Elevate your living space with the regal presence of the White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai). Native to subtropical South Africa, this captivating plant showcases glossy, long, and broad leaves that soar to great heights, reminiscent of birds in graceful flight. Also known as the Giant Bird of Paradise, Wild Cape Banana, Crane Plant, or by its scientific name Strelitzia Nicolai, this plant adds a touch of royalty to any environment.
White Bird of Paradise thrives indoors with proper care, including direct sunlight, moderate temperatures, and adequate humidity. Ensure well-draining pots and fertilize during the growing season for optimal growth.
White Bird of Paradise care is relatively easy. Monitoring leaves helps address sunlight, water quality, and humidity issues. Periodic checks can quickly resolve any concerns.
Indoors, it grows to around five feet tall, while outdoor specimens can reach up to twenty feet. Expect full maturity after approximately five years of growth.
The bird of paradise is one of the most stunning tropical plants you can grow. With its vibrant colorful blooms and lush green foliage it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. But if you’re considering adding one to your indoor or outdoor garden, you may be wondering – how fast does bird of paradise grow?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the bird of paradise plant growth rate so you know what to expect as this exotic beauty matures.
A Moderate Growth Rate
The bird of paradise is not the fastest growing plant, but it does grow at a moderate rate when provided with optimal care.
Here’s what you can expect:
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During the first year, a young bird of paradise may grow 1-3 feet tall. Growth will be fastest during the warm spring and summer months.
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In 2-3 years, your plant could reach 3-5 feet tall. At this age, it may begin to produce its first spectacular blooms!
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Within 5-6 years, it’s common for bird of paradise plants to reach 6 feet or taller in ideal conditions. The plants may spread 3-4 feet wide as well.
So while the bird of paradise isn’t the quickest grower, you can expect it to reach an impressive height within just a few years. Proper care is key to achieving this moderate growth rate.
Factors That Influence Growth
Several key factors play a role in how fast your bird of paradise will grow:
Light
Bright, direct light is crucial for the bird of paradise. These plants thrive in full sun outdoors. When grown indoors near a sunny window, they need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Insufficient light leads to slow, leggy growth.
Water
Bird of paradise plants like consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Underwatering can stunt growth.
Nutrients
Feed your plant regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer pellets. Bird of paradise plants are heavy feeders.
Temperature
Ideal temps are 60-90°F. Avoid exposing the plant to freezing cold or frost. Cool temps slow growth.
Humidity
Higher humidity encourages lush leaves and vigorous growth. Mist the plant daily or use a pebble tray to boost moisture.
Pot Size
Repot in a container one size larger each spring as the plant grows. A cramped root system inhibits growth.
With the proper care in these key areas, you can achieve the moderately fast growth rate this plant is known for.
Growth Rate of Different Varieties
There are a few different bird of paradise varieties you may come across. Growth rate can vary slightly between them:
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Orange bird of paradise – The classic variety grows up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
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White bird of paradise – Very similar growth habit to orange, reaching 5-7 feet tall.
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Dwarf orange – A smaller, more compact variety that grows just 2-3 feet tall.
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Giant bird of paradise – Can reach impressive heights of up to 30 feet in ideal conditions outdoors. Too large for indoor growing.
So the dwarf orange is the slowest grower, while the giant variety offers incredibly fast growth. For most home gardens, the standard orange or white varieties are best suited and deliver moderate growth.
Caring for Young Bird of Paradise Plants
If you just brought home a new bird of paradise plant from the nursery, proper care is especially crucial during its first year in your home to encourage a healthy growth rate. Here are some tips:
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For houseplants, choose a sunny south or west window. Rotate the plant periodically for even sun coverage.
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Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Younger plants may need more frequent watering than mature plants.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
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Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F.
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Mist frequently to boost humidity around the plant.
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Repot in a slightly larger container if roots become crowded.
With high light, frequent watering and feeding, warm temps, and increased humidity, you can ensure your young bird of paradise gets off to a great start!
When Does Bird of Paradise Bloom?
One of the most exciting parts of growing bird of paradise is looking forward to its breathtaking blooms! But this doesn’t happen right away.
Bird of paradise plants usually take 3-5 years to mature enough to flower when grown indoors. Bright light is essential to trigger blooming. Even with ideal care, some varieties simply refuse to flower until they have reached maturity.
Outdoors in tropical climates, flowering can happen a bit sooner in just 1-2 years. But don’t be discouraged if your young plant hasn’t bloomed yet – have patience! Providing optimal care will lead to spectacular flowers in time.
Add Tropical Style to Your Garden
With its huge, vibrant blooms and big, bold foliage, the bird of paradise plant delivers striking tropical flair whether grown indoors or out. Although not the fastest grower, following the tips above will ensure your plant thrives and achieves its moderately fast growth rate. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy a towering specimen of this exotic tropical beauty!
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Plant Description:
Elevate your living space with the regal presence of the White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai). Native to subtropical South Africa, this captivating plant showcases glossy, long, and broad leaves that soar to great heights, reminiscent of birds in graceful flight. Also known as the Giant Bird of Paradise, Wild Cape Banana, Crane Plant, or by its scientific name Strelitzia Nicolai, this plant adds a touch of royalty to any environment.
Care Tips for a Happy White Bird of Paradise:
- Watering: Check the easyplant reservoir once a month for fuss-free watering; otherwise, use the soak and dry method, watering when the top 1″ of soil is dry.
- Light: Thrives in bright direct light or bright indirect light; avoid low light conditions.
- Temperature: Ideal temperature between 60˚F and 80˚F; tolerate temperatures down to 32˚F; avoid exposure to temperatures lower than 29˚F.
- Humidity: Enjoys high humidity; use a humidifier, mist regularly, or place in naturally humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
- Toxicity: Moderately toxic if ingested; keep away from children and pets; leaves and stems are mildly toxic, while flowers and seeds can cause more severe reactions.
White Bird of Paradise Well-Being Signs:
- Leaf Yellowing: Normal on initial days; cut yellow leaves; old leaves may naturally yellow and die.
- Growth Rate: Slow growth, with new leaves emerging about once a month; may take around five years to reach full maturity.
Common Pests and Problems:
- Sunburn: Dark spots or curled leaves may indicate sunburn; adjust placement to avoid intense direct sunlight.
- Brown Spots: High temperatures may cause brown spots; diffuse sunlight or relocate to a cooler, well-lit area.
- Leaf Burn: Excess salt in water or too much direct sunlight may cause leaf burn; ensure proper watering and light conditions.
FAQs:
Is White Bird of Paradise a good indoor plant?
White Bird of Paradise thrives indoors with proper care, including direct sunlight, moderate temperatures, and adequate humidity. Ensure well-draining pots and fertilize during the growing season for optimal growth.
Are White Birds of Paradise hard to care for?
White Bird of Paradise care is relatively easy. Monitoring leaves helps address sunlight, water quality, and humidity issues. Periodic checks can quickly resolve any concerns.
How tall does White Bird of Paradise get?
Indoors, it grows to around five feet tall, while outdoor specimens can reach up to twenty feet. Expect full maturity after approximately five years of growth.
Bird of Paradise Indoor Care | 5 Easy Care Tips | Strelitzia Nicolai & Reginae Plant Tips
FAQ
Do birds of paradise grow fast?
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Growth Rate:Bird of paradise plants are known for their slow growth, with new leaves emerging roughly once a month.
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Maturity:It can take around five years for a bird of paradise plant to reach full maturity and start flowering.
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Factors Affecting Growth:Several factors can influence how quickly a bird of paradise plant grows, including:
- Light: Bird of paradise plants need bright, indirect light to thrive.
- Water: Proper watering is crucial, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Temperature and Humidity: Being tropical plants, they appreciate warmer temperatures and higher humidity.
- Soil: Using a well-draining soil mix is essential.
- Repotting: Bird of paradise plants benefit from being repotted every couple of years or when they become root-bound.
- Light: Bird of paradise plants need bright, indirect light to thrive.
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Blooming:Bird of paradise plants typically bloom once they reach maturity, and they can produce multiple flower spikes throughout the year.
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Size:Bird of paradise plants can grow to be quite large, with some species reaching heights of 5-6 feet indoors and up to 20-30 feet outdoors.
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Care:Bird of paradise plants are relatively easy to care for, but they do require consistent attention to their needs.
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Indoor vs Outdoor:Bird of paradise plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but they thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11.
How much does Bird of Paradise grow in a year?
Growth Rate: Slow growth, with new leaves emerging about once a month; may take around five years to reach full maturity.
Do birds of paradise like full sun or shade?
Give bird of paradise a spot in full sun for best growth and most flowers. The exception to that is in the hottest regions, where partial shade protects plants from strong sun and heat. Plants in full sun tend to be shorter with smaller flowers, while part-shade plants grow taller with larger flowers.
Do birds of paradise like to be crowded?
Growing Tips
Overwatering can cause root rot. Fertilize monthly from spring until fall with a balanced organic fertilizer such as 5-5-5. Although bird of paradise flowers best when a little crowded, if too crowded in the garden or pot, it will stop flowering.
How big does a bird of Paradise grow?
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 grows well in a 10-inch pot. A 5- to 6-foot plant usually thrives in a 14-inch pot. Repot it every spring into the next-size-up pot. Once it reaches maturity, allow it to be pot-bound so that it will bloom.
How long does a bird of paradise take to grow?
Bird of paradise can reach a height of 30 feet or more in 5-6 years with a moderate growth rate if the right conditions are met. The plant may take up to four years to flower if grown indoors. Typically, the height of an indoor bird of paradise is between 3 and 6 feet.
How long does a bird of paradise take to bloom?
The plant may take up to four years to flower if grown indoors. Typically, the height of an indoor bird of paradise is between 3 and 6 feet. Aside from growing them outside, you can also enjoy blooming bird of paradise indoors. However, before bringing this beauty indoors, you should think about the maximum height.
What temperature should a bird of Paradise grow?
The ideal temperature for growing bird of paradise is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (15-32°C). However, this little plant is able to withstand light and even a little bit of cold. Avoid exposing this plant to extreme cold or frost. What Type of Substrate Is Best For Bird of Paradise? Well-fertilized soil is ideal for this stunning plant.
Can you divide a bird of paradise plant?
Since the bird of paradise will shoot several stems, it is possible to divide one plant into several. However, you should keep in mind that this will affect the growth rate and how quickly the plant flowers. Generally speaking, the plants will take a good three years to recover from this.
What is a bird of paradise plant?
The distinctive bird of paradise is one of the best-known tropical flowers. It is closely related to the banana plant. The bird of paradise plant is named for closely resembling the tropical bird of the same name. It is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant.