With its brilliant orange blooms and exotic appearance the Orange Bird of Paradise makes a stunning addition to tropical gardens. This distinctive flowering plant is easy to grow and care for rewarding you with its captivating beauty.
In this guide, learn all about successfully cultivating the Orange Bird of Paradise at home
An Overview of Orange Bird of Paradise Plants
The Orange Bird of Paradise, scientifically known as Strelitzia reginae, is a herbaceous perennial that can reach up to 5 feet tall and wide. It features large gray-green leaves up to 3 feet long atop woody stems.
From late winter into fall, foliage is highlighted by vibrant orange flowers resembling a bird in flight. The flowers emerge from unique beak-shaped bracts and have a bluish “tongue.”
This plant is native to South Africa and is also called the Crane Flower. It’s in the Strelitziaceae family along with the Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai).
Growing Conditions for Orange Bird of Paradise
Here are the key conditions the Orange Bird of Paradise needs to thrive:
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile
- Zones: 9-11
- Temperature: Above 60°F
- Water: Medium moisture
Provide a site with plenty of warmth and sunlight to encourage the most prolific flowering. Protect from frost.
How to Care for an Orange Bird of Paradise
With proper care, the Orange Bird of Paradise makes an easy, low-maintenance houseplant or garden plant. Follow these tips:
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Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid soggy soil.
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Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Prune off spent blooms and any dead or damaged foliage.
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Repot young plants annually in spring until maturity. Older plants can be repotted every 2-3 years.
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Mist leaves regularly to increase humidity around the plant.
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Bring potted plants indoors before temps drop below 60°F in fall.
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Watch for pests like mealybugs and scale. Treat promptly if discovered.
How to Grow Orange Bird of Paradise from Seed
You can propagate Orange Bird of Paradise from seed. Follow these steps:
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Collect fresh seeds from ripe seed pods. Remove any pulp.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in a sterile starter mix.
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Maintain warm temperatures around 70°F for germination.
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Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated.
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Germination takes 2-6 weeks. Transplant seedlings when 4-6 inches tall.
Tips for Pruning Orange Bird of Paradise
Follow these pruning tips to keep your Orange Bird of Paradise looking its best:
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Prune off dead leaves or spent blooms by cutting at an angle near the base.
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Remove any damaged or diseased foliage to prevent spreading.
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Cut back leggy growths by half to encourage bushier plants.
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Stake or trellis tall varieties if needed to prevent toppling.
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The best time to prune is in early spring before the blooming period.
Common Problems With Orange Bird of Paradise
This exotic plant is relatively trouble-free but may encounter:
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Leaf spots – Various fungal diseases causing spots or lesions. Improve air flow and avoid wetting leaves.
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Root rot – Caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Mealybugs – Cottony insects that feed on sap. Wipe off with alcohol or insecticidal soap spray.
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Browning leaves – Can indicate too much sunlight or insufficient watering. Move to partial shade and adjust watering.
With proper care, you can avoid most issues and enjoy seasons of vibrant color.
Using Orange Bird of Paradise Plants in Gardens
The Orange Bird of Paradise flower makes a stunning focal point. Plant it against a wall or fence where its vibrant blooms can take center stage. Combine with other tropicals like elephant ear and canna lily. Or add it to a colorful garden filled with plants like pentas, vinca, and lantana. Its exotic blossoms will be sure to draw attention!
With its distinctly tropical vibe, the Orange Bird of Paradise brings bold, vibrant style to both outdoor and indoor spaces. Add this easy yet dramatic plant to your garden today!
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ORANGE BIRD OF PARADISE Information and Growing Tips! (Strelitzia reginae)
FAQ
How to care for an orange bird of paradise plant?
How big do orange birds of paradise get?
What is the difference between orange and white birds of paradise?
What zone is orange bird of paradise in?
Which bird of Paradise has orange & blue flowers?
Orange bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) – The most well know species with orange and blue flowers. Also called “orange bird”, this variety reaches 3-5 feet tall, and is suitable for growing in pots or indoors. ‘Mandela’s Gold’ bird of paradise – Also called ‘Kirstenbosch Gold’, this variety of Strelitzia reginae has yellow and blue flowers.
What do birds of paradise flowers look like?
Bird of paradise flowers look like the head of a crane or birds from the family Paradisaeidae —commonly called “birds-of-paradise.” Although this is a tropical flowering plant, birds of paradise can grow in pots indoors. Bird of paradise flowers can be orange, yellow, or white with hints of blue.
What is an orange bird of Paradise?
Orange bird of paradise grows in a clumping form with thick, gray-green leaves on graceful, upright stems. It makes an outstanding tropical accent, working well in formal landscapes or more casual designs. This showy plant should be used as a focal point in the landscape, where it can show off its unusual form and beauty.
What is a bird of paradise plant?
The distinctive bird of paradise ( Strelitzia spp.) is one of the best-known tropical flowers. It is closely related to the banana plant. The bird of paradise plant is named for closely resembling the tropical bird of the same name. It is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant.