The giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is an impressive tropical plant known for its very large, banana-like leaves and beautiful white and blue flowers that resemble an exotic bird. Caring for these plants takes some patience and knowledge since they have specific needs when it comes to sunlight, water, humidity, and fertilizer. With the right care, giant bird of paradise plants can grow over 6 feet tall and provide an exotic, tropical flair to any indoor or outdoor space.
What are the basic care requirements for a giant bird of paradise plant?
Here are the key things to know about caring for a giant bird of paradise plant:
- Light – Giant bird of paradise plants need bright, indirect light. Some direct morning sun is ok, but avoid hot afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
- Water – Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Allow soil to dry out partially between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
- Humidity – Prefers 40-50% humidity. Mist leaves regularly or use a pebble tray.
- Temperature – Prefers warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep away from cold drafts.
- Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix made for tropical plants.
- Fertilizer – Feed every 2-4 weeks in the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
- Pot Size – Should be in at least a 12-14 inch diameter pot with drainage holes.
Providing the right growing conditions and avoiding common issues like overwatering or inadequate light will keep your giant bird of paradise healthy and looking its best.
How much light does a giant bird of paradise plant need?
Giant bird of paradise plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Some direct morning sunlight is fine, but harsh afternoon sun will scorch the leaves. An east or west facing window is ideal for providing the right amount and intensity of light. If you don’t have a good natural light source, consider supplementing with grow lights. Low light will cause leggy, weak growth.
These plants can adapt to lower light over time, but will have slower growth and less prolific flowering. Rotate the plant periodically to encourage even, upright growth. Leaves that start to curl, droop, or lose their vibrant green color are signs the plant needs more sunlight.
What temperatures are best for giant bird of paradise plants?
Giant bird of paradise plants thrive in warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Cooler temperatures below 60°F can slow growth and prevent flowering. Temperatures that drop below 50°F can damage the leaves. Avoid placing the plant in cold drafts from windows or doors.
You can move a giant bird of paradise plant outdoors during warm weather, but temperatures should remain above 60°F at night. If needed, you can use a space heater or grow lights to provide extra warmth in the winter when growing the plants indoors. The ideal environment mimics their native tropical habitat.
What kind of watering schedule does a giant bird of paradise need?
Establishing the right watering routine is important to keep your giant bird of paradise happy and prevent issues like root rot. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger 1-2 inches into the potting mix. Water thoroughly when the top portion of the soil becomes dry, allowing excess water to drain out.
This plant prefers slightly drier soil between waterings. Allow at least the top few inches of the potting mix to dry out before watering again. The time between waterings depends on factors like light levels, temperature, humidity, and soil type. In general, giant bird of paradise plants need watering about once a week. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows. Take care not overwater these plants.
What kind of soil and pot should be used?
Giant bird of paradise plants need a well-draining, loamy potting mix made for tropical plants. Some options include mixes containing peat moss, perlite, bark chips, or coconut coir to improve drainage. Avoid regular garden soil which can get waterlogged. Re-pot every 2-3 years in the spring in a container just one size larger.
Choose a pot at least 12-14 inches wide and deep with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away readily. The pot size should accommodate the large root system but not allow the soil to stay wet for too long after watering. Make sure the potting mix stays evenly moist, not soaked, for healthy roots.
What humidity levels are needed?
Humidity is very important for the health of giant bird of paradise plants. Ideal humidity levels are 40-50%. In dry indoor environments, the lack of adequate humidity can cause brown leaf tips and margins, dry soil, and a decline in growth.
There are several ways to boost humidity for these tropical plants:
- Use a humidifier
- Place pots on a pebble tray filled with water
- Mist the leaves daily using a spray bottle
- Group plants together to create a humid microclimate
Monitoring humidity levels with a hygrometer can help you make adjustments to meet the needs of your giant bird of paradise. Opening windows briefly can also help indoor humidity, depending on your climate.
How and when should you fertilize?
Feeding your giant bird of paradise with a balanced fertilizer helps it grow vigorously and bloom. Use a complete liquid fertilizer diluted by half the recommended amount every 2-4 weeks from early spring through summer. Reduce feeding frequency in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Look for a fertilizer labeled as a foliage houseplant formula that contains macro-nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients. Stop fertilizing if you notice leaf tip burn, which is usually a sign of over-fertilization. Thoroughly flush the soil every month or two to prevent excess mineral salt buildup.
How do I get my giant bird of paradise to flower?
Giant bird of paradise plants can take 3-5 years to mature enough to bloom. Favorable growing conditions are needed to coax these tropical specimens into flowering. Here are some tips:
- Ensure the plant gets enough bright, indirect light.
- Maintain warm temperatures between 65-75°F.
- Keep the plant fertilized and watered consistently during spring and summer.
- Provide high humidity around 40-50%.
- Give the plant room in a large container at least 12 inches wide.
- Keep the plant healthy and prune off dead leaves and spent flowers.
Even with ideal care, flowers may be sporadic, especially on young plants. The striking blooms emerge from thick green bracts and consist of three white petals with a purple and blue sheath. Enjoy the blooms when they appear as a special treat on this majestic plant.
How do I prune and propagate a giant bird of paradise?
Remove spent flowers and dead leaves on giant bird of paradise plants to encourage new growth and keep your plant looking manicured. Pruning regularly improves the plant’s form and flowering. Cut the flower stem back to an outward facing leaf after the bloom fades.
You can propagate a giant bird of paradise from divisions of the rhizome roots or from seed. Dividing an overcrowded plant in spring or summer is the easiest approach. Use a sharp, sterile knife to separate healthy shoots with roots attached. Re-plant divisions in a potting mix for tropical plants. New plants can also be started from seeds removed from a spent flower, but this is a much slower process.
What pests or diseases affect giant bird of paradise plants?
Giant bird of paradise plants are generally not prone to many pests or diseases when cared for properly. However, there are a few potential issues to look out for:
- Mealybugs – Cottony white insects that suck plant sap. Wipe off with alcohol or treat with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids – Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on new growth. Knock off with water or use neem oil.
- Root rot – Caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Leaf spots – Fungal disease leading to brown spots. Improve air circulation and reduce watering.
Isolate any infected plants and remove badly damaged leaves or stems. Providing good care and growing conditions is the best preventative measure against pests and diseases.
Should I bring my giant bird of paradise plant indoors for winter?
Giant bird of paradise plants are tropical perennials hardy only in USDA zones 10-11, so they need to be brought inside before first frost in colder climates. Move the plant inside when nighttime temperatures start dropping below 60°F. Select a bright, warm spot indoors like a sunny window where it will get enough light during shorter winter days. Continue watering whenever the soil becomes dry.
The plant may lose some leaves due to the shock of being moved. Reduce feeding over winter but don’t let the plant dry out completely. Bring the plant back outside once all danger of frost has passed in spring. Gradually re-acclimate it to prevent scorching the leaves. With some adjustments, giant bird of paradise can successfully be grown as a houseplant year-round.
Conclusion
With their huge, architectural leaves and stunning flowers, giant bird of paradise plants are a unique addition indoors and out. Caring for these tropical plants involves providing the right growing conditions including plenty of bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, humid air, and an appropriate watering routine. Feed these heavy feeders regularly in the growing season and re-pot every few years as needed. Monitor for pests and diseases, prune when required, and move plants indoors before frost in colder zones. Rewarding to grow, giant bird of paradise plants lend a bold, tropical flair wherever they’re displayed.