How to Grow + Care for a Bird of Paradise Plant

If you're looking for a large indoor plant to bring all the drama, consider the bird of paradise! More upright in habit than a Monstera and less fussy than other large plants such as fiddle leaf fig, the bird of paradise is a showstopper!

This eye-catching plant boasts gorgeous orange or white flowers that look like a tropical bird taking flight. Native to Africa, it’s stunning growing in the landscape, or it makes an especially striking houseplant.

Related: 11 Philodendron Types Houseplant Lovers Find Easiest to Grow

Bird of paradise, also known by its botanical name Strelitzia, has large, lovely flowers. Unfortunately, these plants rarely (if ever!) flower indoors.

However, there are plenty of other reasons to grow this handsome plant. “This plant has huge leaves that make a big impact, yet it’s low maintenance,” says Darryl Tackoor, co-founder of PlantVine. “If you want a dramatic and reliable plant, this is the one for you.”

In the wild, some varieties of this plant can grow to 30 feet tall. But indoors, most bird of paradise plants will top out at 10 feet tall. Its large leaves up to 18 inches long resemble those of a banana tree so it gives you that tropical flair without requiring a lot of fussing and maintenance.

Here’s what else you need to know about how to grow and care for the bird of paradise plant.

• Common Name: Bird of paradise, crane flower
• Botanical Name: Strelitzia spp
• Plant Family: Strelitziaceae
• Type of Plant: Perennial, houseplant
• Native Origin: South Africa
• Sun Exposure: Outdoors, full sun to part shade; indoors, bright light
• Mature Size: 20 feet outdoors, 10 feet indoors
• Toxic to pets: Yes

Light

Bird of Paradise is tolerant of different light conditions but prefers moderate to bright light, says Tackoor. Like most tropical plants, it doesn’t do well in a dark room, so place it near a sunny south, east, or west-facing window or invest in an inexpensive grow light. (Here are the ones we recommend.)

If you plan to move it outdoors to your patio for the summer—which isn't necessary— gradually acclimate it to full sun over a week or two, slowly giving it more hours of sun so it doesn’t get burned. Bring it back indoors before nighttime temperatures go below 60 degrees. (Decorating your patio? Try these patio plants for a lush outdoor space.)

Water

This striking plant prefers to remain a little more on the dry side. Water only when the pot gets about halfway dry. Because it’s native to arid regions with dry air, it’s pretty forgiving if you forget to water. Just don’t overwater and keep it sopping wet. This is a sure way to kill it, says Tackoor.

Temperature

This plant likes average indoor temperatures, from mid 60s to mid 80s.

Fertilizer

These plants are light feeders, so you don’t have to coddle them. If you like, it's fine to give your bird of paradise an all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer about once a month from spring to summer when it’s actively growing. However, it’s not entirely necessary if you prefer a more hands-off approach, says Tackoor.

These plants are moderate growers, so in a few years, you may see the roots of a mature plant start to push out the bottom or bulge out of the top of the nursery pot. Repot in a pot that's about 2 inches larger in diameter, or slip it out of the pot and prune the roots to keep it under control. It sounds scary, but it actually reinvigorates this plant, says Tackoor.

Read more: How to Repot Plants, the 3-Step Method

Bird of paradise plants are usually free from pests and diseases, which is yet another reason to get this gorgeous plant. Occasionally, you may see:

• Spider mites, tiny dots with their webbing visible on the leaves; take the plant outside and spray it off with a garden hose.
• Mealybugs, white waxy-looking bugs that hide in plant crevices, can also be an issue. Treat small outbreaks with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or spray with an insecticidal soap.
• Root rot, which is caused by overwatering. Allow the plant to dry out somewhat before watering again.

There are several different readily available species of bird of paradise plants, including:

• Strelitizia reginae, the type most commonly found for sale. It has bright orange flowers.
• Strelitzia alba, which has white flowers and reaches about 18 feet tall.
• Strelitzia nicolai, or giant bird of paradise, can reach heights of 30 feet outdoors.
• Strelitzia caudata, a smaller variety that maxes out at 6 feet tall

Unfortunately, yes. According to the ASPCA, bird of paradise contains GI irritants that may cause nauseas, vomiting, and drowsiness. If you suspect your pet has taken a nibble of any part of this plant, including the flower, contact your vet ASAP. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Absolutely! It's a wonderful landscape plant and thrives in USDA Hardiness zones 10 and warmer. (Find your zone here.) Plants grown in part shade will grow taller and have more blossoms than those grown in full sun.

How Long Do Bird of Paradise Plants Live?

They can live for decades in the right environment! Outdoors, they can become quite massive so make sure to plant in an area with plenty of space for it to spread out.

Your bird of paradise must be a mature plant, meaning it's six or seven years old before it will flower. It also needs to receive ample bright light, which isn't always possible indoors.

Arricca Elin SanSone

Contributing Writer

Arricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

Expert consulted:Darryl Tackoor

Darryl Tackoor is the co-founder of PlantVine, which sources and sells high-quality well-tended indoor plants to customers across the U.S.