The Bird of Paradise

AKA strelitzia nicolai

With enormous glossy leaves and lush jungle vibes, the Bird of Paradise (strelitzia nicolai) is a true head-turner when brought indoors. Named after its colorful flower which resembles a bird in flight, this stylish yet hardy plant is perfect for plant novices and experts alike. Read on for simple tips on how to care for your plant and enjoy years and years of growth.

1. Light, watering, and growth

2. Common problems with Birds of Paradise

3. Maintenance

4. Repotting your Bird of Paradise

5. How to propagate a Bird of Paradise

What type of light does the Bird of Paradise need?

This plant prefers bright indirect light, though unlike most indoor plants, it can also handle fair amounts of direct sunlight. Beware, though, as prolonged periods of harsh direct sun (think summer afternoon sun) will burn the leaves unless the plant is slowly acclimated to such conditions.

How to water the Bird of Paradise

Water thoroughly when topsoil is dry, usually once a week. Avoid overwatering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months. To increase humidity, mist regularly or use a humidifier.

How fast does the Bird of Paradise grow?

In prime conditions, this plant is a fast grower and can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors! As these are such fast growers, fertilize once every two weeks in spring and summer, or foliar feed year round.

Shop the Bird of Paradise

Large, glossy leaves and a laidback attitude make this lush plant perfect for brown thumbs and green thumbs alike.

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Common problems with Birds of Paradise

Leaves splitting

A lot of people worry that the splits in the leaves of the Bird of Paradise are a sign of something wrong, but the truth is that split leaves in this plant are completely normal. As part of nature's design, the splits allow wind to pass through the leaves without bending, breaking, or uprooting the top heavy plant. While splitting may be reduced by keeping the plant indoors, it is still common and completely normal for this to occur.

Brown edges - underwatering

If you see crispy, brown edges, it could be that it’s underwatered or the environment is too dry. This plant likes a lot of humidity and are generally pretty thirsty plants — do not place this plant near air vents or heaters. Make sure you are watering your plant regularly, and also add misting to your routine to boost humidity levels for the plant’s foliage (you can mist every day, several times a day, or just a couple times a week!).

Yellow leaves - overwatering

If you see yellowing wilted leaves, it could be that your plant is overwatered. Check the roots to make sure there is no root rot. If the roots are damaged, you will need to repot your plant (see below). If the roots are fine, simply let the plant dry out before watering again.

Curling leaves

If the leaves on your plant are curling inward, the cause is most likely also underwatering. To let your plant replenish its moisture, give it a good shower. Remove the plant from its decorative pot and place in a shower, bathtub, or outside. Give it a thorough watering, allowing it to drain all the excess out before putting back in the pot. Depending on how dry the plant is, you may also allow it to sit in water for an hour or two.



How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Bird of Paradise

Take care of your Bird of Paradise and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your plant over time.

Pruning your Bird of Paradise

This plant does not mind an occasional haircut. With clean shears, cut off older or less attractive stalks at the base. Your plant will have more energy for new growth!

Cleaning

Big leaves means more dust. Take each leaf between two soft tissue cloths and wipe off the top to reveal a healthy shine (also helps the plant soak in more light!).

Trimming & reshaping

Have some leaves that are perfectly healthy but have a few cosmetic damages? Simply trim the leaf to imitate its natural shape. You also may notice your Bird of Paradise’s leaves occasionally split. This is completely natural and not much you can do about it. Obviously, the more this plant is touched, bumped into, moved, etc, the more the leaves will split.

How to repot a Bird of Paradise

Houseplants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, this is nice to do every 2-3 years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth. Keep in mind, though, that most plants like to have their roots tightly compacted.

When to repot - if the roots start to become visible outside the soil, it is time to consider repotting your plant.

Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow taller, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.

Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

How to propagate a Bird of Paradise

Propagating a Bird of Paradise is best done through division. That said, because Birds of Paradise like to have their roots tightly packed, it is best to only propagate from a plant that has a lot to spare or has outgrown its pot.

• Spread a newspaper on the floor and remove the plant from its pot - You should see a giant mass of roots!

• Determine which pieces of the plant you will divide - Carefully begin to separate or untangle the roots. If you need to cut, use clean shears.

• Repot in fresh soil - Once you have your divided pieces, repot in fresh soil, pack down tightly, and water thoroughly. You’re done!

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.

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Bird of Paradise

With large, elegant and shining leaves, the Bird of Paradise is a popular indoor plant for creating an instant jungle atmosphere.

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Bird of Paradise plants, with their stunning tropical foliage and vibrant blooms, add a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor or outdoor space. To ensure these majestic plants thrive and reach their full potential, providing them with the right nutrients is essential. Just like any other living organism, Bird of Paradise plants require nourishment to grow healthy leaves and (if you’re lucky!) produce those iconic, colorful flowers. In this article, we'll explore the best fertilizer for Bird of Paradise and guide you on how to fertilize these plants effectively.

Bird of Paradise plants, scientifically known as Strelitzia reginae, originate from South Africa and are accustomed to nutrient-rich soils. While it's challenging to recreate the exact conditions found in their natural habitat, we can still strive to provide them with optimal care. By choosing the right fertilizer, you can supply your Bird of Paradise with the essential nutrients it needs to flourish and achieve its full potential.

When To Fertilize Your Bird of Paradise

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When it comes to fertilizing Bird of Paradise plants, timing is crucial. The growing season for these plants typically occurs during spring and summer when they experience active growth. It's during this period that you should focus on providing them with adequate nutrients. To ensure your Bird of Paradise receives the nourishment it requires, incorporate a liquid fertilizer into your watering routine every other week. Liquid fertilizers are easy to use and generally safe for your plants. However, it's crucial to follow the instructions on the package carefully, diluting the fertilizer into water to avoid over-fertilization and potential fertilizer burn.

As fall approaches and your Bird of Paradise enters its dormant stage, it's important to adjust your fertilization routine accordingly. During this period, you should taper off fertilizing and reduce it to every three or four weeks. This adjustment allows the plant to prepare for its dormant phase in winter when growth slows down. If your plant is  no longer growing at all, you can completely stop fertilizing until the spring.

What NPK Ratio Does The Bird Of Paradise Need?

Transform your Bird of Paradise into a leafy paradise with healthy leaf growth!

Understanding fertilizer terminology can be daunting, particularly if you're new to plant care. Fertilizers are often labeled with an NPK ratio, representing the ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) they contain. Each plant species has specific nutritional requirements, which is why it's recommended to choose fertilizers tailored to the plant you are nurturing. 

Bird of Paradise plants, similar to their foliage-loving counterparts, benefit from fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2. This ratio signifies a higher nitrogen content, which is essential for promoting healthy leaf growth and overall plant vigor. Nitrogen supports the production of chlorophyll, which is responsible for the plant's lush green foliage. Our all-natural liquid plant food is gentle enough to use on your Bird of Paradise year round, and has an excellent NPK ratio not just for Birds of Paradise but for all indoor plants. 

What’s The Best Plant Food For A Bird Of Paradise?

Now that we've covered the basics of fertilizing Bird of Paradise plants, you may be wondering which specific fertilizer is best for your beloved plant. While there are several fertilizers available with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2 that can work effectively, Boost Vitaminé, an all-natural plant food with just four ingredients, will work wonders for your Bird of Paradise. This specialized fertilizer is formulated specifically for indoor plants and provides comprehensive instructions on the best care practices, ensuring optimal growth and blooming potential.

Will Fertilizing My Bird Of Paradise Help It Grow Flowers?

If you are caring for an outdoor Bird of Paradise, then yes! Fertilizing will absolutely promote your plant’s beautifully vibrant flowers. However, it is very rare for this plant to produce flowers when grown indoors.

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Designed to Thrive

Elevate your plant paradise with a stunning potted Bird of Paradise, delivered to your doorstep with lifetime of 24/7 Plant Doctor support.

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Why are my Bird of Paradise’s Leaves Discolored?

We adore the The Bird of Paradise. Easy-care, verdantly green and gorgeous, this plant variety is a stunner for rooms that receive plenty of bright, direct light, and it requires water only sparingly. The foliage on this plant is naturally frayed and wild, but signs of discoloration like yellowing and browning are less standard. We know that seeing any discoloration on your plant friend’s leaves can be disconcerting, so read on to get to the bottom of the most common causes-- and their solutions!

Yellowing, Wilted Leaves

Usually, when the Bird of Paradise exhibits yellowing, wilted leaves (think floppy, not firm) it’s a sign that the plant is being overwatered. This is easily resolved! Just remove the plant from its ceramic pot, while keeping it secure in its plastic nursery pot. Check out the soil base. If it’s sopping wet, you may want to check the Bird of Paradise’s roots for root rot, which may require repotting (check out how to repot your Bird of Paradise here). But if the soil is simply wet or moistened through, you can simply allow the plant to dry out for a few days before returning it to its ceramic pot. If necessary, you can trim off any badly affected leaves and stems at their base with clean, sharp shears or scissors.

Browning Edges on Leaves

Crispy, dry brown edges are a common sign of dryness and/or underwatering. The Bird of Paradise does not like to be overwatered, but it does appreciated humidity, and if it is located close to an air vent, heater, A.C. unit or similar, this may be why it’s experiencing dryness. If it is close to an appliance, you should consider moving it. Make sure that you are watering the Bird of Paradise sufficiently, and mist it liberally, either with plain water, or with a mix of water and a gentle Foliar Feed, like Potion Magique. When using Potion Magique, it should be diluted to approximately three drops per every eight ounces of water.

Still Concerned? We’re Here to Help!

You never have to go it alone if you’re concerned with the health of your plant. If you follow the steps above and notice that your Bird of Paradise is not improving, our Plant Doctor service is here to help guide you with custom advice and solutions. Simply reach out to the via your Leon and George account, including illustrative photos and a description of any issues you’re seeing.

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Bird of Paradise

Verdant, playful and charmingly low-maintenance, the Bird of Paradise is ideal for bright, sunny spaces.

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The Bird of Paradise is a natural star: the ideal plant for bright, sunny spaces, they grow big and beautiful with little care and require little water. You’ve probably seen Birds of Paradise thriving outdoors all over town, but they are also a showstopper indoor plant variety, effortlessly achieving great height and pushing out bountiful leaves. This plant variety has a naturally wild aesthetic, which includes frayed, feathery-split leaves.

Naturally Split Leaves

If you notice that your Bird of Paradise is exhibiting lots of splits and frays in its leaves, you can relax: this is completely normal. The split foliage does not mean you’re doing anything wrong! It’s a trait of the plant that evolved in nature. In the wild, the splits ensure that wind can pass through the plant’s foliage without breaking the plant or disturbing its roots.

Prefer Fewer Splits?

The Bird of Paradise is always likely to exhibit splits and frays to its feathers, so this trait will occur to varying degrees regardless of where your plant is situated. However, an indoor Bird of Paradise may exhibit less splitting if it is kept in an environment away from moving air (drafts from doors or windows, air conditioning units, heaters or fans.) The best thing that you can do for your plant is to give it consistent care according to its own specific needs. For Birds of Paradise, this means watering it only when its topsoil (the top two inches of soil below its decorative moss) are entirely dry, ensuring that it receives bountiful, bright indirect light, and misting it regularly. You can mist your Bird of Paradise with plain water, or give it an additional boost by misting it with a combination of water and a gentle Foliar Feed, like Potion Magique. When using Potion Magique, be sure to dilute the product, using approximately three drops for every eight ounces of water and shaking lightly to mix.

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Bird of Paradise

A wild and bountiful indoor plant variety, the Bird of Paradise is the perfect low-maintenance plant for spaces that bask in plenty of bright, indirect light.

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Photo by Essential Home 

In our previous blog (Fresh Us, Fresh You), we talked about how to better yourself in 2018. To further that notion, we’re sticking to our resolution of providing trendy suggestions that can impact your interiors.

Pull from some of this year’s latest trends to set-up the right vibe for your home or office. If you recognize how to work with what you’ve got, while adding statement items where necessary, you too can accomplish the perfect interior harmony.

To help elevate the ordinary in your space, we’ve compiled our 2018 design recommendations from some of the industry’s leading all-stars:

In Vogue, Alex Papachristidis said:

“Green has been missing from the market lately. It’s a color that I love and will always use and I feel it’s making a comeback. It’s such an important color because it brings nature indoors and into the home.”

Right photo by @hiltoncarter left photo Bird of Paradise by Léon & George      

In Homes to Love, Emma Vidgen writes:

“As our lives become more hectic and reliant on technology, our desire to reconnect with nature and return to a simpler way of life will be reflected in the design and style of our homes.”

Right photo by Coco Lapine design left photo Monstera Deliciosa by Léon & George

In the National, Rin Hamburg suggests you:

“Use plants liberally to inject life into your home, but don’t just stick them anywhere. Create large groupings to turn them into a feature, or even max out with a living wall. Alternatively, think of unusual ways to display your plants – hang them from the ceiling or choose unexpected decorative pots. You can also mirror live plants with touches of botanical prints.”

Left photo by California Home Design, middle photo Snake Plant by Léon & George, right photo Leo's Oyster Bar in San Francisco, CA

When revitalizing any space, houseplants are the most direct way to bring nature indoors! A safe place to start is with easy-care plants that fit in even the shadiest of corners in any home or office. Want to be bold? Our large statement plants are an immediate eye-catcher and they make a luscious focal point for any room. Does your apartment lack the floor real estate necessary to house a larger plant? Have no fear - consider some of our NEW tabletop pieces as they are easily workable in confined spaces.

The Braided Money Tree by Léon & George

Increasing your collection of greenery is a sure way to re-vamp any interior environment this year! Use the tips we’veBraided Money Tree compiled to help liven up your home or office, after all, when you’re in a positive place, you’re more likely to pollinate others with your vibrance.

Happy decorating!