Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How to Take Care of a Bird of Paradise

...
bird of paradise image by Keith Pinto from Fotolia.com

The scientific name for the bird of paradise plant is Strelitzia reginae, and it is also commonly called the crane flower. The bird of paradise flower is unique in that it looks like a bird in flight. The bird of paradise plant can grow up to 5 feet tall. If you are considering adding this plant to your garden design, you will want to know how to properly care for it.

Plant your bird of paradise plant in soil that drains well. Soil that does not drain will cause the roots of this plant to rot. Measure the diameter of the root ball and place your root ball two to three times that deep into the soil.

  • The scientific name for the bird of paradise plant is Strelitzia reginae, and it is also commonly called the crane flower.
  • If you are considering adding this plant to your garden design, you will want to know how to properly care for it.

Water your bird of paradise plant regularly in the spring and summer months, but only occasionally in the fall and winter. If you experience a lot of rainfall, you do not need to water your plants very much.

Spread blood meal around your bird of paradise plant once every three months during the spring and summer months. This will keep the area fertilized.

Add a layer of mulch to the ground around the bird of paradise plant. Make sure the mulch is 2 inches away from the stem of the plant so it is not rubbing up against the stem.

Make sure your bird of paradise plant is getting plenty of sunlight. The bird of paradise is considered a tropical plant and needs a good amount of light to thrive.

  • Water your bird of paradise plant regularly in the spring and summer months, but only occasionally in the fall and winter.
  • The bird of paradise is considered a tropical plant and needs a good amount of light to thrive.

Care For A Bird Of Paradise Plant

The bird of paradise plant (Strelitzia reginae) is a tropical favorite known for its flamboyant birdlike blooms. Throughout the rest of the United States, it enjoys widespread popularity as a dependable houseplant. Protect bird of paradise plants any time temperatures drop toward freezing. In colder climates, grow bird of paradise in a large pot that can be moved inside during cold snaps and wintry weather. Water bird of paradise consistently, especially when newly planted. Place a layer of mulch around the base of the bird of paradise to conserve moisture and prevent competition from grass and weeds. Fertilize bird of paradise every three months during its active growing season of spring and summer. Remove any yellowed or dead leaves that occur through the year.

  • The bird of paradise plant (Strelitzia reginae) is a tropical favorite known for its flamboyant birdlike blooms.
  • Place a layer of mulch around the base of the bird of paradise to conserve moisture and prevent competition from grass and weeds.

Tip

If you spot an aphid or a caterpillar on your bird of paradise, pick it off or wash it away with a hose.

Warning

If you are growing your bird of paradise plant from seed, be aware that it won't bloom for about three to five years afterward.

Related Articles

Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Is a Citronella Plant Toxic to Dogs?
Is a Citronella Plant Toxic to Dogs?
How to Grow a Mouse Plant
How to Grow a Mouse Plant
Care of Angel Wing Plants
Care of Angel Wing Plants
How to Plant a Queen Palm
How to Plant a Queen Palm
How Do You Take Care of a Dieffenbachia Plant?
How Do You Take Care of a Dieffenbachia Plant?
How to Wash a Bird Bath With Vinegar
How to Wash a Bird Bath With Vinegar
How to Care for a Gold Fish Plant
How to Care for a Gold Fish Plant
Garden Guides
×