Bird of paradise care guideStrelitzia reginae
Iconic orange-blue flower. Ranked #13 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Bird of paradise when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Bird of paradise is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Bird of paradise problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Mushy stem base · Root rot · Black leaf spots. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Curling leaves · Crispy leaf edges · Drooping leaves · Failure to flower. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains hydrocyanic acid (seeds and roots), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Bird of paradise out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Sweetheart plant, Hibiscus, or Gerbera daisy.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Sweetheart plant, Hibiscus, Gerbera daisy. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Named in 1773 for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz; in the wild the orange-and-blue flower is pollinated by sunbirds perching on the spathe.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Bird of paradise based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Bird of paradise?
Water your Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Bird of paradise need?
Bird of paradise is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is Bird of paradise safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains hydrocyanic acid (seeds and roots), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Bird of paradise out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Sweetheart plant, Hibiscus, or Gerbera daisy.
Why are my Bird of paradise's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Bird of paradise, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, mushy stem base, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are curling leaves, crispy leaf edges, or drooping leaves instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.