Most of us recognize the Strelitzia—better known as the Bird of Paradise—as a stunning focal point in tropical floral bouquets. But here’s a pro tip: this exotic beauty actually makes a fantastic houseplant! You can grow it in a pot indoors year-round or move it out to the patio during the summer. There are five different species of these South African natives, and they all bring a serious “vacation vibe” to your home.
Planting Your Bird of Paradise
If you’re looking to add one to your plant family, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep it happy. Your Bird of Paradise will want:
- A bright spot with plenty of sunlight.
- Protection from harsh, direct sun while the plant is still young.
- A large pot with plenty of room for its deep taproots.
- Excellent drainage to prevent “wet feet.”
- Consistent watering, especially when it’s in bloom.
- Nutrient-rich, slightly loamy soil that is loose and well-draining.
When you’re ready to pot your plant, choose a container that’s slightly larger than the root ball. A wide, round pot is usually your best bet to give those roots space to stretch out. Start by adding a layer of expanded clay pebbles or coarse gravel at the bottom for drainage—this is crucial because standing water is a one-way ticket to root rot. Add a bit of potting mix, set your plant in, fill the rest with soil, and press down firmly to give it some stability. Finish up with a good, thorough watering.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
During the growing season (March through October), you’ll want to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Feed your plant with a standard liquid fertilizer for container plants about once a month. To keep it looking its best, make sure to snip off any dry leaves or spent blooms. Every three years or so, your Bird of Paradise will likely need a “home upgrade”—spring is the perfect time to repot it into a larger container with fresh soil. Just be extra careful with those thick, fleshy roots; they can be a bit sensitive!
If you have a balcony or patio, your Strelitzia will love spending the summer outdoors. One quick warning, though: once you see flower buds starting to form, try not to move the pot around. These plants can be a bit finicky, and changing their position at that stage might cause the buds to drop without opening.
As soon as night temperatures dip toward 50°F (10°C), it’s time to bring your plant back inside, as they have zero tolerance for the cold. Over the winter, find it a bright, sunny spot that stays around 60°F (15°C). Scale back your watering to just enough to keep the soil from bone-dry. Even if you keep your plant indoors all year, it still needs this winter rest period to recharge its batteries for the next flowering season!
