False Bird of Paradise Plant Care
Elaphandra falconiensis (V.M.Badillo) H.Rob.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Elaphandra falconiensis is a striking plant known for its large, shiny, dark green leaves that resemble those of a bird of paradise plant. Native to the tropical forests of South America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full sun
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for False Bird of Paradise?
Water False Bird of Paradise every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the False Bird of Paradise?
False Bird of Paradise (Elaphandra falconiensis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Elaphandra genus. False Bird of Paradise is native to South America. False Bird of Paradise is also known as Falcon's Plant.
False Bird of Paradise displays a compact, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. False Bird of Paradise produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a False Bird of Paradise?
Elaphandra falconiensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the False Bird of Paradise Need?
False Bird of Paradise thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the False Bird of Paradise Prefer?
Elaphandra falconiensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. False Bird of Paradise prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a False Bird of Paradise?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for False Bird of Paradise to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a False Bird of Paradise?
Feed False Bird of Paradise every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a False Bird of Paradise?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a False Bird of Paradise?
False Bird of Paradise can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to moriana's iris plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the False Bird of Paradise Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list False Bird of Paradise, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the False Bird of Paradise?
False Bird of Paradise is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the False Bird of Paradise Need?
False Bird of Paradise grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. False Bird of Paradise is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow False Bird of Paradise as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
False Bird of Paradise is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Elaphandra genus — compare its care with other Elaphandra species on PlantoScan.
Elaphandra is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
False Bird of Paradise thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Elaphandra Species
Other Elaphandra species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Elaphandra falconiensis (V.M.Badillo) H.Rob., family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 72(2): 148 (1992): (1992)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False Bird of Paradise, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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