How to Make a Bird of Paradise Bloom

The Bird of Paradise is a unique colorful flower that is native to South Africa. It gets its name because it resembles a brightly colored bird flying through the air. They can be grown indoors almost anywhere, but since they are used to tropical weather, they require special attention. In order for these flowers to bloom, it can take up to four years of perfect conditions and treatment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird of Paradise
• Sunlight
• Water
• Fertilizer
• Spray bottle

1. Put the Bird of Paradise in a window that gets plenty of sunlight. They need at least five hours of sunlight per day, but more than five hours would be beneficial. If the leaves begin to curl, then the plant is not getting enough sun. You may want to consider artificial lighting if this is the case.

2. Keep the soil moist at all times from spring until early fall. During the cold months, you only need to water the soil once it gets dry.

3. Put water in a clean spray bottle and mist the plant daily from spring until early fall. Spray it once or twice per week during the cold months.

4. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the warm months, and once a month during the cold months. Any type of flower fertilizer is suitable for a Bird of Paradise.

5. Keep the plant in the same pot for its entire life. Bird of Paradise does best when the roots are crowded. Also, switching it to a different pot can disturb the roots and set the blooming time back an additional two or three years.

References

• Bird of Paradise Growing Tips
• Bird of Paradise Information