either too young or, more likely, not receiving enough bright, direct light.

Creating New Plants

1. Propagation by Division

1. Remove the Plant: Carefully take the entire plant out of its pot.
2. Separate a Section: Identify a section of the plant that has at least 3-4 stems and a healthy root system attached.
3. Make the Cut: Using a large, clean, sharp knife, carefully cut the section away from the main root ball.
4. Repot: Plant the new division in its own pot with fresh soil. Keep it in a warm, humid spot with bright, indirect light while it recovers. It will take some time to establish and may experience some shock initially.

Is Bird of Paradise toxic to cats and dogs?

Why are my Bird of Paradise leaves splitting?

How do I get my Bird of Paradise to flower?

What's the difference between the white and orange Bird of Paradise?

Why are the leaves on my Bird of Paradise curling?