Bird of paradise care
Strelitzia reginae
Also called Crane flower and Orange bird of paradise. Family Strelitziaceae.
In short
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a clump of upright paddle leaves from South Africa that, once mature and in very bright light, bears orange and blue crane-shaped flowers. Give it direct sun for several hours a day and water every 7 to 14 days in summer once the top 5cm (2 inches) is dry, noticeably less in winter. Keep it at 18 to 27°C (64 to 81°F) in growth, with a cooler winter rest around 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F). It is toxic to cats and dogs, mainly the seeds and flowers.
Updated
Bird of paradise at a glance
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Every 7 to 14 days
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C64 to 81°F
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs
How often should you water a bird of paradise?
Usually every 7 to 14 days in summer, once the top 5cm (2 inches) is dry, and noticeably less in winter.
Bright sunny spot, ordinary pot: usually every 7 to 14 days in summer, once the top 5cm (2 inches) is dry. Water noticeably less in winter, which mimics its dry season and helps it flower. Yellowing lower leaves mean too much water; curling, crisping leaves mean too little.
How much light does a bird of paradise need?
Direct sun for several hours a day, which decides whether it will ever flower.
Direct sun for several hours a day. This is the single factor that decides whether it will ever flower.
How to feed a bird of paradise
Balanced feed at half strength every 2 to 4 weeks through spring and summer.
Balanced feed at half strength every 2 to 4 weeks through spring and summer. Feeding well is part of getting it to bloom.
When to repot a bird of paradise
Every 2 to 3 years, keeping it snug, since crowded roots encourage flowering.
Every 2 to 3 years, but keep it snug: a crowded root system encourages flowering, and repotting a mature plant often costs a season's blooms.
How to prune a bird of paradise
Cut spent flower stalks and browned leaves at the base.
Cut spent flower stalks and browned leaves at the base.
How to clean a bird of paradise's leaves
Wipe the broad leaves monthly.
Wipe the broad leaves monthly.
What temperature and humidity does a bird of paradise like?
18 to 27°C (64 to 81°F) in growth, with a cooler winter rest around 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F) to help set flowers.
18 to 27°C (64 to 81°F) in growth, with a cooler winter rest around 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F) helping to set flowers. Humidity: Moderate. Undemanding.
Is a bird of paradise toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, it is toxic to cats and dogs: the seeds and flowers cause vomiting and drowsiness, while the leaves are far less of a concern.
The seeds and flowers cause vomiting and drowsiness in cats and dogs; the leaves are far less of a concern.
How big does a bird of paradise get?
1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5 feet) indoors, as a clump of upright paddle leaves on long stalks.
A clump of upright grey-green paddle leaves on long stalks, reaching 1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5 feet) indoors: smaller and stiffer than its giant cousin. The famous orange and blue crane-shaped flower appears only on mature plants, typically after four to six years, and only in very bright light.
Where does the bird of paradise come from?
The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, in open coastal scrub and along riverbanks.
Open coastal scrub and riverbanks in full sun, in a climate of wet summers and drier winters.
What's wrong with my bird of paradise?
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing lower leaves | Too much water | Let the top 5cm (2 inches) dry before watering, and water noticeably less in winter. |
| Curling, crisping leaves | Too little water | Water thoroughly once the top 5cm (2 inches) is dry, rather than letting it go much further. |
| A mature plant that never flowers | Too little direct sun, or a recent repot | Give it several hours of direct sun a day, feed through spring and summer, and leave it snug in its pot. |
Questions about the bird of paradise
Why won't my bird of paradise flower?
Most often not enough light: it needs direct sun for several hours a day. Flowers come only on mature plants, typically after four to six years, and a snug pot, regular feeding and a cooler, drier winter all help.
Should I repot a bird of paradise to make it flower?
No. A crowded root system encourages flowering, and repotting a mature plant often costs a season's blooms.
Is this the giant bird of paradise?
No. Strelitzia reginae reaches 1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5 feet) indoors and is smaller and stiffer than its giant cousin, a different species.
Christi Miltz, CC0
Jacqui Geux, CC BY 4.0
zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0