Bird of Paradise

How to care for bird of paradise

• Light: Requires bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day to encourage blooming. Will tolerate bright indirect light, but may not flower.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
• Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. A blend for palms or a regular potting mix amended with perlite works well.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Humidity: Appreciates moderate to high humidity; misting or a pebble tray can be beneficial, especially in dry climates.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer. Reduce to monthly in fall and stop in winter.
• Propagation: Propagate by division of rhizomes during repotting or by planting fresh seeds, though germination can be slow and sporadic.

Is bird of paradise toxic to pets?

Not pet-safe. Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, causing mild gastrointestinal upset due to hydrocyanic acid. See our guide to toxic plants for cats and dogs.

Common problems

• No blooms: Most often due to insufficient light, lack of maturity (takes 3-5 years to bloom), or inconsistent care. Provide ample bright, direct light.
• Brown, crispy leaf edges: Can be caused by low humidity, underwatering, or too much direct, harsh sunlight. Increase humidity and check watering schedule.

Did you know?

Its distinctive flower resembles a crane's head and beak, which is how it earned its common name.

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