Red bird of paradise Plant Care

Red bird of paradise (Zygia cognata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Zygia genus. Red bird of paradise is native to Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Red bird of paradise is also known as Bird of Paradise shrub.

Red bird of paradise displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Red bird of paradise produces small clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red bird of paradise every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red bird of paradise thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Zygia cognata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Red bird of paradise prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Red bird of paradise to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red bird of paradise every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red bird of paradise is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Red bird of paradise can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Red bird of paradise while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Red bird of paradise is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red bird of paradise can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to juruá zygia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red bird of paradise is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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.

Red bird of paradise grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Red bird of paradise is native to Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. In cooler regions, grow Red bird of paradise as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.