Bird of Paradise is the indoor tropical statement plant of the moment — banana-like paddle leaves that can reach 1.5–2 m indoors and, with the right care, eventually produce the iconic crane-shaped flowers in white or orange. It needs more light than most houseplants but rewards patience with serious drama.
Quick reference
| Scientific name | Strelitzia nicolai (white) / Strelitzia reginae (orange) |
|---|---|
| Common names | Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower, Strelitzia |
| Family | Strelitziaceae |
| Native to | South Africa |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Pet safety | Mildly toxic to cats and dogs (mild gastrointestinal irritation). |
Bird of Paradise care guide
Light
Bright direct or very bright indirect light. A south-facing window is ideal. Plants in low light produce smaller leaves and never flower indoors.
Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry. In bright light this is roughly every 5–7 days; cut back significantly in winter. Allow the pot to drain fully.
Humidity
Prefers 50%+ humidity but tolerates lower.
Temperature
Comfortable from 18–27 °C (65–80 °F). Avoid temperatures below 13 °C.
Soil
Loamy, well-draining potting mix with added perlite. A heavier pot is helpful — the plant grows top-heavy.
Fertilizer
Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning
Cut yellow or damaged leaves at the base. Healthy leaves often split naturally along their length — this is normal in wild and mature indoor plants, not damage.
Repotting
Every 2 years in spring, going up one pot size. Roots are vigorous and quickly fill the pot.
Propagation
By division of mature plants during repotting — separate sucker stems with roots attached.
Common Bird of Paradise problems
Leaves splitting along their length
Cause: Natural behaviour in mature plants; not damage.
Fix: No action needed. Outdoor specimens have heavily split leaves to let wind through; indoor plants split less but it remains normal.
Yellow leaves
Cause: Overwatering or insufficient light.
Fix: Check soil moisture, ensure drainage, and move to a brighter spot if needed.
Crispy brown leaf edges
Cause: Dry air, underwatering, or salt buildup from tap water.
Fix: Boost humidity, water more consistently, and flush the soil every few months with plain water.
Won't flower
Cause: Insufficient light or plant too young.
Fix: Plants need 3–5 years of mature growth in very bright light before flowering indoors. A south-facing window is essentially required.
How PlantCare Pro can help with your Bird of Paradise
Scan your Bird of Paradise in the PlantCare Pro app to confirm the species, get a 0–100 health score, and receive a personalised, weather-aware care plan. Save it to My Garden to track its health over time and get notified when something looks wrong.
Bird of Paradise FAQ
How big does a Bird of Paradise get indoors?
Indoor specimens typically reach 1.5–2 m with the right pot and light. Outdoor plants in tropical climates can grow to 6 m.
Will my Bird of Paradise flower indoors?
Possibly, with patience. Plants need 3–5 years of maturity and a south-facing window with several hours of direct sun. Most indoor plants never flower — but the leaves alone are worth growing.
Why are my Bird of Paradise leaves splitting?
It's natural — Bird of Paradise leaves split along their length to let wind pass through. Outdoor plants split heavily; indoor plants split less but the behaviour is normal and harmless.