The spectacular and iconic bird of paradise plant, with its vibrantly colored tropical flowers resembling birds in flight, is a popular houseplant choice for its dramatic foliage and incredible blooms. However, proper care is required to keep this tropical beauty happy and thriving indoors. One of the key elements to success is learning the optimal watering schedule. Read on to discover everything you need to know about how often to water a bird of paradise for lush healthy growth.
Overview of Bird of Paradise Water Needs
In their native tropical habitats, bird of paradise plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil and high humidity. Replicating these conditions as much as possible is key for growing bird of paradise plants as houseplants. Here are some key watering guidelines
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Water Every 1-2 Weeks – Bird of paradise plants prefer moist, but not soggy or waterlogged soil. Allow the soil to dry out moderately between thorough waterings. Aim to water your plant every 1-2 weeks on average, depending on factors like light, temperature, humidity, pot size, and size of the plant.
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Check Soil – Test the top few inches of soil with your finger before watering. If it feels dry, it’s time to water The soil should never be bone dry nor stay soggy
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Water Thoroughly – When you do water, water deeply until water drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures water reaches the entire root zone.
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Let Drain and Dry Out – Always let excess water drain fully after watering and allow the soil to partially dry out before watering again. Wet feet are the nemesis of bird of paradise plants and can lead to root rot.
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Mist Leaves – In addition to watering the soil, misting the leaves once or twice per week can provide helpful humidity. Just don’t overdo it.
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Use Purified Water – Filtered, distilled, or rainwater is preferable to tap water for bird of paradise plants. Or let tap water sit out overnight before using so chlorine can dissipate.
How Often to Water Bird of Paradise: Key Factors
When figuring out the optimal watering frequency for your bird of paradise, there are several key factors to consider:
Light
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Bright Light – Bird of paradise plants need ample bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Plants growing in brighter light will need more frequent waterings as they lose moisture more rapidly. Southern or western windows are ideal in most climates.
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Low Light – Plants growing in less than optimal light will grow more slowly and require less frequent watering. As little as 1 watering per month may suffice in low light. Prioritize getting your plant as much light as possible.
Plant Size
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Large Plants – Larger, more established bird of paradise plants with extensive root systems will need more frequent watering than smaller juvenile plants or root divisions.
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Small Plants – Small starter plants may only need water every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out more between waterings. But don’t let them completely dry out.
Pot Size
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Large Pots – Bird of paradise plants in bigger pots or planted in the ground can go longer between waterings since more soil means more moisture retention.
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Small Pots – Plants in smaller pots will dry out more quickly and need more frequent watering. Aim for weekly.
Climate & Season
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Warm & Dry Climate – Hot, arid climates or dry indoor conditions will necessitate more frequent watering. Arid climates may need watering every 4-7 days.
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Cool & Humid Climate – Cooler, more humid climates allow you to stretch the time between waterings. In cooler months, water every 10-14 days.
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Active Growth – Water more often in active growth periods with abundant foliage. Slow growth in winter needs less water.
Other Tips
- Increase frequency if leaves droop or curl. Decrease if you notice yellow leaves or root rot.
- Add pebbles to a drainage saucer to increase humidity.
- Group plants to boost humidity.
- Mist leaves daily.
- Use a moisture meter to take the guesswork out!
Signs of Under or Overwatering
Learning to properly interpret the signs your plant is giving you is key to perfecting your watering schedule. Here’s what to look for:
Underwatering
- Leaves and stems appearing shriveled or wrinkled
- Leaves crispy, curled, or wilting
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- Stunted new growth
- Soil extremely dry
Overwatering
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- Soft, mushy stems
- Mold or fungus on surface of soil
- Rotten odor from soil
- Soggy soil
- Drooping leaves
With their tropical origins, bird of paradise plants thrive when given consistent moisture through the growing season. Water thoroughly every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out moderately between waterings. Increase frequency in bright light and arid conditions. Decrease frequency in low light and cool, humid climates. With a little observation and adjustment, you can easily determine the optimal watering regimen for your plant’s unique situation. A happily hydrated bird of paradise will reward you with vigorous, healthy growth, dramatic foliage, and stunning blooms.
White Bird of Paradise Light RequirementsWhite Bird of Paradise grows best in a space with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly, and can also adapt to spaces with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.If you live in a harsh climate where temperatures are high, monitor the placement of your plant, as leaves can scorch in intense direct sunlight. If this happens, you’ll start to notice dark spots on the leaves, or the leaves will start to curl. Ideal places in the home for your White Bird of Paradise to get proper light are by south-facing windows, which tend to get the most direct sunlight. If you’re concerned about the leaves getting scorched by high temperatures, east and west-facing windows also allow high exposure to natural light. If windows are not an option, take note of the spots in your home that get the most sun during the day. Place your White Birds of Paradise in any of these locations.
White Bird of Paradise plants grow very slowly. In the summer, new leaves appear about once a month, but not as often in the winter. The plant leaves grow from the center, from which pups may also emerge. White Bird of Paradise will grow approximately three feet wide and five feet tall indoors. After several years, they may reach heights of up to eight feet. It takes about five years for the Strelitzia Nicolai to reach full maturity.
The White Bird of Paradise likes it when it’s between 60˚F and 80˚F (16˚C and 27˚C), but it can live in temperatures as low as 32˚F. Avoid exposing the plant to any temperatures lower than 29˚F. As the sun goes down, the temperature naturally drops. For the evening, the best temperature is between 10°C and 13°C, or 50°F to 55°F. Keep your plant away from radiators, air vents, heaters, droughts, and other sources of heat or cold. Because White Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant, they love high humidity. Crispy, brown edges may indicate that your White Bird of Paradise isnt getting adequate humidity. Putting a tray of water next to your plant or using a humidifier can help make the air around it more humid. If you want to keep the humidity high, you can put your plant in a bathroom or kitchen, with other plants, or with a humidifier. Remember that the plant can die if it gets too much direct sunlight, so put it somewhere where the light is filtered or not direct.
About White Bird Of ParadiseNative to subtropical South Africa, the White Bird of Paradise graces our spaces with glossy, long, broad leaves towering to great heights, playfully hanging like birds in flight. A royal plant, if there ever was one, it received its scientific name, Strelitzia Nicolai, from Her Highness Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz of England – lover of botany and the arts.
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FAQ
How do I know if my Bird of Paradise needs water?
Does Bird of Paradise need full sun?
Does Bird of Paradise need misting?
Should I cut off brown leaves on Bird of Paradise?