How to care for your Bird of Paradise
Use these instructions to care for a Bird of Paradise. This guide will tell you how to water your Bird of Paradise, its light, temperature, and humidity preferences, and any additional care your plant might need to help it grow.
The Bird of Paradise can handle light levels from direct sunlight to low indirect light. However, it will flourish in a sunny spot.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy during the spring through fall. In the winter, allow two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The Bird of Paradise cannot handle ‘wet feet’, meaning its roots should not sit in wet soil. It’s best to keep your Bird of Paradise on the dry side.
Your Bird of Paradise appreciates the occasional misting, which also helps remove the dust from its glossy dark leaves.
Average indoor temperatures of 65-80 degrees are just fine for the Bird of Paradise. It does most of its growth in warmth and heat. Therefore, its growth will slow during the cooler winter months.
Your Bird of Paradise is a hungry plant because of how quickly it grows! During the spring and summer fertilize once a month with an all-purpose liquid feed. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter when plant growth naturally slows.
Your Bird of Paradise likes a salt-free diet, so make sure you are using good water. You may need to switch to distilled water if you notice the leaves are turning brown. However, first try letting your tap water sit uncovered overnight to allow for the chlorine and fluoride to evaporate.
Toxins are found in the leaves and can adversely affect humans and pets if consumed. Mild mouth and stomach irritation may occur.
