The Bird of Paradise Plant Care Guide

July 3, 2021

This isn’t a do not buy post by any means however, this post is more of a before you buy consider this first. I find Bird of Paradise plants to be one of my favorites in my collection. I love the huge foliage and how each new leaf is bigger than the last.

The BOP is a great and easy to care for indoor plant however this plant isn’t for everyone due to its very large growth habit.

I’ve put together this Bird of Paradise Plant Care Guide to help you learn everything you need to know before you bring this plant home or if you’ve already brought it home this guide will help you grow a happy healthy plant.

bird of paradise plant

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

The Bird of Paradise is a very fast grower. It can double its size in one year, given the right growing conditions. So what are the right conditions for this plant?

Bops LOVE very bright light! Like direct sun type of bright light. My BOPs get at least 2-4 hours of direct light and the rest of the day they get very bright light. 

Bird of Paradise plants, also known as Strelitzia plants, are known for their stunning large leaves, exotic flowers and tropical appearance in your home and garden.

They are native to tropical regions of South Africa and Madagascar and have become popular houseplants worldwide.

Characteristics of Bird of Paradise plants:

Appearance:

Bird of Paradise plants are easily recognizable and often confused with banana plants because of the shape of their leaves. Not only do they have gorgeous foliage they also have vibrant orange and blue flowers. The flowers are arranged in a bird-like shape, hence the name.

The plants can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide indoors and 30 feet outdoors, making them a bold and eye-catching addition to any home or garden.

Adaptability:

Despite their tropical origins, bird of paradise plants can adapt to a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. They prefer bright, indirect light and warm temperatures, but they can tolerate some shade and cooler conditions. They are also relatively drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil.

Easy Maintenance:

Bird of Paradise plants are relatively low-maintenance plants. They require occasional watering, fertilizing, and repotting, but they are generally quite forgiving and can withstand some neglect. Their robust nature makes them a good choice for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.

Symbolism:

Bird of paradise plants are often associated with positive symbolism, representing freedom, joy, and good fortune. They are also considered a symbol of paradise, reflecting their exotic beauty and tropical origins.

a woman sitting on the couch, bird of paradise plant

For 6 Plants that turn your garden into a Tropical Paradise read this!

If you’ve never seen a picture or video of the Bird of Paradise plant in its natural habitat it is a sight to behold and a rude awakening to those with small homes. This plant gets BIG like taller than your house big. Mature plants can be upwards of 30 feet tall!

I don’t think people really consider this fact before they bring this plant home. I know I didn’t. This plant needs room to stretch out and if you don’t have the space it’s best to leave this babe in the greenhouse.

Anytime you bring home new plants it’s a good idea to pull the plant out of the pot and check the root ball. It’s a great way to assess the plant’s true health. If you see nice white roots that look to be heading to the bottom of the pot that’s great!

If you see brown or black roots or roots that are swirling around at the bottom that’s not a good sign and you’ll need to take action. The good news is we will teach you how to take care of your plant below! 

Bird of Paradise Varieties:

There are five main species of Bird of Paradise plants, each with its own unique characteristics.

bird of paradise plant

Bird of Paradise Plant Care

Light

Bird of Paradise plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. In their natural habitat, they happily grow in full sun but indoors they aren’t adapted to that amount of light.

Indoors they can tolerate direct morning sun, but avoid placing them in direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. To get your plant adjusted to brighter light you will want to transition it a little bit at a time.

If you are growing your Bird of Paradise indoors, place it near an East- or west-facing window ( after you transition). If you have limited natural light, you can supplement with a grow light.

More lighting tips:

Water

Water your Bird of Paradise plant thoroughly when the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. This will depend on how big your plant and pot are.

A plant in a 4in pot will dry out quicker than a plant in a 20in pot. Allow the soil to dry down slightly between waterings, but do not let it completely dry out.

Watering too frequently can lead to root rot, while waiting too long to water can cause the leaves to yellow and brown. Confused yet?

I completely understand but you’ll begin to figure out when to water and how long you can go between waterings as you get to know your plant.

How to properly water your Bird of Paradise houseplant:

Humidity

Bird of Paradise plants prefer humid conditions, but they can adapt to average household humidity.

If your home is particularly dry, you can increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves regularly, placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a humidifier.

A humidifier will create a consistent high humidity environment around your plant. 

Temperature

Bird of Paradise plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate cooler temperatures for short periods, but avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

There’s only one Bird of Paradise species that can tolerate cold temperatures and it’s the Mountain Bird of Paradise also known as Strelitzia Caudata. 

To help monitor the temperature and humidity in your home consider getting a Hygrometer!

How to fertilize your Bird of Paradise plant:

Bird of Paradise plants are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do need to be fertilized occasionally to stay healthy and produce flowers. 

Type of fertilizer

For Bird of Paradise plants, use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 1:1:1. This means that the fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are the three essential nutrients for plant growth.

Fertilizing frequency

During the growing season, which is usually from early spring to fall, fertilize your Bird of Paradise plant every two to four weeks. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month or even less. When your plant isn’t growing as quickly it doesn’t need as much fertilizer.

To apply fertilizer, dilute it to half-strength according to the instructions on the label. Then, water the plant thoroughly, making sure the fertilizer reaches the roots. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves, as this can burn them.

How to apply fertilizer

Signs of over-fertilization​

If you over-fertilize your Bird of Paradise plant, you may see signs such as brown or burned leaves, stunted growth, or salt buildup on the soil surface. If you see any of these signs, stop fertilizing the plant and flush the soil with water to remove excess fertilizer.

Additional tips

bird of paradise plant

How to repot your Bird of Paradise plant:

Bird of Paradise plants can be slow growers indoors and typically only need to be repotted every few years. When it is time to repot, choose a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the current pot. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the pot has drainage holes.

Repotting a Bird of Paradise plant is essential for maintaining its healthy growth and encouraging blooming.

Repotting Steps:

  1. Remove the plant from the current pot: Gently turn the pot on its side and tap the edges to loosen the root ball. If the plant is tightly bound to the pot, use a butter knife or similar tool to carefully separate the roots from the pot’s interior.
  2. Loosen the root ball: Gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage new root growth in the fresh potting mix. Avoid applying excessive force, as this can damage the roots.
  3. Fill the new pot with potting mix: Add enough potting mix to the new pot to raise the plant’s crown (the base of the plant) to an inch or two below the rim of the pot.
  4. Position the plant in the new pot: Place the plant in the center of the new pot, ensuring the roots are spread evenly throughout the potting mix.
  5. Fill the pot with more potting mix: Carefully fill the remaining space in the pot with more potting mix, ensuring it is firmly packed around the roots but not compressing the crown.
  6. Water the plant thoroughly: Water the newly repotted plant generously until water runs out of the drainage holes. This will help settle the potting mix around the roots and provide initial hydration.
  7. Place the plant in a bright location: Return the plant to its usual location, ensuring it receives bright, indirect light.
  8. Monitor the plant’s response: Observe the plant’s response to repotting. If the leaves start to yellow or wilt, it may indicate stress or improper watering. Adjust your care accordingly.

Bird of Paradise Flowers

birds of paradise flower in bloom

Encouraging a Bird of Paradise plant to bloom indoors requires replicating its natural tropical environment as closely as possible. This can be very difficult for many houseplant enthusiast.

Here are some steps to increase your chances of achieving indoor blooms:

  1. Provide Bright Light: Bird of Paradise plants thrive in a sunny spot. Place your plant near a west-facing or east-facing window, where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, supplement with a grow light to ensure adequate illumination.
  2. Maintain Warm Temperatures: Bird of Paradise plants prefer a warm humid environment with temps ideally between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can hinder their blooming potential.
  3. Water Deeply and Infrequently: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as overwatering can damage the roots and discourage blooming. When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
  4. Maintain Proper Humidity: Bird of Paradise plants prefer moderate to high humidity levels. If your home is particularly dry, mist the leaves regularly, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to or place a humidifier near the plant to increase humidity around the plant.
  5. Fertilize Regularly: During the growing season (early spring and summer), fertilize your Bird of Paradise plant every two to four weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This will provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and blooming.
  6. Repot When Necessary: Repot your Bird of Paradise plant every few years when it becomes pot-bound. This will provide fresh potting mix and more space for root growth, which can stimulate blooming.
  7. Exercise Patience: Bird of Paradise plants typically bloom after three to four years of maturity. Be patient and maintain consistent care, and your plant will eventually reward you with its vibrant flowers.

Remember, consistency is key to encouraging your Bird of Paradise plant to bloom indoors. If you can keep up with a good care routine you will be lucky enough to see your plant bloom!

Common Bird of Paradise Problems

bird of paradise plant care

Now that you know just about everything there is to know about Bird of Paradise plant care you can now grow a big and healthy plant in your home!

Happy gardening!


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Houseplants are gorgeous living home decor. It is worthwhile learning how to properly care for them.

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This blog post may contain affiliate links. Which means if you click on a link and go on to buy the product I recommend, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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The Thrifted Planter

Ciearra is a gardener and houseplant enthusiast of over 10 years! She has been growing indoors and outdoors. Supplying food for her family and beautifying her home with annuals, perennials and houseplants! Ciearra is passionate about sharing her knowledge of plant care with anyone who needs help or a quick plant growth tip! When she’s not blogging you can find her tending to her chickens, dogs and hanging out with her family

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