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The Bird of Paradise plant is admired for its lush, tropical foliage and striking, bird-like flowers that add a bold touch of greenery to any space. Native to South Africa, these beauties thrive indoors with the right care and can grow up to six feet tall, bringing an impressive statement to your home decor. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Bird of Paradise healthy and flourishing.
Bird of Paradise plants crave bright, direct sunlight. They need at least 4-6 hours of light daily to grow well and may even tolerate some direct sunlight, which helps develop those iconic, large leaves. Place them near a south or west-facing window where they’ll get plenty of natural light, or supplement with a grow light if needed. Insufficient light can lead to slower growth and smaller leaves.
Bird of Paradise enjoys consistent moisture but doesn’t do well with overwatering. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings, and then water thoroughly until you see it drain from the bottom of the pot. During the growing season (spring and summer), it will need more frequent watering, but you can reduce watering in the fall and winter as growth slows down. Also when watering into a pot without drainage holes, be sure to discard any excess water to prevent root rot or pests.
Tip: Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering, or brown, crispy edges, which suggest under-watering.
Being a tropical plant, the Bird of Paradise loves warmth and high humidity. Ideal temperatures range from 65-80°F (18-27°C), and they do best with humidity levels above 50%. If your home tends to be dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier or misting the leaves occasionally. A pebble tray with water underneath the pot can also help boost humidity.
To propagate a Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), the most effective method is through division, as it doesn’t readily propagate from cuttings. Start by removing the plant from its pot and gently separating the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has at least one healthy stem and a good portion of the root system. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners to carefully separate the roots if needed. Once divided, plant each section in a new pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand. Water the newly potted divisions thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. Keep the newly propagated plants in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light to encourage root growth and prevent transplant shock. With patience, the divisions will establish themselves and start to grow into new Bird of Paradise plants.
Bird of Paradise plants prefer a somewhat snug pot but should be repotted every 1-2 years as they grow. Repotting every spring helps refresh the soil and gives the roots more space, encouraging healthy growth. Use a pot one size up with drainage holes, as they don’t like to be overly root-bound.
Bird of Paradise plants prefer well-draining soil that retains moisture. A mix formulated for tropical plants or a blend of potting soil with added perlite or sand works well. This helps prevent the roots from sitting in water and reduces the risk of root rot.
Feed your Bird of Paradise with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall). In the winter, when the plant’s growth slows, you can cut back on fertilizing to once a month or stop altogether.
Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to salt and mineral buildup in the soil, which may damage the roots.
Prune away any damaged or yellowing leaves to keep your plant looking fresh and to encourage new growth. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant absorb more light. If you notice the plant getting too big, you can trim back leaves or stems to maintain its shape.
Although Bird of Paradise plants can bloom indoors, it requires patience and the right conditions. If you have a smaller Bird of Paradise (4" or 6" size), keep in mind that it can take several years for it to mature enough to produce flowers - often 3-5 years. For mature plants, ample light, stable humidity, and consistent care increase the chances of seeing their stunning, bird-shaped blooms. Even without flowers, though, their large, lush leaves create a striking tropical look indoors!
These splits, or natural "fenestrations," occur as the plant matures, often after it’s been exposed to bright light and some airflow. Without enough light or space, young leaves may appear more solid and lack splits.
While some plants can be propagated in water, Bird of Paradise is typically propagated by division, not water propagation. Mature plants with multiple stems can be carefully separated and replanted.
This could be a natural secretion of minerals or salts from the plant, especially if you’re using hard water. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove it. If it persists, consider using filtered water.
Curling leaves can be a response to low humidity, dehydration, or even temperature stress. Increasing humidity, watering consistently, and ensuring it’s in a stable environment can help the leaves flatten out.
Yes, indoor Birds of Paradise can grow to 6-7 feet tall! Prune any dead or lower leaves to manage height and width, and be sure to rotate the plant occasionally for even growth.
Bird of Paradise plants actually like being slightly root-bound, and frequent repotting can stress them. Repot every 2-3 years, and when you do, only go up one pot size at a time.
Yes, but it requires a lot of light—often 6+ hours of bright light daily—maturity (usually 3-5 years for small plants), and consistent care. Patience is key, and even then, blooms aren’t guaranteed indoors.
Yes! They love the outdoors and will thrive in warm, indirect sunlight. However, they need time to acclimate to full sun to prevent leaf burn and should be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Use a damp cloth or a gentle spray to clean dust off the leaves. For taller plants, a gentle spray with lukewarm water in the shower or with a garden hose (outdoors) can also help.
They can attract spider mites, mealybugs, and scale, especially if the indoor environment is dry. Regular leaf cleaning, misting, and checking the leaves can help prevent infestations.
Since Bird of Paradise stems grow from the base, cutting the stems won’t encourage branching. Instead, remove older, lower leaves or selectively trim only if necessary to control size.
Tearing is natural, especially in mature plants. Birds of Paradise evolved to withstand wind, and the tears help prevent wind damage in the wild. Keep humidity levels high, and be gentle when handling the leaves.
No, Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is not considered pet safe. The plant contains compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested, particularly to cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of the plant may cause mild to moderate symptoms of poisoning, including vomiting, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset. It's important to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the Bird of Paradise, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for guidance.