Everything You Need to Know for Successful Plant Care
(+ Free Downloadable Cheat Sheet)
Key Takeaways:
Thrives in bright, indirect light
Water when soil is dry, avoid overwatering
Loves humidity
Prefers warm temperatures, avoid below 55°F
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer
Toxic to humans and pets when digested
If you live in a warm climate, you've likely stumbled upon the breathtaking sight of Bird of Paradise plants growing wild, their flowers resembling birds in flight, hence the name 'bird of paradise'. On the other hand, if you're in a cooler climate, you may be drawn to Bird of Paradise for the tropical ambiance it brings to your home. As someone living in Seattle, I can attest that Bird of Paradise is the go-to plant for creating a cozy and warm atmosphere in this region.
There are two types of Bird of Paradise - White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) and Orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae). The former is a larger plant with leaves that can turn into a tree, while the latter is smaller and more frequent with orange and blue flowers. In this post, we'll be focusing on the White Bird of Paradise, a common indoor plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat.
Originally from South Africa, Bird of Paradise is an easy-to-care-for plant that is perfect for beginner-intermediate plant parents. With its huge spreading leaves, it's no surprise that this plant is a favorite among plant enthusiasts. In fact, I have three of them myself, and it's one of my top five must-have plants. Join me in exploring the ins and outs of Bird of Paradise care, and bring a touch of paradise into your home today.
Light: Bird of Paradise thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. An east or south-facing window (if you are in the southern hemisphere: east or north-facing window) is the ideal location for this plant. If you don't have a suitable window, you can use artificial lights to supplement natural light. Keep the light on for 12-16 hours a day.
Water: Water your Bird of Paradise when the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. In winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down. Use room temperature water and avoid using chlorinated water, which can harm the plant. Check our post about post here for more details on watering tips. For more information on watering your Bird of Paradise, be sure to check out my post on watering do's and don'ts here!
Humidity: Bird of Paradise loves humidity, so take the plant to the shower once in a while, place a humidifier near the plant to increase humidity or mist the leaves with water regularly. You can also place a tray filled with pebbles and water beneath the plant to increase humidity. If providing enough humidity is difficult for your situation, don't worry so much, Bird of Paradise can survive without high humidity, but humidity will definitely affects the plant's happiness and growth.
Temperature: Bird of Paradise prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) as it can damage the leaves.
Fertilizer: Fertilize your Bird of Paradise once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in winter as the plant's growth slows down.
Pruning: Regular pruning can help keep your Bird of Paradise healthy and looking its best. Remove yellow or brown leaves as soon as you notice them. You can also trim the plant to control its size and shape.
Pet Friendliness: Bird of Paradise plant is toxic to humans and animals if digested.
Bird of Paradise is an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive with minimal effort. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure your plant stays healthy and happy. With its lush tropical green leaves, Bird of Paradise is sure to bring warmth and coziness into your home.