How often should I water my Bird of Paradise?

Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically once a week in warmer months and less in cooler periods.

What kind of light does it need?

Bird of Paradise prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun, especially morning sun.

Can it be grown outdoors?

Yes, in frost-free climates where temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C).

It typically blooms in the fall and winter months, though indoor plants may bloom sporadically year-round with adequate light.

How do I encourage blooming?

Ensure it receives plenty of light, consistent watering, and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Plant guide

Bird of Paradise.

Strelitzia reginae

Pronounced streh-LIT-zee-uh reh-JEE-nay

Also known as Bird-Of-Paradise, common bird-of-paradise flower, craneflower, bird of paradise

The Bird of Paradise is a striking tropical plant known for its exotic, crane-like flowers. It brings a vibrant, bold statement to any space, mimicking its native South African habitat. This plant is a favorite for its unique beauty and relatively easy-going nature.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Flowering perennial
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Winter to spring

Care

Provide plenty of bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Watch for yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, reducing frequency in cooler months.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, and reduce in fall and winter.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0)
Temperature: 16 to 27°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes.
Plant dries out very quickly after watering.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking the soil.
Growth appears stunted despite adequate care.

Safety

People: Ingestion of plant parts may cause mild stomach upset.
Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Plant parts are mildly toxic if ingested and may cause stomach upset in children.
Contact allergens: Sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause respiratory irritation for some people.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

Large, paddle-shaped leaves
Leathery, dark green foliage
Upright, bird-like flowers
Orange sepals and blue petals
Grows from rhizomes

Height: 1.8 to 2.4m
Spread: 0.9 to 1.2m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: orange, blue, 10 to 15cm
Fruit: green, brown, Late summer to fall

Common problems

Spider mites — Tiny pests that create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves.
Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony pests that feed on plant sap.
Leaf spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves.
Root rot — Caused by overwatering, leading to soggy soil and decaying roots.

Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Overwintering: If grown outdoors in cooler climates, bring potted plants indoors before the first frost. Place in a bright location and reduce watering. Protect from cold drafts.
In containers: Grows well in containers, needing a pot at least 12-16 inches in diameter to accommodate its root system and encourage blooming.

Division

Gently remove the plant from its pot.
Locate the basal offshoots or 'pups' growing from the base of the mother plant.
Carefully separate a pup with its own roots attached using a clean knife or trowel.
Pot the division in a well-draining potting mix.
Water lightly and keep in bright, indirect light until established.

Seed

Sow seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix.
Keep the soil consistently moist and warm, around 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Germination can be slow and erratic, taking several weeks to months.
Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have several true leaves.
Note that plants grown from seed may take 3-5 years to reach flowering size.

Plant Bird of Paradise with other tropicals that enjoy bright light and consistent moisture for a cohesive, vibrant display.

Grows well with

Croton — Both thrive in warm, bright conditions and add vibrant color to a tropical garden setting.
Bromeliad — Bromeliads offer a variety of textures and colors and share similar needs for good drainage and bright light.
Hibiscus — Hibiscus provides large, showy flowers and enjoys similar warm temperatures and sunny locations.

Keep away from

Ferns — Many ferns prefer shadier, moister conditions and may compete for resources or create too much shade.
Cacti — Cacti generally require much drier conditions and less frequent watering than Bird of Paradise.

Similar species

Giant Bird of Paradise — Similar in appearance but grows much larger, with white and blue flowers instead of orange.
Cape Honeysuckle — Also native to South Africa and produces bright orange flowers, but is a vining shrub.

Science

Family: Strelitziaceae
Genus: Strelitzia
Order: Zingiberales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: South Africa
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, it grows in coastal scrub and along riverbanks, often in sunny or partially shaded areas.

Uses: Ornamental, Cut flower

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 3/9
Soil reaction: 6.5/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my Bird of Paradise?: Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically once a week in warmer months and less in cooler periods.
What kind of light does it need?: Bird of Paradise prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun, especially morning sun.
Can it be grown outdoors?: Yes, in frost-free climates where temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C).
When does it bloom?: It typically blooms in the fall and winter months, though indoor plants may bloom sporadically year-round with adequate light.
How do I encourage blooming?: Ensure it receives plenty of light, consistent watering, and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Where the name comes from

Strelitzia is named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of Great Britain. The species name 'reginae' is Latin for 'of the queen'.

Good to know

It's native to South Africa.
The flower resembles a crane's head.
It can take 3-5 years to bloom from seed.
It's also known as the Crane Flower.

Is your bird of paradise looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.