If you know the bird of paradise mainly as a florist's flower, you're probably thinking of the Strelitzia genus. One type of bird of paradise plant is a low-growing jungle plant with unique exotic flowers, a relative of the banana plant, while the other type is a member of the pea family, a thorny shrub or tree that loves desert environments. Very different species of plants can sometimes share the same common name, and nowhere is this more true than with the flowering plants known as "bird of paradise." Species from two entirely different plant genera share this common name, and that's just about the only thing similar about them. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.They have very different growth and flowering habits compared to Strelitzia. Many of these plants are in the Caesalpinia pulcherrima species and are called the Mexican bird of paradise. Bird of paradise is also the common name used for an unrelated desert dwelling shrub in the Southwest. Strelitzia nicolai is similar with white flowers. Strelitzia reginae is the most typical species with bright orange and blue flowers. While most grow about 6 feet tall, some can reach 15 feet tall or more when grown well. There are many species of bird of paradise. Since it can spread, planting bird of paradise alone in a container is usually best. Of course, bird of paradise is beautiful in its own container. Plant shorter flowers in the foreground, such as agapanthus, sea holly, red hot poker and alstromeria. For taller plants try bougainvillea, Carolina jasmine, and Osmanthus or sweet olive shrub. Plant bird of paradise outdoors in a warm climate with taller tropical plants behind it and shorter flowers in front. Control these pests with sprays of insecticidal soap. You may need to do a little more grooming of your bird of paradise in spring after a cold winter outdoors to spruce it up.īird of paradise normally doesn’t have many pests, but occasionally they will be infected with aphids, white flies and mealybugs. Prune off old leaves and spent flower stalks as they appear. Replant in a similar location as the parent plant. Divide overcrowded plants in late spring by digging up the clump and separating it into 1- to 2-foot diameter sections. Bird of paradise suckers freely, so you can remove these offshoots to make new plants. Fertilize monthly from spring until fall with a balanced organic fertilizer such as 5-5-5.Īlthough bird of paradise flowers best when a little crowded, if too crowded in the garden or pot, it will stop flowering. In winter only water periodically to keep the soil from drying out completely. Bird of paradise likes high humidity so group houseplants together and place them on pebble trays filled with water to increase the humidity in winter in cold areas.īird or paradise soil should be kept evenly moist from spring till fall.
#White bird of paradise full#
Place the container in a full sun, warm location from spring until fall and then indoors in winter in the sunniest room possible. When planting in a container, use a well-drained potting soil and add compost to the mix for fertility. Amend the soil with compost when planting and be sure to plant in an area that is well-drained. Bird of paradise thrives in a well-drained organic soil. Plant purchased bird of paradise plants or divisions from friends or family in a full sun location in spring or early summer. One of the reasons bird of paradise doesn’t grow well is soggy soils or soils that dry out too quickly. Keep the soil well watered in spring and summer, but allow it to dry out slightly in winter. In areas where winters are cool, move the bird of paradise container indoors to a heated, sunny room and then back outdoors in spring.īird of Paradise grows best in well-drained, moist soil. In fact, the plant appreciates being a little crowded and will flower well under these conditions. Bird of paradise also grows well in containers. They withstand salt spray and winds, making this a good seaside plant. The tough, leathery, green leaves are similar to bananas and are attractive as well. The plant will suffer whenever temperatures dip below 50F. They grow outdoors in warm parts of California, Texas and Florida as well as Hawaii. Bird of paradise is a warmth loving plant and is only hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Will grow in part shade but flowering will be reduced.īlooms on and off year round, mostly in summer in cooler areasīird of Paradise ( Strelitzia) is a tropical evergreen that features colorful flowers reminiscent of tropical birds.