Bird of Paradise Care Instructions

A note from Joey

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It is normal for your Bird of Paradise to show some stress after shipping, such as a bent or split leaf. Unbox the plant promptly, check the soil, and place it in bright, indirect light. Keep it away from drafts and give it time to adjust before repotting or moving it repeatedly. Natural splits along mature leaves are common for Bird of Paradise.

Quick Care Summary

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) thrives in bright, indirect light. Let the potting mix dry out completely, then water thoroughly within three days of it becoming fully dry. Allow excess water to drain, and never leave the pot sitting in water. Use a well-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes, keep the plant warm, and protect it from harsh direct sun and cold drafts.

Light

Place your Bird of Paradise in bright, indirect light. Give it a well-lit spot near a window, but keep strong direct sunlight off the leaves. Too much direct sun can scorch the foliage, especially after shipping.

South-facing window: Set the plant back from the glass or use a sheer curtain to filter strong sun.
East-facing window: A bright spot near the window often works well; filter any direct rays that rest on the leaves.
West-facing window: Keep the plant back from hot afternoon sun or use a sheer curtain.
North-facing window: Place it close to a large, unobstructed window. If the room is dim, supplement with a grow light.

Rotate the pot occasionally for even growth. Slow growth, leaning, or smaller new leaves can signal that it needs more bright, indirect light.

Water

Check the soil after arrival. Do not water simply because the plant was shipped. Wait until the soil has dried out completely, then water no more than three days after it becomes fully dry.

Check the potting mix in several places, including deep in the pot, with a finger, wooden skewer, or moisture meter. Once the mix is dry all the way through, water slowly and thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom. Empty the saucer or decorative pot so the roots do not sit in standing water.

Check the soil regularly as it approaches dryness so you can water promptly when it is fully dry. Do not follow a fixed weekly schedule: light, temperature, season, and pot size all affect drying time. If the soil is still damp, wait and check again. Avoid leaving the plant completely dry for more than three days.

Soil

Use a rich but airy houseplant mix that drains well. A blend of potting mix with perlite and orchid bark can help air reach the roots while retaining some moisture. Always use a pot with drainage holes; avoid heavy soil that stays waterlogged.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is optional while your plant settles in. During active growth in spring and summer, a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half the label strength about once a month can support new leaves. Wait at least two weeks after delivery, follow the product directions, and skip feeding when the plant is stressed or growth has slowed in fall and winter.

Repotting

Let the plant adjust after shipping before repotting. Repot when roots crowd the container or grow heavily through the drainage holes, preferably during spring or summer. Choose a sturdy pot with drainage only 1–2 inches wider than the current root ball. A much larger pot can hold moisture too long.

You can keep the plant in its grow pot inside a decorative pot until repotting is needed. Remove it to water and drain fully before returning it to the outer pot.

Humidity & Temperature

Average household humidity is usually workable, though moderate humidity helps the leaves look their best. Keep the plant in a warm room, ideally around 65–85°F, away from cold windows, drafts, and heating or air-conditioning vents. Avoid temperatures below 50°F. If moved outdoors for warm weather, acclimate it gradually and shelter the leaves from strong wind.

Pet Safety

Bird of Paradise is not pet safe if eaten. Keep leaves, flowers, and seeds away from cats, dogs, and children. If a pet chews any part, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control service for advice.

Accessories

The following instructions apply if your order included a plant stand or water meter.

Plant Stand

Assemble the stand by connecting the two pieces at their center points, then place it on a stable, level surface. Open it wide, set the pot in the center while holding it securely, then gently bring the ends inward until they fit snugly around the pot.

Water Meter

Insert the probe into several areas of the soil without forcing it through roots. Check the soil at the depth recommended in the Water section. Wipe the probe after use, and do not leave it in the soil permanently.

Questions?

If you have questions or concerns about your Bird of Paradise, please contact support@joeyshouseplants.com. Thank you for supporting Joey’s Houseplants!

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