Care Guide | Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise is a bold, tropical showstopper that brings instant vacation vibes wherever it grows. It's no surprise that it's related to the banana with its massive banana-like leaves and striking, crane-shaped blooms. Whether the blooms are orange, gold, or white, each type is stunning.
Characteristics
Bird of Paradise plants are fast-growing tropical perennials that thrive in USDA zones 10–12. They prefer warm temperatures, bright light, and rich, well-drained soil. These plants grow in upright clumps with large, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach several feet long. Orange and Gold Birds (Strelitizia reginae) average 4-6 feet while Giant White (Strelitizia alba) averages 15-20 feet. There is also a narrow-form Orange variety (Strelitzia juncea). These plants are moderately fast growers and benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. If planted indoors, Bird of Paradise typically stays between 4–8 feet. Indoor blooming requires optimal conditions and maturity.
Overview
🏷️ Scientific Name: Strelitzia spp.
📊 Classification: Tropical perennial plant
📍 Origin: South Africa
🗺️ USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–12
📏 Height Potential: 4–20 feet
🏡 Planting: Indoors or outdoors
☀️ Light: Bright light to full sun
💧 Soil/Watering: Well-drained, moderate watering
🍴 Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer
✂️ Pruning: Remove damaged leaves
❄️ Cold Weather Care: Protect from cold below 50°F
🌸 Blooming: 3–5+ years (indoors may take longer)
🕷️ Common Pests: Spider mites, scale, mealybugs
🐈 Toxic to Pets? Yes (mildly)
Scientific Name
Bird of Paradise plants belong to the Strelitziaceae family and are classified under the Strelitzia genus. The most common species are Strelitzia reginae (orange or golden blooms) and Strelitizia alba (white blooms). These plants are closely related to banana plants due to their similar leaf structure.
Classification
Bird of Paradise plants are tropical perennials known for their dramatic foliage and unique flowers. They grow in clumps from underground rhizomes and produce long-stemmed leaves that fan outward. Mature plants can produce iconic flowers that resemble a bird’s head and plumage.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Plants have a culture they prefer, just as people from various countries and households have their own customs and traditions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture created the USDA hardiness zone map to help gardeners identify the areas in which plants tend to grow well based on past average temperatures/climates. On the USDA's site, you can enter your zip code to identify your hardiness zone.
Bird of Paradise grows best in USDA Zones 10–12, where temperatures remain warm year-round. They are sensitive to cold and can suffer damage below 50°F.
No fear if you live outside the hardiness zone, you can make a few adjustments to help it thrive. The most important adjustment of which is to protect from temperature extremes. In cooler climates, they are best grown in containers and brought indoors during colder months.
Height Potential
Outdoors, Bird of Paradise can reach heights of 15–20 feet (white) and 4-6 feet (orange and gold). Indoors, they typically range from 4-8 feet. Their large leaves and upright growth habit make them a striking focal point.
Planting
Plant Bird of Paradise in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Choose a location with bright light and some protection from strong winds. When planting in containers, ensure there are drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Light
Bird of Paradise thrives in bright, indirect light to full sun. Indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window for best results. Insufficient light can slow growth and prevent flowering.
Soil/Watering
Use a well-draining potting mix and water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Bird of Paradise prefers evenly moist soil but does not tolerate soggy conditions. Reduce watering slightly during winter.
Fertilizer
Feed regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks. This supports strong leaf growth and encourages flowering in mature plants.
Pruning
Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy and to improve airflow.
Cold Weather Care
Bird of Paradise is not cold-hardy. Protect plants from temperatures below 50°F. Bring container plants indoors or cover outdoor plants during cold snaps. Learn more in our Overwintering Guide.
Fruiting and Harvesting
Bird of Paradise is grown for its foliage and flowers. Under ideal conditions, mature plants can bloom annually, producing long-lasting flowers.
Common Pests
Common pests include spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Wipe leaves regularly and treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Toxic to Pets?
Bird of Paradise is mildly toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, so keep out of reach of your furry friends.
After Arrival Care
Please give your plant a little TLC after its journey through the mail 📬. Here are a few steps we recommend:
- Unwrap immediately to provide fresh air to the plant and soil.
- Wait a few days before exposing to full sunlight so your plant can adjust after being in a dark box for several days.
- Always protect from heat and cold because temperature extremes can be stressful or deadly for plants.
- Water. Your baby plant may be parched and even a little wilted but thorough hydration will help it recover.
- Grow out in a larger pot to increase your chances of success—i.e., a quarter gallon—Then transplant to the ground or the next pot size up once the roots fill to the bottom. This will help the plant get sufficient water and nutrients directly to the roots.
Learn more in our After Arrival Care Guide.
Repotting
We highly recommend growing your baby plant out in a larger pot 🪴 to increase your chances of success
You don’t have to repot immediately, but the sooner you do, the more room it has to grow.
Here are some general repotting tips:
- Start with a pot that's 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the starter-sized pot it came in. A pint or quart would be great.
- Transplant to the next pot size up once the roots fill to the bottom.
Learn more in our Repotting Guide.
Grown Your Own Bird of Paradise
Start or continue growing your Bird of Paradise collection with Wellspring Gardens.
Happy planting! 🪴