Plants
Bird of Paradise Plant
Strelitzia reginae · Strelitziaceae (Strelitziengewächse)
The bird of paradise is the diva of houseplants: architectural, paddle-shaped leaves and, at its best, a bloom that looks like an orange-and-blue tropical bird. It is tougher than its exotic appearance suggests and rewards a bright spot with years of vigorous growth. In our Duesseldorf-Pempelfort shop we pick our plants for healthy roots and firm foliage rather than quick shelf appeal.
- Light
- Very bright, ideally with direct sun at a south- or west-facing window. The more light, the more likely it is to flower; in dark spots it grows leggy.
- Watering
- Moderate: water when the top two to three centimetres of soil have dried. Avoid waterlogging at all costs and water much more sparingly in winter.
- Care level
- Medium
- Botanical
- Strelitzia reginae
Two types of bird of paradise turn up in shops and they should not be confused. Strelitzia reginae stays compact at around one to one and a half metres and is the only species that realistically comes into flower as a houseplant. The much larger Strelitzia nicolai (giant white bird of paradise) grows into a tree-like foliage plant, almost never blooms indoors and is bought mainly for its huge leaves.
In floristry and interior planting we value the bird of paradise as a structural plant. A single, well-leaved specimen makes a clear, almost sculptural statement in a bright room and needs no companions. The cut bird of paradise flower is a classic for extravagant bouquets, but as a potted plant its charm lies above all in the elegant shape of its leaves.
Quality shows in firm, upright leaf stalks and deep green, leathery foliage without brown split edges. Young plants raised too warm and too dark often look soft and topple easily. When buying, we make sure the plant sits sturdily in its pot and shows no curled, pale new growth, as that points to a lack of light.
Stylistically the bird of paradise suits bright, modern and Mediterranean-inspired rooms beautifully. A plain terracotta pot or a matte cover pot in earth or sand tones lets the rich green stand out. To play up its exotic character, pair it with other South African plants or succulents; for a calmer look, place it solo by the window and let the leaf silhouette speak for itself.
Care
- 01Position it as bright as possible: a south- or west-facing window, with a few hours of direct sun in summer. In spots that are too dark it will not flower.
- 02From spring to autumn water thoroughly once the top two to three centimetres of soil have dried; avoid waterlogging, as the fleshy roots rot easily.
- 03In winter water much more sparingly and keep it cooler (around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius); this rest period encourages later flowering.
- 04During the growing season feed every two weeks with a foliage or flowering plant fertiliser, and pause feeding in winter.
- 05Only repot once the roots fill and strain the pot; the bird of paradise flowers more willingly when slightly root-bound. Dust the large leaves now and then so they absorb light well.
Frequently asked
- Why won't my bird of paradise flower?
- Usually it is a lack of light. Strelitzia reginae only flowers in a very bright spot and only once the plant is several years old and well established. A cooler, drier rest period in winter and a pot that is not too large also help. The giant Strelitzia nicolai, by contrast, virtually never blooms indoors.
- Is the bird of paradise toxic to cats, dogs and children?
- Yes, it is considered mildly toxic. The fruit and seeds in particular contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea and vomiting if eaten; according to the ASPCA this applies to both cats and dogs. Leaves and stems are less of a problem but still should not be chewed. Keep the plant out of reach of curious pets and small children.
- How often should I water the bird of paradise?
- There is no fixed schedule; soil moisture is what matters. Water once the top two to three centimetres have dried out, often about once a week in summer and far less in winter. More important than frequent watering is that no water ever sits in the cover pot, as the fleshy roots are sensitive to wet conditions.
- How big does a bird of paradise get as a houseplant?
- Strelitzia reginae stays pleasantly room-friendly at around one to one and a half metres and grows fairly slowly. The giant Strelitzia nicolai, on the other hand, can reach several metres and needs corresponding space and ceiling height. Which species suits you therefore depends mainly on the room available.