Bird Of Paradise Plant Care

Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) belongs to the Strelitziaceae family within the Strelitzia genus. Bird Of Paradise is native to South Africa. Bird Of Paradise is also known as Crane Flower.

Bird Of Paradise displays a clumping, upright growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Bird Of Paradise produces vibrant orange and blue petals resembling a bird in flight.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted 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.

Bird Of Paradise thrives in bright indirect light. The optimal light range is 2,000–5,000 lux. Avoid placing Bird Of Paradise in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Strelitzia reginae tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Bird Of Paradise prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining. Good drainage is essential for Bird Of Paradise to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bird Of Paradise every 2 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 bright indirect light and well-draining. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bird Of Paradise is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Bird Of Paradise can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 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.

Bird Of Paradise is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bird Of Paradise can be propagated through by division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white bird of paradise plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Bird Of Paradise is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Bird Of Paradise grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Bird Of Paradise is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Bird Of Paradise as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.