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How Much Light Does Your Space Get?
How Much Space Do You Have?
What Is the Room Temperature Like?
Growth habit and size of Bird Of Paradise plant
How Much Maintenance and Commitment Does Bird Of Paradise plant Require?
What’s the longevity of Bird Of Paradise Plant?
Is Bird Of Paradise Plant Toxic to Pets or Children?
What to Buy Alongside Bird Of Paradise Plant?
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.
🌞 These plants are serious sun-lovers.
Birds of Paradise need bright, direct or indirect light for several hours a day to grow upright and produce those iconic large leaves. In low light? Don’t even try — they’ll stop growing, develop brown tips, and look sad fast.
✅ Best Light Setup:
Minimum: 4–6 hours of bright, indirect light.
Ideal: Direct morning or late afternoon sun, especially in cooler NZ regions.
Not Enough Light? Consider a grow light to supplement winter months or dim rooms.
Birds of Paradise can be deceiving when small — they grow fast, and they grow big. Before buying one, be sure your space can support the plant’s long-term size and shape, especially if you're choosing Strelitzia nicolai, the giant variety.
Nicolai: Corner of a living room with high ceilings or near north-facing glass doors.
Reginae: Works in apartments, bright entryways, or by a large east-facing window.
Avoid tight spaces — the wide leaves fan out and need room to breathe.
Daytime: 18–27°C.
Night: Do not allow temperatures to drop below 10°C .
Winter Care: Growth slows, but plants should still be kept in warm, draft-free spaces.
Birds of Paradise grow with a bold, upright habit that gives them a strong architectural presence indoors. Their large, banana-like leaves shoot upward in a fan-like pattern, creating an instant tropical statement in any space.
There are two main types you'll commonly find:
Strelitzia reginae is more compact and manageable for most homes. It typically reaches around 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall indoors and spreads about 1 meter wide. Its leaves are stiff, glossy, and slightly boat-shaped.
Strelitzia nicolai, on the other hand, is often called the Giant Bird of Paradise. It can grow over 3 meters tall indoors and spread wide, making it better suited to large, open rooms with high ceilings.
Both varieties grow from a clumping base and produce tall, upright stems. Over time, the plant becomes fuller and more dramatic, especially in ideal light and warmth. Leaves will naturally split — this is normal and actually helps the plant handle wind or indoor airflow.
Birds of Paradise are relatively slow to moderate growers, but in the right environment, they can put out new leaves regularly throughout the growing season. As they mature, they become more tree-like in appearance, especially the Nicolai, which develops long trunks and towering stems.
Birds of Paradise are relatively easy to care for, but they do best with a routine. While not as high-maintenance as some tropical plants, they do need attention to light, watering, and leaf care to truly thrive indoors.
Watering
These plants are heavy feeders in bright conditions. Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry, but don’t let them dry out completely for too long — this often causes brown leaf tips. In winter, reduce watering frequency, as growth slows down. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, the soil may stay wet for longer — adjust accordingly to avoid root rot.
Humidity & Environment
Birds of Paradise can handle average indoor humidity but appreciate a boost in drier months. Misting occasionally or placing the plant near a humidifier helps prevent edge crisping on the leaves.
Cleaning
Due to their large leaves, they collect a lot of dust. Wipe the leaves every few weeks with a damp cloth to keep them clean, glossy, and photosynthesizing efficiently.
Fertilizing
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid feeding during winter.
Pruning & Styling
Trim old or split leaves at the base to encourage fresh growth and a neater look. You can also gently realign stems and secure them upright with stakes during repotting for a more vertical shape.
Time Commitment
Expect to check in once or twice a week for watering and leaf care. They don’t need babying, but a bit of consistency goes a long way in maintaining their lush appearance.
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.
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
✅ Tall, Heavy Pot with Drainage. These plants get big — fast. A tall, heavy planter helps support the height and prevents tipping. Ensure it has good drainage holes to avoid root rot.
✅ Well-Draining Potting Mix
Use a mix that retains moisture but drains quickly. A great blend includes:
70% premium potting mix
15% perlite
15% orchid bark or charcoal
You can also combine cactus mix and orchid mix for a similar effect.
✅ Stakes or Plant Ties. As Birds of Paradise grow taller, their stems may start to lean. Use soft plant ties or stakes to help train vertical growth and prevent overcrowding.
✅ Neem Oil or Leaf Wipes. With large leaves that attract dust and pests like mealybugs or spider mites, it’s helpful to have neem oil or insecticidal soap on hand. Wipe leaves monthly to keep them clean and healthy.
✅ Grow Light (Optional)If your space lacks consistent bright light, a full-spectrum grow light will help maintain healthy leaf production year-round — especially during darker NZ winters.
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