Bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae · Strelitziaceae
📷 Scott Bauer, USDA · Public domain
⚠️ Oiseau de paradis : graines contiennent glycosides. Chiens/chats/enfants : troubles digestifs, irritation. Risque surtout si ingestion de graines ou pulpe.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bird of paradise: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Bird of Paradise
- Family
- Strelitziaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- November to March
- Adult height
- Up to 150 cm tall
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Tropical plant, frost-sensitive
- Origin
- South Africa
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Bird of Paradise tolerates only one regime: well-draining pot (sand+soil mix 1:1), intense light, and moderate watering in winter. Move it outside absolutely from May to September: winter frost weakens it.
The common mistake
Kept indoors year-round with low light, it rarely flowers and gradually weakens.
The pro's trick
Place it outside in full sun from May onwards, after gradual acclimatization.
Care
Light
The Bird of Paradise requires a very bright location, ideally in full sun. Place it near a south or west-facing window to ensure 6 to 8 hours of direct daily light. Indoors, the brighter the exposure, the more abundant the flowering will be.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn-winter. Preferably use non-calcareous or filtered water. Check that water drains well to avoid stagnation.
Soil and repotting
Use a rich, well-draining substrate made of potting soil, compost, and sand or perlite. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 15 days during the growing season (April to September). You can also use a specific fertilizer for flowering plants. Stop all fertilizing from October to March.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove dead or damaged leaves over time. You can prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Regularly wipe the foliage with a damp cloth to promote light absorption.
Diseases and pests
Watch for scale insects and spider mites, which are favored by dry air. Regular misting of the foliage can prevent these problems. In case of infestation, isolate the plant and treat with appropriate solutions. Excess moisture can cause root rot.
Did you know?
The Bird of Paradise owes its spectacular name to the amazing shape of its flower, which resembles the bird of paradise found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. In South Africa, its region of origin, this flower symbolizes joy and excellence, and appears on the emblems of several cities.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.