The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) is a striking tropical plant native to South Africa, prized for its large, paddle-shaped, evergreen foliage. The two varieties most commonly kept as indoor houseplants are the smaller Strelitzia reginae and the larger, tree-like Strelitzia nicolai. While they differ significantly in mature size, the general principles of care—focused on light, water, and humidity—remain consistent for a thriving specimen.
Ideal Light and Temperature Placement
The Bird of Paradise requires abundant light to flourish. The ideal position offers bright, indirect light for most of the day, such as near a south or west-facing window. A few hours of direct morning sun is well-tolerated and beneficial for growth, but direct midday or afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
These tropical plants thrive in a warm environment, with ideal daytime temperatures ranging between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–30°C). Nighttime temperatures should not consistently drop below 60°F (15°C) to prevent cold damage and ensure steady growth. Placement near cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning units should be strictly avoided.
These plants originate from humid climates and appreciate a humidity level between 50% and 70%. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or using a room humidifier can help maintain the necessary moisture level. Grouping the plant with other houseplants also naturally elevates the local humidity as plants release moisture through transpiration.
Routine Watering and Feeding Schedule
Proper watering requires a balance between moisture and drainage to prevent root rot. The most effective technique is the “soak and dry” method, where the plant is watered thoroughly until the water flows freely from the drainage holes. The excess water must then be discarded from the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.
Before watering again, the top two to three inches of the soil should be allowed to dry out completely. This can be checked by inserting a finger deep into the potting mix or by using a moisture meter to ensure the roots are not perpetually saturated. Watering frequency must be adjusted seasonally, requiring more frequent hydration during the active growth period of spring and summer, and significantly less during the dormant winter months.
The plant is a heavy feeder during its main growing period from spring through early fall. During this time, a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer should be applied every two to four weeks. A formula that provides a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supports both foliage and root development. Fertilizing should be discontinued during the winter resting phase, as the plant’s metabolism slows and applied nutrients can build up in the soil, potentially burning the sensitive roots.
Selecting the Right Soil and Repotting Timing
The Bird of Paradise requires a well-draining, rich soil mixture that prevents water retention. A suitable blend can be created using a standard potting mix amended with chunky materials like perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand. This mixture promotes healthy root development and helps avoid the soggy conditions that can lead to fungal issues like root rot.
These plants have a preference for being slightly pot-bound. This encourages the plant to put energy into producing new foliage and flowers. Repotting should only occur when the plant is severely root-bound, such as when roots are visibly circling the pot’s interior or emerging from the drainage holes.
The best time to repot is during the active growing season in spring or early summer. Select a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one to maintain the slightly constricted feeling the plant prefers. When transferring the plant, handle the thick, fleshy rhizomes and roots carefully to minimize damage.
Diagnosing and Treating Common Problems
The natural splitting of the large, paddle-shaped leaves is common in mature Bird of Paradise plants. This natural tearing, known as shredding, is an adaptive trait that helps the plant withstand strong winds in its native environment by reducing resistance. Brown edges or tips on the foliage, however, often indicate a problem related to moisture, such as inconsistent watering, underwatering, or a buildup of mineral salts from tap water.
Pests, including spider mites and scale insects, tend to colonize the undersides of the leaves. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and cause a stippled, pale appearance on the foliage. Treating these infestations involves thoroughly wiping down the leaves with a gentle insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil solution.
If the leaves begin to curl inward, it indicates severe underwatering or extremely low humidity levels. Yellowing of older, lower leaves is often normal shedding, but yellowing of new growth combined with wet soil is a strong indicator of overwatering and the onset of root rot. Addressing these issues by adjusting the watering technique or increasing humidity can restore the plant’s health.