The bird of paradise is one of the most iconic and popular tropical plants. With its beautifully shaped flowers resembling a bright bird in flight, it’s easy to see why. While young bird of paradise plants are readily available at nurseries and garden centers, it can take 3-5 years for them to reach maturity and produce the signature flowering stalks. For those looking to add an instant tropical feel to their landscape, purchasing a mature bird of paradise plant is the way to go.
What is a Mature Bird of Paradise Plant?
A mature bird of paradise is typically over 3 feet tall and already producing flowering stalks. The plants will have an established root system and be acclimated to growing outside rather than in a greenhouse. A mature plant has gone through its juvenile phase and is now focused on flowering and growth rather than just becoming established.
Some key signs that a bird of paradise is mature include
- Height over 3 feet tall
- Thick woody stems and trunk
- Established clumps of leaves
- Flowering stalks present
More mature plants may be 5-6 feet tall rather than just over 3 feet. The flowering stalks will also be more abundant on very mature plants.
Benefits of Purchasing a Mature Bird of Paradise
There are several advantages to purchasing a mature bird of paradise plant rather than a younger specimen
-
Immediate tropical impact – A mature plant will make a dramatic statement right away compared to a younger one still establishing.
-
Flowers sooner – You’ll get those gorgeous blooms within the first year rather than having to wait 3+ years.
-
Bigger presence – A larger, mature plant has a bold, established look from day one.
-
Transplants easily – A mature plant’s root system can handle transplanting much better than a younger plant.
-
Healthy and hardy – Plants that have reached maturity are vigorous, healthy, and better able to handle environmental changes.
If you want instant tropical flower power or need to fill space quickly, a mature bird of paradise is definitely the way to go.
Where to Find Mature Birds of Paradise for Sale
Mature bird of paradise plants are a bit harder to come by than younger plants, but you can find them at certain nurseries and online retailers if you know where to look. Here are some top places to buy a mature bird of paradise:
Local Nurseries
The best place to check for mature birds of paradise is specialty nurseries in your area. Look for nurseries that focus on tropical and exotic plants. The benefit of purchasing locally is you can see and select the exact plant you want. Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.
Online Mail Order Nurseries
Online mail order nurseries have a wider selection of plant sizes and often carry extra large and mature plants. Some reputable online sources for mature bird of paradise plants include:
-
Logee’s Tropical Plants – A leading source for rare and exotic plants, Logee’s offers select extra large bird of paradise specimens.
-
Garden Goods Direct – Specializes in mature landscape-size plants, including 6 foot tall bird of paradise plants.
-
Evergreen Direct – Sells advanced bird of paradise plants in 7, 10, and 15 gallon sizes.
-
BrighterBlooms – Offers white bird of paradise plants up to 5 feet tall.
Big Box Stores
Occasionally big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s will have more mature bird of paradise plants in stock, especially in spring. This is hit or miss but worth checking out.
Plant Nursery Outlets
Check if there are any plant nursery outlets in your area. These are distribution centers where plants from commercial growers are sold direct to the public at a discount. The inventory is always changing but they often have a good selection of large, mature plants.
What to Look for When Buying a Mature Bird of Paradise
When shopping for a mature bird of paradise plant, here are some things to look for to ensure you get a healthy, high-quality specimen:
-
Flowering stalks – Look for multiple stalks as an indicator of maturity. No stalks likely means the plant is still too young.
-
Robust growth – Select plants with vigorous leaf growth and solid stems. Avoid thin, leggy growth.
-
Root mass – Check that the plant has a large, healthy root system to support its size. This is key for transplanting.
-
Full canopy – Mature plants should have a full, rounded canopy of leaves rather than sparse growth.
-
Good foliage color – Leaves should be a rich green without yellowing, spots, or brown tips.
-
Proper size – Make sure the plant matches the advertised size rather than being smaller.
-
Healthy roots – Inspect the roots for rot or signs of repotting stress. Healthy roots should be firm and white.
Taking the time to choose a top quality mature plant will ensure it transplants and grows well in your garden.
Caring for a Mature Bird of Paradise Plant
While mature bird of paradise plants are low maintenance once established, they do require some special care when first planted:
-
Handle with care – Carefully dig up the entire root ball and transplant quickly to avoid damage.
-
Water generously – Mature plants need more frequent watering while their roots establish.
-
Stake if needed – Stake the plant for support if it is top heavy or in windy areas.
-
Allow time to adjust – Leave the plant alone while it adapts to its new environment before fertilizing or pruning.
-
Provide good drainage – These tropical plants need well-draining soil and should not sit in water.
-
Give ample sun – Bird of paradise thrives in full sun. At least 6 hours a day is ideal.
With the right care after transplanting, a mature bird of paradise will quickly bounce back and start flowering in no time!
Add Instant Tropical Style with a Mature Plant
For those desiring the famously bold and architectural look of bird of paradise flowers, purchasing a mature plant is the fastest way to achieve it. While young plants eventually grow to size, a mature bird of paradise will make an immediate statement and provide those signature vibrant blooms the first year. If you seek a dramatic tropical effect without the wait, look for a healthy mature specimen from a reputable source. With its vibrant colors and perfectly sculpted blooms, you’ll soon be enjoying your own slice of tropical paradise!
How to care for a large houseplant: the Bird of paradise plant
FAQ
How long does it take for a bird of paradise to mature?
What is the lifespan of a bird of paradise?
What is a mature bird of paradise plant?
Where is the best place to put a bird of paradise plant?
Is bird of Paradise a houseplant?
Bird of paradise (latin name: Strelitzia reginae, family: Strelitziaceae) is a tropical attention grabber that blooms year-round in the south but is surprisingly easy to grow as an indoor houseplant. Its distinctive orange, blue, and white flowers are showy and reminiscent of a crane, giving the plant its other common name — crane flower.
Do birds of paradise like potting soil?
White Birds are mainly used for their foliage. Bird of Paradise are tolerant of a range of potting soil types. Birds of paradise will produce their best growth in fertile, well-drained potting soil. In our trials, we have found them to be happiest in Ocean Forest Potting Soil. We believe this is due to the high amount of organic matter in the soil.
Are bird of paradise plants good quality?
Customers say the Bird of Paradise plants vary significantly in quality upon arrival, with some receiving healthy specimens while others report issues such as damaged leaves and lack of flowers.
How long does it take for bird of Paradise to grow?
Additionally, growing from seed can take as long as 10 years. To propagate from seeds, once the bird of paradise flower has died back, the pods can be cut open to reveal black seeds the size of peas, with remarkable orange tufts.
What is the best fertilizer for a bird of Paradise?
In nature, the fast-growing bird of paradise is a heavy feeder with a steady diet of naturally decaying leaves. It will thrive with a balanced fertilizer (NPK 1-1-1) provided at one half of the label rate every two weeks during the growing season and every month or two during the winter.
How do you care for a bird of Paradise?
Spring and summer are the bird of paradise’s growing season, when it needs consistent moisture and regular fertilization. Grows best in full sunlight. Six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. Water about once per week. Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. Fertilize regularly with organic materials and balanced fertilizer.