Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): Plant Profile & Quick Care Facts

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) at a Glance

The Bird of Paradise is a subtropical evergreen perennial from coastal South Africa, grown indoors for its large paddle-shaped leaves and, more rarely, its crane-like orange and blue flowers. It needs far more light than most houseplants: 4 to 6 or more hours of direct sun, a deep watering once the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and a pot that stays snug rather than spacious. This profile is the quick-reference sheet. For a full walkthrough of problems and fixes, read the complete Bird of Paradise care guide.

Bird of Paradise Light Requirements

Light decides how well this plant does indoors. Put it in the brightest spot you have: a south- or west-facing window in the Northern Hemisphere (north- or west-facing in the Southern Hemisphere) with 4 to 6 or more hours of direct sun. In a dim room it will survive for a while, but it grows slowly, leans toward the window, and will not flower.

How Often to Water a Bird of Paradise

Water deeply when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil are dry, until water runs out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. In a bright room that works out to roughly weekly in summer and every two to three weeks in winter, but check the soil instead of following the calendar. PlantSolve's watering calculator can estimate the interval for your pot size and conditions. Never leave the pot standing in water: thick, fleshy roots rot easily.

Humidity and Temperature

Ideal humidity is 40 to 60%. Average homes are usually fine, but heated winter air below about 30% dries the leaf edges. Keep temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees F (18 to 29 degrees C) and avoid cold drafts. It is not frost-hardy, so keep it above 50 degrees F (10 degrees C).

Soil and Fertilizer

Use a rich, well-draining mix: quality potting soil with roughly 30% perlite and a handful of compost or worm castings. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2 to 3 weeks in spring and summer, and cut back or stop in winter. Flush the soil with plain water every couple of months so fertilizer and tap-water salts do not build up.

Bird of Paradise Size and Growth Rate

Indoors, Strelitzia reginae typically reaches 3 to 6 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, at a moderate pace in bright light and very slowly in dim rooms. Strelitzia nicolai is a much bigger plant, commonly 6 to 10+ feet indoors and 20 to 30 feet outdoors in warm climates. Check the comparison table below to see which one you have.

Will a Bird of Paradise Bloom Indoors?

Sometimes, but only Strelitzia reginae is a realistic candidate. It needs to be mature (typically at least four years old, often more), get strong direct light over several seasons, and be slightly root-bound. Strelitzia nicolai almost never flowers as a houseplant. Full details are in our care guide.

Repotting and Propagation

Young plants can be repotted every year or two until they reach a 10 to 12 inch pot. After that, repot only every 3 to 5 years, or simply top dress by replacing the top few inches of soil each spring, because mature plants bloom best when slightly root-bound. Bird of Paradise cannot be grown from leaf or stem cuttings. Propagate by division: during spring repotting, separate an offset (pup) that has its own roots from the main clump using a clean, sharp knife.

Is Bird of Paradise Toxic to Pets?

Yes, mildly. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing the leaves or stems can cause drooling, nausea and vomiting. It is rarely dangerous, but keep it away from pets that chew houseplants.

Common Problems

Split leaves are natural and cannot be repaired. Brown tips usually come from low humidity or minerals in tap water (see our brown tips guide). Inward-curling leaves signal thirst or very dry air. Lower leaves yellowing one at a time is normal aging, but several yellowing at once in wet soil points to overwatering and possible root rot.