Bird of Paradise – Strelitzia Reginae 200mm

Where to buy Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae in Australia?

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Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Introduction

Strelitzia reginae is a species of evergreen tropical herbaceous plant, native to South Africa. Given its own family Strelitziaceae by taxonomists, it is still closely related to bananas (Musaceae). Many often mistakenly call this plant the “banana tree” because it looks like banana plants. These regal plants (for which they are named, reginae) are named for their beautiful flamboyant, orange crane-like flowers that they produce, resembling birds of paradise. They are known for their bright orange and blue/purple colours. Under the right conditions, including full, Northern light exposure, proper humidity and temperature, Bird of Paradise may flower indoors, although this is rare and they are usually grown indoors for their nice foliage.

Birds of Paradise Vs Giant Bird of Paradise

The Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) is, as the name suggests, the smaller of two with the Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) having tall, large tropical leaves. The Giant Bird of Paradise has wider leaves that are also more smooth and shiny. The Giant Bird of Paradise, being a more tropical species is a very popular indoor plant, while the Bird of Paradise is more commonly grown outdoors. This is because the Bird of Paradise is most loved for its incredible flowers, which have better success when grown outdoors. The Giant Bird of Paradise also flowers but these are dark purple and white and less flamboyant than the Bird of Paradise and is therefore generally grown for their impactful tropical foliage. Both rarely flower indoors, so choosing to grow the Bird of Paradise indoors rather than the Giant Bird of Paradise would most likely be due to the more compact form and the smaller height.

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Soil & Drainage

Use a rich, well-drained potting mix for potted plants or a compost mixture. If using a pot, make sure it has ample drainage holes to allow water to flow through the soil and out of the pot.

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Lighting and Position

This plant needs bright light, including some direct sunlight, to bloom well. However, it requires shielding in the direct midday summer sun, which can burn the leaves, especially of younger plants.2 A good position is in a room with windows facing east to capture morning sun. Avoid rooms with only a south-facing windows as it is likely to be too dark for the plant to thrive.

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Watering

Keep the soil continually moist throughout the year. While it should not be waterlogged, expect to water it daily in the spring and summer as it loses moisture through its big leaves. You can water it until you see the water draining from its drainage holes, but make sure it does not sit in a pool of water. If overwatered, the plant will develop crunchy brown leaves. If underwatered, the leaves furthest from the center will turn yellow.

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Humidity

Bird of paradise prefers some humidity. You might want to keep a spray bottle handy to mist it if your home is dry. Keep the air temperature above 12 degrees in winter to keep it happiest. Although they can grow outdoors they can be sensitive to frost damage and will recover slowly so they are best planted in a sheltered spot.

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Fertilizer

This plant is a heavy feeder. Feed it in the springtime with slow-release pellets or weekly during the growing season with liquid fertilizer.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Repotting Needs

Bird of paradise is a rapidly-growing plant that needs to reach a certain size before it blooms. A bird of paradise that is 3 to 4 feet tall (90-120cm) grows well in a 10-inch (250mm) pot. A 5- to 6-foot plant (150cm-180cm) usually thrives in a 14-inch (350mm) pot. Repot it every spring into the next pot size-up. Once it reaches maturity, allow it to be pot-bound so that it will bloom. You can divide it by the time it has matured or bloomed at least once but do it infrequently since crowded clumps produce the most blooms. Repotting disrupts the bloom cycle.

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Toxicity for Pets

The bird of paradise is an ideal houseplant because it is low-maintenance but is considered mildly toxic to humans and pets.

Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae Vulnerability to Pests & Disease

The Bird of Paradise is an easy-going plant and is generally pest-free but can be prone to spider mites. Treat pests as soon as they appear with weekly sprays of a natural pesticide like neem oil and regular wipe-downs of the plant.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.

Why are the leaves of my Bird of Paradise splitting?

Another advantage that the Bird of Paradise has over the Giant Bird of Paradise is that its leaves are less susceptible to splitting. The leaves as a whole are more compact and have a stronger double curvature form, which keeps it united. Whereas the larger Giant Bird of Paradise splits are an evolutionary adaptation of the plant that allow wind to pass through the leaves, meaning the leaves themselves don’t function as giant sails. If your bird of paradise is developing splits, check that it isn’t in a windy/drafty spot and that it is receiving adequate light and water. Increasing the humidity around your plant can also help.

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