Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
An iconic tropical plant that produces some of nature's most spectacular flowers resembling exotic orange and blue birds in flight, earning it the nickname 'crane flower.' This striking plant combines architectural paddle-shaped leaves with stunning blooms that make extraordinary cut flowers and serve as the floral emblem of Los Angeles. While it requires patience to reach blooming maturity, the dramatic results make it a coveted centerpiece in any tropical garden.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
10–12
USDA hardiness
Height
3-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Bird of Paradise in USDA Zone 11
All Zone 11 tropical →Zone Map
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Bird of Paradise · Zones 10–12
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division.
Harvesting
The fruit is a leathery capsule containing numerous small seeds, each with an orange aril.
Color: Orange. Type: Capsule.
Storage & Preservation
Bird of Paradise seeds require cool, dry storage at 50–60°F with low humidity to maintain viability; keep them in airtight containers with silica gel packets. Freshly harvested seeds remain viable for 2–3 months under these conditions, though viability declines after six months. For longer-term preservation, freeze seeds in sealed containers at 0°F or below, where they'll remain viable for several years. Dried seed pods can be stored similarly in cool, dark conditions. For cut flowers, place freshly harvested stems in cool water (50–55°F) immediately after cutting; they'll last 2–3 weeks in a vase. The key to maximum seed longevity is scarifying the seed coat lightly before storage—this helps break dormancy and improves germination rates when you eventually plant them, a practice worth the small effort upfront.
History & Origin
Origin: Cape Provinces to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Advantages
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic: Low severity
Companion Plants
Hibiscus, Croton, and Banana Plant are the most sensible neighbors for Bird of Paradise. They share nearly identical care requirements — moderate moisture, full sun to partial shade, and a tolerance for the same 6.0–7.5 pH range — so one watering routine covers the whole bed. Elephant Ear and Caladium work well at the lower story because their roots stay shallower than Strelitzia's, which tends to go wide and deep once established. Their broad leaves also shade bare soil, cutting moisture loss between waterings without any direct competition.
Black Walnut produces juglone, an allelopathic compound that moves through the soil via root contact and decomposing leaf litter. Strelitzia reginae is sensitive enough to it that planting within the walnut's root zone — which typically extends well past the drip line — risks stunted growth or outright dieback. Eucalyptus releases similar allelopathic compounds through its leaf litter, and Pine Trees compound the problem differently: their dropped needles acidify soil over time, often pulling pH below 6.0. That's not acute toxicity, but a slow drift into conditions where Strelitzia struggles to take up iron and manganese.
Plant Together
Hibiscus
Similar water and humidity needs, provides wind protection and attracts beneficial pollinators
Croton
Complementary foliage colors, similar light requirements, and helps create tropical microclimate
Elephant Ear
Similar moisture needs, large leaves provide ground coverage and humidity retention
Banana Plant
Creates tropical ecosystem, similar fertilizer needs, and provides mutual wind protection
Caladium
Thrives in partial shade created by Bird of Paradise, adds colorful understory contrast
Plumeria
Similar tropical growing conditions and complementary flowering periods
Ti Plant
Compatible soil pH preferences and similar water requirements
Bougainvillea
Drought tolerance once established, adds vibrant color contrast to orange Bird of Paradise blooms
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of most tropical plants
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic properties suppress nearby plant growth and competes aggressively for water
Pine Trees
Acidify soil significantly and create too much shade for optimal Bird of Paradise flowering
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #173944)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally resistant, good drainage prevents root issues
Common Pests
Scale insects, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs
Diseases
Root rot, leaf spot, bacterial wilt
Troubleshooting Bird of Paradise
What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.
Leaves covered in sticky residue with tiny brown or tan bumps along the stems and leaf undersides
Likely Causes
- Scale insects (armored or soft scale) — common on Bird of Paradise grown in containers or low-airflow spots
- Mealybugs clustering at leaf joints, leaving white cottony deposits alongside the stickiness
What to Do
- 1.Scrape visible scale off stems with an old toothbrush dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 2.Spray the whole plant — undersides included — with neem oil solution (2 tbsp neem per gallon of water) every 7 days for 3 weeks
- 3.Move the plant to better airflow; stagnant indoor air is what lets these populations build up
Leaf tips and edges turning brown and crispy, starting on older outer leaves
Likely Causes
- Low humidity combined with dry soil — spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) thrive in exactly these conditions and accelerate tip burn
- Salt buildup from tap water or over-fertilizing, which scorches root tips and shows up at the leaf margins first
What to Do
- 1.Check the undersides of leaves with a hand lens for fine webbing; if mites are present, rinse the foliage with a strong stream of water and follow up with insecticidal soap every 5-7 days
- 2.Flush the pot thoroughly with plain water to leach out salt buildup — run water through for about 2 minutes and let it drain completely
- 3.Keep humidity above 50% if growing indoors; a pebble tray with water under the pot helps more than most people expect
Stems soft and dark at the base, lower leaves yellowing and collapsing, plant pulls loose from soil with almost no resistance
Likely Causes
- Root rot caused by Phytophthora or Pythium — almost always triggered by overwatering or a pot without adequate drainage
- Heavy clay-based potting mix that holds water too long between waterings
What to Do
- 1.Unpot the plant and cut away all black or mushy roots with clean scissors; dust cut ends with powdered sulfur or cinnamon and let them air-dry for an hour before repotting
- 2.Repot into a fast-draining mix — cactus mix cut with 20-30% perlite works well — and don't water again until the top 2 inches of soil are dry
- 3.Check that your pot has at least one drainage hole and isn't sitting in pooled runoff; Strelitzia reginae wants soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and will not tolerate wet feet
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Bird of Paradise to bloom?▼
Can you grow Bird of Paradise in containers?▼
Is Bird of Paradise a good plant for beginners?▼
What light does Bird of Paradise need to bloom?▼
How do you treat pests on Bird of Paradise?▼
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Growing Guides from Wind River Greens
Where to Buy Seeds
Sources & References
External authority sources used in compiling this guide.
- ExtensionNC State Extension
- USDAUSDA FoodData Central
See the Methodology page for how this data is sourced, what's AI-assisted, and known limitations.