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Bird of Paradise Care

The Bird of Paradise is considered the queen of the indoor plant world. This large, upright plant adds a rich, tropical flair to your space as its glossy, banana-shaped leaves fan out. It is relatively hardy and adapts to a wide spectrum of light conditions from direct sun to low, indirect light, but will flourish in a sunny spot.

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 a Bird of Paradise; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Bird of Paradise

LIGHT

The Bird of Paradise can handle direct and bright indirect light. However, it will flourish most in a sunny spot in direct sun. If you don’t think you have a spot with enough light, try using a grow light.

WATER

Water your Bird of Paradise when the soil volume is 50% dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

The Bird of Paradise prefers a humid environment. Add a pebble tray or a humidifier nearby if you notice crispy leaf edges.

TEMPERATURE

Average indoor temperatures of 65-80°F are best for the Bird of Paradise.

FOOD

During spring and summer, fertilize once a month with a general purpose fertilizer. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter when plant growth naturally slows.  

TOXICITY

Bird of Paradise is considered toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

The Bird of Paradise is sensitive to salt and mineral build-up, so water that’s too hard or soft can cause browning leaf edges. If you notice this, try using rainwater or distilled water. If you notice your plant’s leaves splitting, this is natural. This is to protect their large leaves from snapping from rain and wind.

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What's a Bird of Paradise?

Botanical Classification: Strelitzia nicolai

About

The Bird of Paradise is considered the queen of the indoor plant world. This large, upright plant adds a rich, tropical flair to your space as its glossy, banana-shaped leaves fan out. It is relatively hardy and adapts to a wide spectrum of light conditions from direct sun to low, indirect light, but will flourish in a sunny spot.

Water and humidity are important to keep your Bird of Paradise healthy. It needs consistent watering to keep the soil moist, but never wet or soggy. In addition to careful watering, it will benefit from regular misting to boost its humidity. The Bird of Paradise is native to South Africa where it receives a lot of light and warmth.

When grown indoors, there will not be enough light to trigger the plant to produce a bloom. However, the majestic foliage and graceful stems make a statement on their own.

Fun Fact

The breaks and slits in your Bird of Paradise’s leaves aren’t necessarily a cause for concern. These slits occur naturally in the wild to help the plant become more aerodynamic in wind and rain. 

Pictured Left: Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise

Impressive and tropical with large, glossy leaves that naturally split over time.
easy to grow and low maintenance, bright indirect to bright light
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