The Birds of Paradise plant, belonging to the genus Strelitzia, is a popular houseplant prized for its dramatic, tropical foliage and unique, crane-like flowers. Its striking appearance makes it a highly sought-after specimen for adding an exotic flair to interior spaces. Finding a healthy plant, especially a mature one, requires knowing where to look and what qualities to prioritize during the buying process.
Identifying the Right Variety
The purchasing decision begins with understanding the difference between the two most common species available for sale. Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai vary significantly in their mature size and appearance. Strelitzia reginae, often called the Orange Bird of Paradise or Crane Flower, is the smaller species, typically reaching 3 to 6 feet tall.
This variety is known for its showy flowers, which feature brilliant orange sepals and vivid blue petals, resembling a crested bird in flight. The smaller size of S. reginae makes it the preferred choice for indoor container growing and smaller garden spaces.
In contrast, Strelitzia nicolai, the Giant White Bird of Paradise, is a massive, tree-like perennial that can grow between 15 and 30 feet tall. The S. nicolai is generally grown for its enormous, banana-like foliage and requires significant vertical space, making it better suited for large, open interiors or outdoor planting. Its flowers are larger than S. reginae but are less colorful, featuring white sepals and a bluish-purple “tongue”. Recognizing the ultimate size difference is the first step in ensuring a successful purchase that fits your space.
Primary Retail Sources
The best source for buying a Birds of Paradise depends on your budget, desire for a mature specimen, and need for specialized advice. Local nurseries and garden centers often offer a selection of large, mature specimens of Strelitzia that provide an immediate visual impact. Plants from these sources are higher quality and better cared for, as the staff typically possess specialized horticultural knowledge and can offer tailored advice. This expertise and quality usually means the plants come with a higher price tag compared to other retailers.
Big box stores and home improvement centers are convenient and generally offer the lowest prices due to their ability to purchase plants in bulk. These locations are a reliable source for smaller, younger specimens, but they often lack the variety found elsewhere. A concern is that plants may have received inconsistent care, such as being watered on a blanket schedule, which can increase the risk of purchasing a stressed or pest-infected plant.
Online retailers and specialty plant shops offer the widest variety of both S. reginae and S. nicolai, including rare or harder-to-find sizes. This option is convenient for shoppers seeking a specific cultivar or a large plant delivered directly to their home. The main drawback of buying online is the inability to physically inspect the plant before delivery, and the plant can suffer from shipping stress, potentially arriving with damaged leaves. When purchasing plants online, check the retailer’s guarantee and return policy regarding plant health upon arrival.
Ensuring Quality During Purchase
A physical inspection of any Birds of Paradise plant before purchase is necessary to ensure its long-term health. Begin by closely examining the leaves for signs of pests, particularly on the undersides and along the leaf midribs. Common pests like spider mites (which leave fine webbing) or scale insects (which appear as small, hard brown or white bumps) can quickly infest a home collection.
Beyond pests, assess the overall health of the foliage for discoloration. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, which can lead to root rot, or a nutrient deficiency. Brown edges or crispy tips often signal low humidity or underwatering, a common issue for this tropical plant indoors. While tears in the large, paddle-shaped leaves are natural for Strelitzia and do not affect health, excessive browning or spotting should be a warning sign.
When possible, inspect the root system to check for both root rot and a severely pot-bound condition. A healthy root ball should have firm, whitish-colored roots. Roots that are dark brown or black, feel mushy, and emit an unpleasant odor are a clear sign of root rot from overwatering. If the roots are tightly coiled around the perimeter of the pot or are protruding excessively from the drainage holes, the plant is severely pot-bound, which can impede nutrient uptake and growth.