The Bird of Paradise is one of the most popular tropical statement plants in New Zealand — and for good reason. With its bold, upright leaves and iconic architecture, it instantly brings a luxurious, resort-like feel to any room. But it’s not for every space. In this guide, we break down the different types, size expectations, and indoor care requirements so you can decide if Strelitzia nicolai or Strelitzia reginae is the right choice for your home.
Bird of Paradise thrives in bright, indirect light and handles a few hours of direct morning sun well, especially when placed near large north- or west-facing windows. Without enough light, it may grow slowly and not flower at all. If grown indoors in lower light, you can supplement with grow lights, but natural sunlight remains the best option. Both Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai prefer consistent light exposure and may start leaning toward the source if not rotated occasionally.
This plant is native to warm, subtropical climates and prefers indoor temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. It can tolerate short periods of cooler conditions, but growth slows below 13°C and stops entirely below 10°C. Avoid placing it in drafty hallways or near uninsulated windows in winter. During summer, it can be moved outside to a sheltered deck or patio as long as the temperature doesn’t dip at night. For optimal indoor health year-round, ensure it’s kept away from cold breezes and sudden shifts in climate.
Water deeply but infrequently. Let the top 4–6 cm of the soil dry out before watering again, especially in winter when the plant enters a slower growth phase. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause crispy leaf edges. During the growing season, increase frequency slightly, particularly for larger pots or if your home gets very warm. Drainage is essential—never leave the pot sitting in water, as soggy roots can quickly become an issue.
Bird of Paradise grows best in a well-aerated, loose potting mix that retains some moisture but drains freely. A high-quality indoor plant mix enriched with compost or bark is suitable. For added drainage, mix in a handful of pumice or coarse sand. Avoid heavy or compacted soils, as these can hold excess moisture and limit root oxygen.
During the active growth period from spring to early autumn, feed once a month using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. A formula rich in phosphorus can encourage flowering in older plants. In winter, when the plant is not actively growing, it’s best to hold off on feeding. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen blends, can lead to large leaves but fewer blooms.
Potting:
Choose a sturdy, deep pot with proper drainage to support the plant’s strong, upright root system. As the plant matures, its roots may exert pressure on the container, so opt for a heavier pot to prevent tipping, especially with Strelitzia nicolai, which can grow tall. Make sure the container allows room for roots to spread and has a drainage hole to avoid stagnant water buildup.
Repotting:
Younger plants may need repotting every two to three years, while mature Bird of Paradise plants can remain in the same pot for longer periods, provided the roots have not become severely pot-bound. When repotting, aim for spring or early summer and only go up one pot size to avoid overwatering issues in too large a container. If your plant is large and established, top-dressing with fresh soil every year may be sufficient.
Keep the large leaves free of dust by wiping them gently with a damp cloth every few weeks. This not only helps with photosynthesis but also enhances the glossy, sculptural look of the plant. For larger specimens, take them outdoors during warm weather and hose them off gently to clean dust from both surfaces of the foliage.
Remove any dry, damaged, or yellowing leaves at the base to maintain the plant’s appearance and redirect energy to new growth. You can also prune flower stalks once they are spent. Use clean, sharp shears and cut close to the soil line. Regular pruning helps prevent the build-up of old or unsightly leaves and keeps the plant looking architectural and tidy.
Strelitzia reginae is more likely to bloom indoors, producing vivid orange-and-blue flowers shaped like a tropical bird’s head. It may take three to five years to flower and only does so with consistent care—ample light, occasional cool rest periods in winter, and slightly root-bound conditions. Strelitzia nicolai rarely blooms indoors, but when it does, it features large, white and blue bird-like flowers. Flowering typically happens in spring or early summer, but indoor blooms can be sporadic or absent without the right conditions.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) thrives in rooms that offer generous space and abundant sunlight. It’s best suited for spots with direct morning light or bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily—ideal near large, sun-filled windows. A north-facing or east-facing window is perfect in most New Zealand homes, allowing for sufficient light without harsh afternoon sun.
Because it can grow tall and wide with its paddle-like leaves, give it room to breathe—avoid corners or tight shelves. Its bold form makes it a natural statement plant. In design-forward homes, Bird of Paradise often anchors a “plant throne” setup—placed behind furniture like a chaise or reading chair to create a lush backdrop and jungle-like ambiance. Grouping it with smaller plants in front and large foliage plants to the sides or back enhances this layered look.
Avoid areas with cold drafts or poor light. This tropical plant prefers consistent warmth and a bright window with ample vertical space to let its foliage unfurl and show off its full scale.
Look: Compact, upright plant with boat-shaped, glossy green leaves. Mature plants may produce exotic orange and blue flowers that resemble a tropical bird in flight.
Popular For: Eye-catching foliage and iconic blooms. A favorite for tropical flair in smaller homes or patios.
Best Placement: Rooms with lots of natural light, like north- or east-facing windows. Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates some direct morning sun.
Growth Speed: Slow to Medium
Price Range: $30 – $60
Maintenance Difficulty: Moderate
Look: Large, lush plant with banana-like leaves that fan outward dramatically. Rarely flowers indoors, but if it does, expect white blooms.
Popular For: Its bold, architectural presence—great for creating a tropical or luxury interior vibe. Adds vertical interest to big, open spaces.
Best Placement: South- or west-facing rooms with high ceilings and ample sunlight. Loves bright, filtered light and warmth.
Growth Speed: Medium to Fast
Price Range: $40 – $90
Maintenance Difficulty: Moderate
Bird of Paradise plants are available from several reputable online plant retailers across New Zealand. When shopping, look for sellers that clearly label the plant as Strelitzia reginae, not Strelitzia nicolai, which grows much taller and is often mistaken for the same species. Reliable stores will offer plants in healthy condition, typically potted in containers of at least 14 centimeters, and may provide protective packaging for their large leaves during shipping. It's worth choosing a nursery that includes detailed care instructions and has positive customer reviews
The most effective way to propagate a Bird of Paradise is through division, as growing from seed is slow and unpredictable. The best time to divide the plant is in spring, just as it begins its active growth period. Start by removing the plant from its container and identifying a clump that has both a stem and a portion of the root system. Carefully separate this section using a sharp, clean knife. Each division should be potted into a container that’s at least five centimeters larger than the original, using fresh, well-draining soil. After repotting, place the new plant in a warm, bright area and avoid feeding it until it has adjusted to its new container. Water sparingly until the roots re-establish.
Bird of Paradise plants are generally hardy, but can still attract a few indoor pests. Spider mites may show up in dry environments, leaving fine webs and crispy leaf edges. Mealybugs tend to gather in leaf joints and appear as small, cotton-like clusters. Scale insects can form hard brown bumps along the stems, often going unnoticed until they’ve spread. Fungus gnats may become a problem if the potting mix stays too damp for too long. Regular cleaning, careful watering, and early intervention with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage most of these pests before they become a serious issue.
Most care issues with Bird of Paradise plants are related to light, watering, or container size. If the leaf tips turn brown, the plant may be exposed to dry indoor air or inconsistent watering. Yellowing leaves often suggest the soil is too wet or poorly draining. A lack of flowering may mean the plant isn’t getting enough light or is still too young—these plants usually bloom only when mature and well-established. Curling or limp leaves can indicate low humidity or that the plant has outgrown its pot. Drooping stems are another sign of being root-bound or receiving too little light. In most cases, correcting these conditions by adjusting light, pot size, or humidity will bring the plant back to good health.
Birds of Paradise are incredibly long-lived houseplants when given the right conditions. In fact, with proper care, they can easily live for 10 to 20 years or more indoors. As they mature, they become larger, stronger, and even more striking — making them one of the best long-term investments for your indoor jungle.
Yes — Bird of Paradise plants are considered mildly toxic to both pets and people if ingested. While touching the plant is completely safe, chewing or consuming the leaves or flowers can lead to irritation or digestive upset. The most common symptoms include:For pets: vomiting, drooling, lack of appetite, or coordination issues.For children: mild stomach discomfort if a large amount is consumed.
Curling leaves often point to underwatering, low humidity, or temperature stress. Make sure the soil stays lightly moist, keep the plant away from cold drafts, and increase humidity if your home is very dry.
Yes, bird of paradise can thrive indoors with enough light. Place it near a window that gets bright, indirect light or direct sun for part of the day. It may grow slower than outdoors but can still flourish.
Bird of paradise does well outdoors in warm, frost-free climates. It loves full sun and rich, well-draining soil. In colder areas, grow it in a container and move it indoors when temperatures drop.
Indoors, bird of paradise can grow up to 2 meters tall. Outdoors in ideal tropical conditions, it can reach 6 meters , becoming a bold, architectural feature.
It grows at a moderate pace. With proper light, warmth, and care, you can expect it to reach full height in 3 to 5 years.
Strelitzia reginae is the most popular indoor type, known for its bright orange and blue flowers. Strelitzia nicolai, the white bird of paradise, grows much taller and suits large spaces or outdoor use.
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