Bird of paradise care: watering, light and repotting
Also called strelitzia, crane flower · Strelitzia reginae · Strelitziaceae family
14 d in winter
How often to water the bird of paradise?
Allow about 7 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 14 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Needs lots of light, and even a few hours of direct sun. Its leaves split naturally.
Misting every 7 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The bird of paradise loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Split leaves
Cause: Natural, made worse by dry air. What to do: Nothing serious; mist if the air is very dry.
Brown edges
Cause: Irregular watering. What to do: Keep a regular rhythm, never soggy soil.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the bird of paradise?
About every 7 days in spring and summer, and every 2 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the bird of paradise?
The bird of paradise loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the bird of paradise?
Yes, misting every 7 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the bird of paradise?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the bird of paradise safe?
The bird of paradise is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the bird of paradise needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.