Unusual, gorgeous, tropical. If you’ve ever mistaken a plant for a bird, or vice versa, you may have encountered a Bird of Paradise plant. Let’s take a closer look at this natural wonder.
The Bird of Paradise, scientifically known as Strelitzia reginae, is a species of evergreen tropical herbaceous plant, native to South Africa. This striking plant is a favorite among both indoor and outdoor gardeners for its lush, fan-like foliage and dramatic flowers. Given its own family Strelitziaceae by taxonomists, it is still closely related to bananas (Musaceae). Many often mistaken this plant for the “banana tree” because it looks like banana plants due to the natural leaf splitting both plants develop.
Leaf splitting is a common occurrence in Bird of Paradise plants, where the large, paddle-shaped leaves develop natural tears or splits along the edges. This happens as the plant grows, often due to wind, handling, or the weight of the leaves themselves. In their native environment, these splits help the plant withstand strong winds by reducing resistance. The leaf splitting is a natural characteristic and doesn’t harm the plant.
These regal plants (for which they are named, reginae) are named for the beautiful, orange crane-like flowers that they produce, like birds of paradise. Each bloom features a bold, beak-like structure in vivid shades of orange, blue, and purple, emerging from a green, boat-shaped bract, however, there are also white birds of paradise. The flowers stand tall on long, sturdy stems, and their unique form and brilliant colors make them a captivating focal point in any garden or floral arrangement.
Under the right conditions, including full, southern light exposure, proper humidity, and temperature, Bird of Paradise may flower indoors, although this is rare. To encourage blooming, ensure your plant is getting enough light and proper care. Some gardeners find that slightly stressing the plant by reducing water or increasing light for a short period can stimulate flowering.
The bird of paradise is one of the most popular and beautiful houseplants known for its lush tropical foliage and stunning colorful blooms. While these plants are relatively easy to care for, getting their watering schedule right is key to keeping them happy and healthy. Here’s a complete guide on how often you should be watering your bird of paradise plant.
What are the Signs that a Bird of Paradise Needs Water?
To know when it’s time to water your bird of paradise, you need to watch for visual cues:
- Drooping or wilting leaves
- Leaves and stems feeling soft and limp
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- Soil feeling dry to the touch
If you notice any of these signs, it likely means your plant is thirsty and needs a good drink. The leaves and stems will no longer feel firm and upright when the plant is dehydrated.
How Often Should You Water Bird of Paradise Plants?
As a general rule, bird of paradise plants should be watered once the top inch or so of soil has dried out This usually translates to watering about every 1-2 weeks However, the exact frequency can vary based on factors like
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Pot size – Plants in smaller pots may need more frequent watering, while those in larger pots can go longer between waterings.
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Season – In hot and dry weather, plants lose moisture faster and need more frequent watering, like every 5-7 days. In cooler weather, you can water less, about every 10-14 days.
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Plant maturity – Younger plants need more frequent watering than mature, established plants.
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Light exposure – Plants kept in brighter, direct light need more water than those in lower light.
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Humidity – Drier air causes faster moisture loss, so increase watering frequency.
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Soil type – Well-draining soil mixes require more frequent watering than moisture-retentive soil.
Get to know your specific plant and how quickly its soil dries out to determine the optimal schedule. Adjust as needed through the seasons.
Watering Frequency Guidelines by Season
Here are some general guidelines for how often to water a bird of paradise plant based on season:
- Spring – Every 7-10 days
- Summer – Every 5-7 days
- Fall – Every 10-14 days
- Winter – Every 14-21 days
During the active growing period in spring and summer, aim for more frequent watering. In fall and winter when growth slows, you can let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings. Just monitor the soil and plant cues to modify as needed.
Tips for Watering Bird of Paradise Plants
Follow these tips for watering your bird of paradise properly:
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Always check the soil moisture before watering – only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
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Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the whole root zone gets hydrated.
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Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots.
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Try to water in the morning so excess moisture has time to evaporate through the day, preventing disease.
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Add gravel trays to increase humidity around the plant.
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Mist leaves occasionally to boost humidity.
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Ensure pot has drainage holes and use well-draining soil.
Consequences of Underwatering
If you don’t water your bird of paradise frequently enough and the soil dries out too much between waterings, you may notice:
- Leaves turning yellow or brown, especially lower leaves
- Leaves and stems drooping and wilting
- Leaf edges looking crispy or burnt
- Fewer or smaller new leaves
- Flower buds drying out and falling off
Severe underwatering will eventually cause the leaves to turn crispy and brown. Ensure you water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry to prevent underwatering damage.
Consequences of Overwatering
On the other hand, if you water too often and the soil stays soggy, you risk overwatering your plant. Signs of overwatering include:
- Soft, mushy stems
- Yellow, drooping leaves
- Leaf drop
- Brown root rot
- Mold or fungal growth
- Foul odor from the soil
Overwatering can suffocate the roots and lead to potentially fatal root rot. Allow the soil to dry out moderately between waterings.
Best Practices for Watering Bird of Paradise
Follow these best practices when watering your bird of paradise:
- Check soil moisture before watering to determine if it’s needed
- Use room temperature water – avoid cold water
- Water early in the day to allow evaporation
- Water until it drains from the drainage holes
- Adjust schedule by season, pot size, and other factors
- Look for signs of under or overwatering and modify routine accordingly
Keep Your Bird of Paradise Thriving
Learning how often and how much to water your bird of paradise is essential to keeping it healthy and looking its best. Pay close attention to visual cues, soil dryness, and other factors to determine the optimal watering frequency. With the right moisture levels, you can enjoy your bird of paradise’s vibrant tropical foliage and striking blooms for years to come!
Search The Sill Search
Unusual, gorgeous, tropical. If you’ve ever mistaken a plant for a bird, or vice versa, you may have encountered a Bird of Paradise plant. Let’s take a closer look at this natural wonder.
The Bird of Paradise, scientifically known as Strelitzia reginae, is a species of evergreen tropical herbaceous plant, native to South Africa. This striking plant is a favorite among both indoor and outdoor gardeners for its lush, fan-like foliage and dramatic flowers. Given its own family Strelitziaceae by taxonomists, it is still closely related to bananas (Musaceae). Many often mistaken this plant for the “banana tree” because it looks like banana plants due to the natural leaf splitting both plants develop.
Leaf splitting is a common occurrence in Bird of Paradise plants, where the large, paddle-shaped leaves develop natural tears or splits along the edges. This happens as the plant grows, often due to wind, handling, or the weight of the leaves themselves. In their native environment, these splits help the plant withstand strong winds by reducing resistance. The leaf splitting is a natural characteristic and doesn’t harm the plant.
These regal plants (for which they are named, reginae) are named for the beautiful, orange crane-like flowers that they produce, like birds of paradise. Each bloom features a bold, beak-like structure in vivid shades of orange, blue, and purple, emerging from a green, boat-shaped bract, however, there are also white birds of paradise. The flowers stand tall on long, sturdy stems, and their unique form and brilliant colors make them a captivating focal point in any garden or floral arrangement.
Under the right conditions, including full, southern light exposure, proper humidity, and temperature, Bird of Paradise may flower indoors, although this is rare. To encourage blooming, ensure your plant is getting enough light and proper care. Some gardeners find that slightly stressing the plant by reducing water or increasing light for a short period can stimulate flowering.
How to care for a large houseplant: the Bird of paradise plant
FAQ
How do I know if my Bird of Paradise needs water?
Q: How long can a Bird of Paradise go without water? A: A Bird of Paradise can go about 2 weeks without water, depending on the weather. In warmer climates, it might need water more often. If the leaves of your Bird of Paradise start curling or the soil feels very dry, it’s time to water.Jan 9, 2025
How much water do you put in Birds of Paradise?
Water deeply when the topsoil is dry, typically once a week. Bird of Paradise plants can be heavy drinkers, so don’t be afraid to give your plant a good drink.
Do birds of paradise need direct sunlight?
It is relatively hardy and adapts to a wide spectrum of light conditions from direct sun to low, indirect light, but will flourish in a sunny spot. Water and humidity are important to keep your Bird of Paradise healthy. It needs consistent watering to keep the soil moist, but never wet or soggy.
Do birds of paradise like a lot of water?
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to mostly dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Pro tip: Birds of Paradise can benefit from filtered water or water left out overnight before using.