The Bird of Paradise, known for its striking, crane-like flowers, is a popular ornamental species. The common name refers to several distinct species within the genus Strelitzia. The ultimate dimensions of the plant depend heavily on the specific variety cultivated and the environment in which it is grown. A plant grown outdoors in a tropical climate will reach significantly greater proportions than the same variety kept in a container indoors. This variation in size is a direct result of species differences and cultivation conditions.
The Maximum Size of Major Species
The size a Bird of Paradise can attain is primarily determined by its species, which dictates its natural growth habit under optimal conditions. The most recognized variety, the Orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), is a medium-sized clumping perennial. When grown outdoors in ideal tropical or subtropical climates, this species typically reaches a mature height between 5 and 6 feet, with its dense foliage spreading approximately 2 to 4 feet wide.
A far more imposing plant is the Giant White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), which exhibits a tree-like growth pattern. In its native habitat or in tropical landscapes, this species can soar to heights of 20 to 30 feet, creating a massive, woody-stemmed clump. Its leaves are enormous, resembling those of a banana plant. The entire structure can spread just as wide as it is tall, requiring a significant amount of space.
A third, less common species, the Rush-leaved Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia juncea), offers a unique size profile. It is characterized by its cylindrical, reed-like leaves that lack the wide paddle-shape of its relatives. This variety is smaller than both reginae and nicolai, generally reaching a height of 4 to 6 feet with a modest spread of 2 to 5 feet.
Factors That Limit Growth
The impressive dimensions described for mature Bird of Paradise plants are often only achieved when the plant is situated in the ground in a frost-free, tropical environment. When these plants are grown outside of their native range or indoors, several environmental and cultural factors significantly restrict their size. The most common limiting factor for indoor cultivation is the size of the container, as the plant’s extensive, fleshy root system requires room to expand.
Root restriction actively slows growth, which is why a plant often remains a fraction of its potential size when grown in a pot. The plant’s tropical origins mean that exposure to cold temperatures is a major impediment to growth. Temperatures consistently below 50°F can damage the foliage, and frost can kill the plant entirely.
Insufficient light exposure further limits growth, especially for specimens kept indoors. The plant requires bright, indirect light for many hours a day to properly photosynthesize and generate the energy needed for large leaves and tall stems. A lack of adequate light will result in stunted growth.
A consistent supply of water and nutrients during the growing season is necessary to fuel the production of new growth. Without regular feeding and hydration, the plant cannot sustain the development of its signature large foliage.
Time Required to Reach Maturity
Bird of Paradise plants are considered moderate-to-slow growers, and reaching their mature size is a process that takes several years. The time required for a plant to reach its full potential is highly dependent on the method of propagation. Growing the plant from seed is the slowest approach, often requiring a significant waiting period.
For the Orange Bird of Paradise (S. reginae), the first flowers—a marker of reproductive maturity—may not appear until the plant is between four and seven years old. The Giant White Bird of Paradise (S. nicolai) takes even longer to establish itself as a tree-like specimen. This timeframe can be significantly reduced if the plant is propagated by division, a method that uses mature root sections.
Once the plant reaches a certain size, its growth rate can be deliberately managed by the grower. Allowing the plant to become slightly root-bound in its container is a common technique that encourages the plant to focus its energy on flowering rather than producing new foliage and height. This demonstrates that while the plant has the genetic capacity for large size, its speed of growth is directly influenced by cultivation strategies.