Bird of paradise care guide
Strelitzia reginae
Quick answer
Water your bird of paradise when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate13–27 °C (55–81 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
2 cm (0.8 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Bird of paradise needs as much light as possible, including direct sun. Shade it from the hottest summer sun behind glass, and move it into stronger sun gradually so the leaves do not scorch. Place it in or near a south- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your 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
Climate13–27 °C (55–81 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 13–27 °C (55–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full bird of paradise toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a bird of paradise?
Water your bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a bird of paradise need?
Bird of paradise needs as much light as possible, including direct sun. Shade it from the hottest summer sun behind glass, and move it into stronger sun gradually so the leaves do not scorch. Place it in or near a south- or west-facing 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 is my bird of paradise turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · native range · classification
- Royal Horticultural SocietyGrowing Conditions · Cultivation · hardiness H1A/H1B · Pests · How to grow strelitzia · Quick facts · What are strelitzias · Ongoing care
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · Cultural Conditions · Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of ExtensionHouseplant · Light · Watering and fertilizing · Potting · Pests
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity · clinical signs · fruit and seed context
- How we check our plant advice
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