A Bird of Paradise isn’t a plant that’s meant to just survive. Its beauty should be thriving!
Also known as a ‘Strelitzia’ or the Crane Flower, this plant is native to South Africa but is grown indoors all over the world.
A stunning indoor combination of exoticism and tropical flowers, the Bird of Paradise has characteristic banana-shaped leaves which are what make it an instantly identifiable design choice.
Bird of Paradise is not a Palm Tree
A Bird of Paradise plant is grown in a visual akin to a tree. In fact, they’re often mistaken as palms.
Most Bird of Paradise plants are White or Orange varieties. A White Bird is tall with larger leaves whereas an Orange Bird is smaller with thinner leaves. What you select for your variety is dependent on the size you want.
How Much Light Does My Bird of Paradise Need?
A Bird of Paradise cannot be grown outdoors. This means they must be kept indoors in specific conditions at all times.
The first accommodation that must be made is with light. Bird of Paradise plants indoors work ideally in a well-lit location, such as a windowsill. During warmer months, some move their Bird of Paradise outdoors. This may work. Some adapt and survive, however, some don’t. Either way, bright light is needed.
What’s the Ideal Temperature For A Bird of Paradise?
A Bird of Paradise doesn’t have any special temperature requirements. It can survive at room temperature fine, preferably keeping nighttime temperatures in the lower 60s and daytime temperatures in the 70s.
That said, if your plant is near a cold current or hot air vent, this can affect it. Also, if your Bird of Paradise is pressed against the glass of a window or is caught with a gust of wind, they can become damaged rather easily.
How Much Should I Water My Bird of Paradise?
The best advice when watering a Bird of Paradise plant – work hard to avoid root rot.
A light, drainage-friendly soil is what you want to start with. A Bird of Paradise plant enjoys moist soil. There is no specific amount of water needed for your plant as light, temperature, and evaporation rate will impact how much or less is needed.
On average, a Bird of Paradise should be watered 4 times a month. No more than that. Moderation is key. If there’s more moisture than normal, you will end up accumulating rot. This is one of the many advantages of having a faux Bird of Paradise. You don’t have to worry about any of this.
What Else Should I Know About Taking Care of A Bird of Paradise?
Leaves drying and turning brown is very, very common with Bird of Paradise plants. Everything from over-watering to chemical burns from too much fertilizer, root rot, or unhealthy tap water can be responsible.
You get a whole mess of problems that could present when caring for a Bird of Paradise. Commitment-wise, it’s also a lot of time and effort you may not be willing to spend. Instead, why not try an artificial Bird of Paradise from ArtiPlanto for something different.
