Want a spectacular focal point in your garden or home? You absolutely need to get some Bird of Paradise flowers!
Strelitzia Reginae, a.k.a the Bird of Paradise plant, is a tropical flowering plant that simply screams out for attention no matter the environment it is in. Its unique and eye-catching appearance is an absolute must-have in any garden or sunny interior room.
Bird of Paradise is a very colorful flower with a very vivid color pallet that includes green, orange, yellow, and blue. It’s a joy to have it around in your home or garden. What’s more, besides its striking appearance, this flower is also not that difficult to grow. In fact, it is easier to grow than many tropical plants.
Strelitzia Reginae is a rapidly growing plant that will very quickly fill your garden or home with joy. All it needs to bloom and make you happy with its bright colors is a warm climate and a few basic growing needs.
Ready to learn more about how to grow and care for Bird of Paradise flowers? Read on!
About Bird of Paradise
- Bird of Paradise is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the family of Strelitziaceae. It is native to South Africa, and it is also called Crane Flower.
- Strelitzia Reginae got its name of ‘Bird of Paradise’ thanks to its resemblance to the brightly colored birds native to Papua New Guinea and Australia.
- Thanks to their spectacular and dramatic appearance, you can use Bird of Paradise plants as focal points in the landscape. Or, if you want to have these beauties inside your home, they will compliment your interior design and mesmerize your guests.
- The Strelitzia plant can be successfully grown both indoors and outdoors as long as it is provided with the ideal growing conditions. Yet, keep in mind that this flower can reach up to 5 to 6 feet (1,5-1,8 m) tall. So, if there’s not enough room inside your home to accommodate it, it’s best to plant it in your garden if your area conditions allow it.
- Bird of Paradise loves very sunny spots where it gets full sun. Direct sunlight encourages blooming in late winter to early spring. Yet, the plant can also adapt to partial shade. Our recommendation is to place it in a spot of your garden or home where it will get at least a few hours of full sunlight every day.
- Since it is a tropical South Africa-native flower, it’s no surprise that Bird of Paradise prefers warm conditions. Average home conditions can be adequate as long as the plant gets some attention.
- Strelitzia is not cold-hardy, and the minimum temperatures it can withstand during the winter are between 46-59°F (8-15°C). In winter, Strelitzia typically needs these cooler temperatures to rest.
- When it comes to watering preferences, Bird of Paradise prefers to have its soil continually moist throughout the year. However, make sure the soil is not waterlogged. Bird of Paradise will tell you whether it needs more or less water.
- Strelitzia Reginae is sensitive to a few pests like aphids, scale, and mites. If you spot an infestation with these pests, get read of them with insecticidal soap.
- This flower is also susceptible to Botrytis Cinerea, known as gray mold. If you notice dark spots covered by a layer of gray and yellow on your flower’s leaves or flowers, remove them immediately.
- Despite its friendly appearance and colors, Bird of Paradise is actually an extremely toxic flower. Ingestion of its flowers or seeds can cause symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. So, no matter if you grow your Bird of Paradise indoors or outdoors, make sure you place it somewhere out of your kids’ and pets’ reach.
Bird of Paradise Features: An Overview
- Bird of Paradise is a herbaceous evergreen perennial that can grow up to 5-6 feet (1,5-1,8 m) tall.
- The flower features a clump of broad oval, long-stalked gray-green leaves that grow from an underground stem. Its leaves resemble the leaves of banana plants. In fact, Strelitzia is a distant cousin to the banana plant, which is the largest herbaceous flowering plant.
- It can take up to three to five years before the flower first blooms. Afterward, in late winter to early spring, Bird of Paradise produces orange or yellow and vivid blue flowers that resemble the crest on a bird’s head.
Growing Bird of Paradise
Despite its dramatic and unique appearance, growing Bird of Paradise isn’t that complicated. So, don’t get intimidated by your flower’s exotic look!
There are a few basic growing needs this flower has to thrive. What’s more, this plant also has its ways to tell you what it needs in order to be healthy and happy. As long as you provide it with what it needs to stay healthy and bloom, your Bird of Paradise will allow you to enjoy its happy colors and exotic flair.
First, you need to pay attention to this flower’s lighting requirements. Strelitzia is a very sun-loving plant that needs direct sunlight to encourage blooming. So, whether you plan to keep it indoors or outdoors, you need to find a very sunny spot in your home or garden to keep it.
Bird of Paradise flowers can also adapt to partial shade, if you want to help them blooming and produce their spectacular flowers, you should better give them as much sunlight as possible. We recommend finding a place where your Birds of Paradise will get at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It is worth mentioning that it’s best for them to get partial shade in the afternoon to avoid leaf-burning.
Besides that, you should also take fertilizing very seriously when it comes to the Bird of Paradise flower. This plant is a heavy feeder because it uses a lot of energy and nutrients to produce those lovely flowers. So, you should help your Bird of Paradise with slow-release pellets in springtime. Or, during the growing season, you can use a liquid fertilizer every week to provide it with the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and happy.
Pruning is not necessary with this flower unless you spot leaves or flowers that suffer from gray mold. In that case, remove them to keep your flower’s appearance sharp and healthy.
How to Plant Bird of Paradise
Planting Strelitzia Reginae is quite easy as well. Keep in mind what these tropical plants need to grow healthy, and they will surely thrive and reward you with their spectacular blooms.
What’s really important to remember when planting Bird of Paradise is that this flower is a fast-grower. That means that it will reach an impressive size pretty quickly before it blooms. So, if you want to keep it indoors and you plan on keeping it in a container, make sure you report it yearly, during the spring. Move it to a larger pot to allow its root system to develop properly.
Another thing to keep in mind when planting a Bird of Paradise flower is that it needs well-draining soil. We recommend using a rich, well-draining potting mix for potted plants.
If you plant it outdoors in your garden, you should also remember to choose a spot in your garden or backyard where it will receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day and partial shade in the afternoon.
Another vital detail when deciding whether you should plant your Bird of Paradise in your garden or in a container is your climate. Strelitzia Reginae needs warm temperatures to grow healthy. So, if you live in an area where temperatures drop really low during winter, it’s best to plant it in a container that you can either keep indoors all year round or bring inside during the cold months. This plant does not withstand freezing temperatures.
- MATURE SIZE & CARE GUIDE: The Orange Birds of Paradise mature to 4-6 feet, thrive in full to partial sun, and suit USDA Zone 9. They prefer moist, loamy soil but are adaptable. Frequent fertilization and pest control are essential for optimal growth.
- SIZE UPON ARRIVAL: You will receive one Bird of Paradise live plant that stands between 3 and 8 inches tall. It comes in a 3-inch-deep pot holding 4.90 fl oz (145.0 mL) of soil. This small starter plant is ideal for nurturing into a stunning ornamental specimen.
- VIBRANT TROPICAL ADDITION: Enhance your garden with the exotic beauty of Wellspring Garden Birds of Paradise. These plants not only grow to an impressive 4-6 feet but also offer stunning blooms and lush foliage, creating a tropical oasis in your own backyard.
- ADAPTABLE AND RESILIENT: Birds of Paradise are incredibly versatile, adapting to any well-drained soil while preferring moist, loamy conditions. Once established, they become drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance yet striking addition to your garden.
- EXOTIC ORNAMENTAL HOUSEPLANT: The Bird of Paradise live plant produces gorgeous orange flowers that are ideal for bouquets and arrangements. As an ornamental houseplant, it brings an exotic flair to any room, making it a standout addition to your plant collection.
- Tropical looking evergreen perennial valued for its unique bird-like orange, blue and white flower heads. Long-lasting cut flowers. Used as an accent, especially on patios or near pools. Good in containers. Full to partial sun. Slow-growing clumps to 3 to 5 feet tall, can be as wide or wider.
- Thrives in rich loamy soils, but highly adaptable to many soil types. Water deeply, regularly during first few growing seasons to establish root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates moderate drought but looks best with regular water. Fertilize in spring before new growth emerges.
- Use this perennial in patio containers where its bird-like flowers and exotic foliage will make a striking impression. It also works well with other tropical-looking plants in garden plantings.
- Highly valued for its large, exotic, colorful blooms in a bold blend of orange, blue, and white. Lends a tropical look to any landscape. A long-lasting flower for cut arrangements. Crowns of long stalks with large grey-green leaves provide year-round interest. Very useful as a specimen planting, especially on a patio or near a pool. Evergreen.
- This showy plant should be used as a focal point in the landscape, where it can show off its unusual form and beauty.
- LIVE PLANT: Includes 1 Strelitzia reginae ‘Orange Birds of Paradise’ approximately 9-14” tall, grown from seed, with a ragnaroc Care Card. Plant ships live and green as images suggest, with roots and growing medium wrapped prior to shipping.
- Orange Birds of Paradise reach maturity at around 5 years and can grow 5 - 6 feet tall, with orange and blue flowers giving the plant its namesake, resembling a bird in flight. Orange Birds of Paradise are shorter than the White Birds of Paradise but make up for their size with their stunning blooms. Note Birds of Paradise can be moderately toxic if ingested by plants or children.
- PLANT CARE: These tropical plants grow best in bright, direct light while taking note of local conditions to ensure the plant doesn’t burn. Avoid planting or placing these plants in low light areas or spaces without natural sunlight. Temperatures of 60 - 80F are ideal and suggest potting in a well-draining soil, watering when the soil dries.
- INFUSE YOUR SPACE WITH TROPICAL ELEGANCE: Add a burst of color and exotic flair to your home with this striking plant. Perfect for bright corners, patios, or as a living room focal point, its vibrant orange blooms and lush foliage create an unforgettable look. Water regularly and place in indirect sunlight for a thriving, eye-catching display.
- GIFT THE EXOTIC BEAUTY: Delight someone special with the breathtaking Orange Birds of Paradise, a symbol of paradise and joy. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or housewarmings, this unique plant offers stunning blooms and easy care, making it a memorable gift that will bring tropical warmth and happiness to any space.
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Watering Bird of Paradise
When it comes to watering your Bird of Paradise, the flower will somehow tell you what it needs.
In general, Bird of Paradise flowers prefer their soil to be always slightly moist but not soggy.
How frequently you’ll have to water it highly depends on your area’s conditions. For example, if you live in an area where summers are really hot, you may even have to water it daily to keep the soil moist. If you live in a humid region, your Bird of Paradise will surely need less frequent watering.
Now, as we mentioned above, this flower will tell you if you give it too much or too little water. In other words, if you overwater it, its leaves will become crunchy and turn brown. If you underwater it, the leaves will turn yellow. So, pay attention to what your Bird of Paradise is telling you if you’re not sure how often you should water it or if you’re doing a good job or not.
Propagating Bird of Paradise
If you love Strelitzia and want more of its exotic, spectacular flowers in your home or garden, we have good news! The Bird of Paradise plant is really easy to propagate. This flower propagates by dividing its underground rhizome. You can do this when you repot it during its first years of life. To propagate your Bird of Paradise using this method, separate a shoot that contains at least three leaves and move it to a separate container.
Bird of Paradise can also be propagated via seeds, but this method of propagation can take a lot longer. Like all seed-propagation, it may take a few months for the seeds to germinate and for you to see the results.
In Conclusion
Bird of Paradise plant is a must-have in all sunny gardens and homes. Its spectacular and exotic appearance will steal all the attention, making its orange flower a mesmerizing focal point. Plus, it’s really easy to care for and grow.
Are you a fan of Strelizia Reginae a.k.a Bird of Paradise? Share your experience in the comments below!
1 Comment
Our condominium grounds have Bird of Paradise reginae planted in front of each downstairs unit. They are beautiful and thriving; however, some residents are concerned that the roots will harm their underground piping. Our landscaper agrees, but the University of FL agriculture dept says they have no information about invasive rooting from these plants. PLEASE HELP, ASAP!
The landscape committee is meeting soon and removal of the BoP is on their agenda.
Thank you
Barbara Hartley