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Plant guideBird of paradise care: the complete guide
Guidance verified against current care guides (Bloomscape, Leafy Place, Plnts, Lively Root, Plantura) and the ASPCA for toxicity on 7 October 2026. Figures were taken from search summaries of those pages, dated the same day. Sources linked below.
A bird of paradise (Strelitzia) grows best in bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun, needs water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry and prefers 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C). It is a large tropical foliage plant with paddle-shaped leaves, and the ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs.
| Attribute | What a bird of paradise needs |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright light, about 4 to 6 hours a day; a few hours of direct morning sun is fine |
| Water | When the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil are dry; never let it sit in water |
| Humidity | Average to humid; dry air crisps the leaf edges |
| Temperature | 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C); stress and slow growth below 50°F (10°C) |
| Repotting | Every 2 to 3 years, or when roots appear at the drainage holes; tolerates a snug pot |
| Blooming | Rare indoors; needs a mature plant (about 3 to 5 years) and very bright light |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA), mild gastrointestinal signs |
Which bird of paradise should you grow indoors?
For indoors, grow Strelitzia reginae, because it stays compact, while Strelitzia nicolai grows too tall for most homes. The two differ as follows.
| Feature | Strelitzia reginae | Strelitzia nicolai |
|---|---|---|
| Height indoors | About 6 feet (1.8 m) | 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 m) or more, up to about 20 feet outdoors |
| Flowers | Orange and blue | White and blue |
| Leaves | Spade-shaped | Larger, banana-like |
How much light does a bird of paradise need?
A bird of paradise needs bright light, ideally 4 to 6 hours a day, and tolerates a few hours of direct morning sun. Too little light gives large leaves but no flowers. Midday sun through glass can scorch the leaves, so shift the plant back from a south or west window in summer. The light guide explains how to judge a spot.
How often should you water a bird of paradise?
Water a bird of paradise when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil are dry. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy in spring and summer, and let it dry out more between waterings in cooler months. Empty the saucer after watering. Standing water rots the roots, and the watering guide covers the finger test while root rot explains the damage from overwatering.
What temperature does a bird of paradise need?
A bird of paradise prefers 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C) and should stay above 60°F (15°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) cause stress and slow growth. Keep it away from cold drafts and heaters. See the temperature guide for other plants.
What humidity and soil does a bird of paradise need?
A bird of paradise grows best in average to humid air and a loose, well-draining potting mix in a pot with drainage holes. Low humidity crisps the leaf edges. The humidity guide, soil and pot guide and fertilising guide cover the detail; feed during the growing season only.
Why are my bird of paradise leaves splitting or turning brown?
Bird of paradise leaves split because the plant evolved splits that let wind pass through the foliage without tearing it, and older leaves split most. Splitting is normal and not a disease. Drafts, handling and uneven watering make it worse. Brown edges have separate causes, matched below.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves split along the veins | Natural trait, worse in drafts or after handling | Move away from moving air; no treatment needed |
| Crisp brown edges | Low humidity | Raise humidity; group plants or use a humidifier |
| Brown edges, white crust on soil | Mineral or salt build-up in the water | Flush the pot; use rainwater or distilled water |
| Drooping, browning edges, dry soil | Underwatering | Water thoroughly, then keep on a regular schedule |
| Scorched patches | Midday sun through glass | Pull back from the window or filter the light |
| Outer leaves browning with age | Natural ageing | Cut the old leaf at its base |
The brown leaves guide and overwatering vs underwatering guide cover general diagnosis.
Will a bird of paradise bloom indoors?
A bird of paradise blooms indoors rarely, and only when the plant is mature and gets very bright light. Guides put the age at about 3 to 5 years. Outdoor plants flower more readily. A south or east window gives the best chance, though glass filters some of the light. A pot far too large gives more leaves and fewer flowers, and a repotted plant may skip a year or two.
When should you repot a bird of paradise?
Repot a bird of paradise every 2 to 3 years, or sooner when roots come out of the drainage holes. It tolerates a snug pot, so choose a container only slightly larger and repot in spring. Signs of a root-bound plant are encircling roots, stunted growth and soil that dries very quickly. The repotting guide shows the steps.
Is bird of paradise toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is a gastrointestinal irritant, and the signs are mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, mainly from the fruit and seeds. The ASPCA warns against confusing it with Caesalpinia (Poinciana) gilliesii, also called bird of paradise, which is more toxic. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if a pet chews it. The pet-safe plants list has non-toxic alternatives.
FAQ
- Why are my bird of paradise leaves splitting?
- Splitting is normal. The leaves split naturally so wind passes through without tearing them, and older leaves split most. Drafts, handling, and overwatering or underwatering make it worse. Keep the plant out of moving air and water consistently.
- How much light does a bird of paradise need?
- A bird of paradise needs bright light, ideally 4 to 6 hours a day, and tolerates a few hours of direct morning sun. Too little light gives large leaves but no flowers, and midday sun through glass can scorch the leaves.
- How often should you water a bird of paradise?
- Water a bird of paradise when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil are dry. Keep it evenly moist in spring and summer and let it dry out a little more between waterings in cooler months. Empty the saucer so the roots never sit in water.
- Will a bird of paradise bloom indoors?
- Rarely, but it can. A plant generally needs to be mature, about 3 to 5 years old, and to get very bright light. Outdoor plants flower more readily than indoor ones.
- Is bird of paradise toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. The ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, mainly from the fruit and seeds. Keep it out of reach and call your vet if a pet chews it.