Bird of paradise care
Strelitzia nicolai / reginae — also called White bird, Giant bird of paradise. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Full sun to very bright indirect. Tolerates bright. Wants direct sun — indoors, the brightest window you have. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 7 days in summer, every 14 in winter. Let the top 2" dry first. |
| Soil | Standard houseplant mix — 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite |
| Humidity | At least 35%, happiest near 55% |
| Temperature | 65–90°F. Cold damage below 32°F; heat stress in sun above 105°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~30 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 3 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Seeds and fruit are toxic to cats and dogs; foliage is mildly irritating. |
What people get wrong about bird of paradise
Split leaves are NORMAL and adaptive — wind tears them on purpose so it does not act as a sail. Not a disease and not a deficiency.
It will not flower indoors until it is large, root-bound, and getting real sun — often 4–6 years.
Common problems
Watch for spider mites, scale, mealybugs. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterBird of paradise FAQ
How often should I water a bird of paradise?
Roughly every 7 days in the growing season and every 14 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Deep watering, then let the top few inches dry. Big leaves move a lot of water in summer heat.
Is bird of paradise toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Seeds and fruit are toxic to cats and dogs; foliage is mildly irritating. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a bird of paradise need?
Full sun to very bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with bright. Wants direct sun — indoors, the brightest window you have.
Why does my bird of paradise have brown tips?
Bird of paradise is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for bird of paradise?
Standard houseplant mix: 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite. Bagged potting soil alone stays too wet in an indoor pot; perlite fixes the drainage.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.