As one of the most easily recognized tropical plants, Bird of Paradise gets its common name from its unusual flowers, which resemble the beak and head plumage of a bird in flight. Native to South Africa, where it also is called the crane flower, Bird of Paradise type plants are popular in conservatory plantings, as specimen plants in large containers in public buildings and ornamental landscaping, and in dwarf varieties as a houseplant. Thriving in hot and humid climates, Bird of Paradise is a perennial only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Bird of paradise flowers come in sets of three to five upright orange or yellow sepals emerging from a six-inch, boat-shaped bract, along with two to three dark blue horizontal petals. The latter is the female portion of the plant, which is located well away from the stamens. Flowering occurs in late winter or early spring. When birds sit on the plant to drink its nectar, the flower petals open, releasing pollen.
Bird of Paradise blooms sit atop of a long stalk ranging in height from two to five feet, with one to three flower sets on each stalk. Resembling small banana leaves with long petioles, the evergreen foliage on Bird of Paradise plants fans out to form a thick, waxy and glossy green crown. Individual leaves emerge from the soil, and are oblong and range in length from 12 to 18 inches. The simple blades are pinnate with a width of four to six inches.
In areas outside its perennial range, Bird of Paradise must be kept inside when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal daily temperature is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to 50 to 55 degrees at night. Plant in bright sun for the best looking flowers, but Bird of Paradise also will grow well in areas with partial daily sunlight. When temperatures rise above 70 Fahrenheit outdoor, move your bird of paradise plant to a location with partial shade.
Bird of Paradise plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil. Soil must be moderately moist during the spring and summer, but can be allowed to dry out occasionally during fall and winter. Plants experiencing extremely dry conditions in winter may need occasional misting. They need to receive frequent feedings, requiring fertilizer weekly in the summer and biweekly in the spring. You can reduce feedings to once a month in the winter.
Bird of Paradise Plants
Common Bird of Paradise
The Common Bird of Paradise is the most recognized, featuring vibrant orange sepals and blue petals emerging from a green, beak-like spathe, resembling a tropical bird. Growing 4–6 feet tall with paddle-shaped, gray-green leaves, it thrives in full sun or bright indirect light indoors, needing moist, well-draining soil. Its striking flowers, blooming late fall to spring, make it a popular choice for gardens or as a houseplant, adding bold tropical flair.
Giant Bird of Paradise
The Giant Bird of Paradise grows up to 30 feet tall, forming massive clumps of woody stems with 5–10-foot-long, banana-like leaves. Its white sepals and blue petals emerge from purplish spathes, creating a double-decked bloom. Native to South Africa, it prefers full sun and well-draining soil, thriving outdoors in warm climates. Its towering size and dramatic foliage make it a stunning focal point in large landscapes.
White Bird of Paradise
The White Bird of Paradise, a rare species, reaches 15–20 feet with large, gray-green leaves and white flowers with a black beak-like spathe, blooming year-round in ideal conditions. Native to South Africa’s Western Cape, it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating light frost. Its elegant, large blooms and lush foliage are ideal for tropical gardens or spacious indoor settings.
Narrow-Leafed Bird of Paradise
The Narrow-Leafed Bird of Paradise has reed-like, cylindrical stems with minimal leaf blades, growing 4–6 feet tall. Its orange and blue flowers, slightly smaller than the Common Bird of Paradise, bloom from fall to spring. Drought-tolerant and frost-resistant to 24°F, it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Its architectural, grass-like form suits modern gardens or containers.
Mountain Bird of Paradise
The Mountain Bird of Paradise grows to 25 feet in high-altitude forests, with woody stems and grayish-green, fan-shaped leaves. Its white flowers with a sepal appendage emerge from dark spathes. Native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, it prefers full sun and well-draining soil, rarely grown indoors due to its size. Its rarity and towering presence make it a wild gem.
Mandela’s Gold Bird of Paradise
Mandela’s Gold Bird of Paradise, a cultivar of the Common Bird of Paradise, features rare yellow sepals with blue petals, released by Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in 1996. Growing 4–6 feet, it thrives in full sun or bright indirect light indoors, needing moist, well-draining soil. Its vibrant, golden blooms add a unique, cheerful accent to tropical gardens or indoor spaces.
Glauca Bird of Paradise
The Glauca Bird of Paradise, a cultivar of the Common Bird of Paradise, has powdery, grayish-blue foliage and stems, with classic orange and blue flowers. Growing 4–6 feet, it thrives in full sun or bright indirect light, preferring well-draining soil and moderate watering. Its glaucous foliage adds a subtle, silvery charm to landscapes or indoor settings.
Humilis Bird of Paradise
The Humilis Bird of Paradise, also called Pygmaea, is a compact cultivar of the Common Bird of Paradise, reaching only 3 feet tall. Its orange and blue flowers bloom atop shorter stalks, with paddle-shaped leaves. Ideal for small gardens or containers, it thrives in bright light and well-draining soil, offering a petite, tropical vibe.
Ovata Bird of Paradise
The Ovata Bird of Paradise, a cultivar of the Common Bird of Paradise, features rounded leaf blades and classic orange and blue flowers. Growing 4–6 feet, it thrives in full sun or bright indirect light, needing well-draining soil and moderate humidity. Its softer, rounded foliage adds a unique texture to tropical gardens or indoor displays.
Kewensis Bird of Paradise
The Kewensis Bird of Paradise, a rare hybrid of Common and White Bird of Paradise, produces pale yellow flowers, first cultivated at Kew Gardens in 1909. Growing 4–6 feet, it thrives in full sun or bright indoor light, requiring well-draining soil. Its delicate yellow blooms, though no longer in cultivation, remain a historical treasure.
Mzimvubuensis Bird of Paradise
The Mzimvubuensis Bird of Paradise, a subspecies of the Common Bird of Paradise discovered in 2002, has white petals (instead of blue) and a shorter stigma, with orange sepals. Growing 4–6 feet, it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, ideal for warm climates. Its unique white petals add a rare twist to other plants when grown together.
Dwarf Orange Bird of Paradise
The Dwarf Orange Bird of Paradise, a compact cultivar of the Common Bird of Paradise, grows to 2–3 feet with smaller orange and blue flowers and paddle-shaped leaves. Perfect for small spaces or containers, it thrives in bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. Its petite size makes it a charming indoor or patio plant.
Blue Bird of Paradise
The Blue Bird of Paradise, a less common cultivar of the Common Bird of Paradise, emphasizes deeper blue petals with orange sepals, creating a striking contrast. Growing 4–6 feet, it thrives in full sun or bright indoor light, needing well-draining soil. Its vivid blue tones enhance tropical gardens or vibrant indoor arrangements.
Augusta Bird of Paradise
The Augusta Bird of Paradise, often synonymous with the White Bird of Paradise, features large, white flowers with a dark spathe and banana-like leaves, growing 15–20 feet. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating coastal conditions. Its towering stature and elegant blooms suit large landscapes or conservatories.
Variegated Bird of Paradise
The Variegated Bird of Paradise, a rare cultivar of the Common Bird of Paradise, features green leaves with creamy white or yellow streaks and classic orange-blue flowers. Growing 4–6 feet, it requires bright, indirect light to maintain variegation and well-draining soil. Its variegated foliage adds a stunning, unique flair to collections.