Plant care guides
Bird of paradise care guide Strelitzia reginae
How to grow and care for Bird of paradise at home. Iconic orange-blue flower.
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Watering (summer)
- Every 5 to 7 days
- Watering (winter)
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Scientific name
- Strelitzia reginae
- Origin
- South Africa
- Humidity
- 50-70%
Fun fact
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.
When 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.
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Every 5 to 7 days
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.
How bright a spot it needs
Bird of paradise 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.
Feeding
Feed Bird of paradise every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp — feeding dry roots can scorch them. When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Bird of paradise is comfortable between 18 and 27 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. Misting every 2 days helps in dry rooms.
Common 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.
Toxic to pets?
YesToxic to pets.
The plant contains gastrointestinal irritants. Mainly the fruit and seeds can cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Keep Bird of paradise out of reach of pets.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Gerbera daisy, Cactus assortment, Echeveria. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Propagation
Grow more Bird of paradise from a cutting.
- Water the plant thoroughly the day before dividing — well-hydrated roots are more resilient.
- Slide the plant gently out of its pot.
- Shake off the loose potting mix to expose the root system.
Common 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 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 gastrointestinal irritants. Mainly the fruit and seeds can cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Keep Bird of paradise out of reach of pets.
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 you see curling leaves, crispy leaf edges, or drooping leaves instead, it’s likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly’s Plant Doctor can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Botanicaly
A schedule that reads your room.
You don’t need to work out your Bird of paradise’s care from scratch each time. Botanicaly uses its saved setup and care history for the next step. Identifying is free. Pro adds Plant Doctor and Weather-smart care.
Still wet
Check again in 2 days
Botanicaly updates the next step when the soil isn’t dry.
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