Bird of Paradise Care
Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Your brightest spot. Bright indirect light plus a few hours of sun. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 5 cm of soil is dry. About weekly in summer, every 2β3 weeks in winter. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Rich but well-draining: our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. Keep above 10Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine; dry heat causes brown edges. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Moderate Needs bright light |
| π Grows to | 1β2 m indoors. |
Big, paddle-shaped leaves make the bird of paradise an instant statement plant. It's tougher than it looks, as long as it gets lots of light. Most indoor plants never bloom, but the leaves alone are worth it.
Light + placement
This is a light-lover. Put it right in front of a south, east or west window where it gets bright light all day and some direct sun. A plant in a dim spot stops growing, leans hard toward the window and its leaves get floppy. If you only have medium light, choose a different plant (or add a grow light).
Watering
Water deeply until it drains, then let the top 5 cm dry out before watering again. In summer that may be weekly; in winter, every 2β3 weeks. Never let it sit in a saucer of water. Curling leaves usually mean it's thirsty; yellowing leaves with wet soil mean too much.
Soil + repotting
A rich, well-draining mix like our Tropical Potting Mix with a pot that drains. They like to be a little snug in the pot, so repot every 2β3 years in spring, one size up.
Feeding + upkeep
Feed every 2β4 weeks from April to September. Dust the big leaves monthly. Cut old brown leaves off at the base. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every couple of weeks so it grows straight.
Why are the leaves splitting?
Totally normal. In the wild the leaves split so wind can pass through instead of tearing them. Indoors, splits happen from age, brushing past, or dry air. You can't fix a split, but a humid, bright spot means fewer of them.
Will it bloom?
Strelitzia reginae (the orange one) can bloom indoors once it's mature, usually 4β5 years old and a bit root-bound, with lots of sun. Strelitzia nicolai (the white, larger one) rarely blooms indoors.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves curling inward | Thirsty or very dry air | Water deeply; check the soil more often in summer. |
| Brown, crispy edges | Dry heat, inconsistent watering | Keep away from heaters; water more evenly. |
| Yellow lower leaves | Overwatering or old leaves | Let the top 5 cm dry; remove old leaves at the base. |
| Leaning, floppy, no new leaves | Not enough light | Move to your brightest window. |
| Fine webbing under leaves | Spider mites | Wipe leaves and treat with Houseplant Spray. |
Varieties we carry
Our birds of paradise come in sizes from tabletop to floor plant. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for the leaves to split?
Yes. It's how the plant naturally handles wind. It doesn't hurt the plant.
How big does it get indoors?
Usually 1β2 metres, slowly, depending on light and pot size.
Is bird of paradise safe for pets?
No. It's mildly toxic to cats and dogs and can upset their stomach if chewed.
Why won't my bird of paradise bloom?
It needs to be mature, a little root-bound and in strong light with some direct sun. Many indoor plants never bloom.
Can it live outside in Victoria?
In summer, yes, on a sheltered patio. It can't handle our winter, so bring it in before nights drop below 10Β°C.
Bird of Paradise care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Plant Cleaning Gloves: The easiest way to dust big leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle seaweed feed for spring and summer.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Snake Plant Β· Monstera Β· Ficus Audrey Β· Fiddle Leaf Fig Β· Rubber Tree Β· Ficus Altissima Β· Ficus Amstel King Β· Dracaena Marginata Β· All plant care β