Bird of Paradise in New Zealand – Complete Growing Guide

Bird Of Paradise Varieties & Recommendations

Choosing a Bird Of Paradise plant that works for you can be challenging. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.

Bird Of Paradise Caesalpinia gilliesii Information

Caesalpinia gilliesii is not related to the Strelitzia varieties, but shares the same common name. Some of the key characteristics of Caesalpinia gilliesii include:

• Common Names: Bird of Paradise Bush, Yellow Bird of Paradise, Desert Bird of Paradise
• Origin: Subtropical regions of Argentina and Uruguay
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
• Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree.
• Size: Typically grows 3-5 m tall and wide, but can reach up to 7 m tall.
• Flowers: Showy yellow flowers in summer which are borne as clusters at branch tips. Each flower has five pale yellow petals with long, protruding red stamens, creating an exotic bird-like appearance.
• Foliage: The lacy, fern-like leaves are a fresh-green colour.
• Light requirements: Full sun for best growth, tolerates partial shade.
• Preferred Soil: Well-drained and fertile.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry between waterings. It is a drought tolerant plant.
• Temperature: Prefers warm climates, but can tolerate light frosts.

With its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, Caesalpinia gilliesii can be a beautiful addition to a garden.

Bird Of Paradise Flower

The Bird of Paradise flower, most commonly referring to Strelitzia reginae, is a stunning evergreen perennial native to South Africa. It's widely cultivated around the world for its dramatic and exotic flowers. A summary of the key characteristics include:

• Family: Strelitziaceae
• Size: 120-180 cm tall and 90-120 cm wide.
• Leaves: Large, banana-like, green foliage.
• Flowers: Bird-shaped flowers with three bright orange sepals, three blue petals, and a single upright white petal emerging from the centre.

Giant Bird Of Paradise Information

The Giant Bird of Paradise, also known as the Strelitzia nicolai, is a truly magnificent plant that brings a tropical flair to a space. Here are some details about this architectural wonder:

• Common Names: Wild Banana, Giant White Bird of Paradise
• Origin: Eastern South Africa (from Gonubie northwards to southern Mozambique)
• Habit: Evergreen, tree-like perennial
• Size: Up to 9 m tall (30 feet) and 3.5 m wide (11 feet). It grows much smaller when mainted in a pot indoors.
• Foliage: Massive, banana-like leaves that are glossy, grey-green, and can grow to 1-2.5 m long. They are arranged in a fan-like display on upright stems.
• Flowers: White flowers emerge from boat-shaped bracts.
• Light requirements: Full sun for best growth, tolerates partial shade.
• Preferred Soil: Well-drained and fertile.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Temperature: Prefers warm climates. It is not frost-tolerant.

Strelitzia Augusta Information

Strelitzia augusta, commonly known as the White Bird of Paradise, is a perennial plant native to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. It's a truly magnificent plant with large white flowers that emerge from boat-shaped, purple bracts. The flowers are quite unique and resemble the head of a crane, hence the common name Bird of Paradise. Some of its key characteristics include:

• Size: Up to 10 m tall but often no more than 2 m when grown indoors.
• Leaves: Large, grey-green, banana-shaped leaves
• Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water: Moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Temperature: Prefers warm climates but can tolerate short periods of cooler temperatures

Strelitzia augusta is a relatively fast-growing plant that can thrive in both containers and gardens in warm climates. However, it's not frost-tolerant and needs to be protected from freezing temperatures.

Strelitzia Nicolai Information

Strelitzia nicolai, also known as the Wild Banana or Giant White Bird of Paradise, is a truly magnificent plant that brings a touch of the tropics indoors and out. Some of its key characteristics include:

• Origin: Eastern South Africa (from Gonubie northwards to southern Mozambique)
• Family: Strelitziaceae
• Habit: Evergreen, tree-like perennial
• Size: Up to 9 m tall (30 feet) and 3.5 m wide (11 feet). It grows much smaller when mainted in a pot indoors.
• Foliage: Massive, banana-like leaves that are glossy, grey-green, and can grow to 1-2.5 m long. They are arranged in a fan-like display on upright stems.
• Flowers: White flowers emerge from boat-shaped bracts.
• Light requirements: Full sun for best growth, tolerates partial shade.
• Preferred Soil: Well-drained and fertile.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Temperature: Prefers warm climates. It is not frost-tolerant.

Strelitzia nicolai is a stunning plant that adds a touch of the exotic to any space. With its impressive size and architectural form, it is well suited to a host of landscape designs.

Strelitzia Nicolai Vs Reginae – What Are The Differences?

Some of the key differences between Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) and Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise flower):

Size:

• Nicolai: The giant in the family, reaching heights of 6-9 m outdoors and potentially 2-3 m indoors.
• Reginae: More compact, typically growing 1.2-1.8 m tall indoors and up to 3 m outdoors.

Leaves:

• Nicolai: Wide and glossy, blue-green leaves that can be up to 1.8 meters long.
• Reginae: Stiffer, narrower, and grey-green leaves, reaching around 60 cm in length.

Flowers:

• Nicolai: White and blue flowers with a unique bird-like shape. Flowering indoors is less frequent.
• Reginae: The classic bird of paradise flower with vibrant orange and blue petals. More likely to flower indoors with proper care.

Cold tolerance:

• Nicolai: Less cold-hardy, preferring warmer climates.
• Reginae: Slightly more cold-tolerant, but both prefer frost-free environments.

Overall:

• Nicolai: Ideal for those who love dramatic foliage and have ample space.
• Reginae: A more manageable size and more likely to flower indoors, making it a popular choice for smaller gardens and spaces.

Strelitzia Parvifolia Information

Strelitzia parvifolia, also known as the Spoon-leaved Bird of Paradise or Miniature Bird of Paradise, is a close relative of the more well-known Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird of Paradise). It shares the stunning bird-like flowers but in a more compact and manageable size. Some of its key characteristics include:

• Origin: South Africa
• Family: Strelitziaceae
• Habit: Clumping perennial with evergreen foliage
• Size: Up to 1.5 m tall and wide (5 feet).
• Flowers: Orange and blue, bird-shaped flowers throughout the warmer months.
• Leaves: Strelitzia parvifolia has narrow, spoon-shaped, green-grey leaves.
• Light requirements: Full sun for best growth, tolerates partial shade.
• Preferred Soil: Well-drained and fertile.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry between waterings. It is a drought tolerant plant.
• Temperature: Prefers warm climates, but can tolerate a light frost once established.

Strelitzia parvifolia is a beautiful and manageable Bird of Paradise option for those with limited space or cooler climates. With proper care and winter protection if needed, it can be a rewarding addition to your garden or patio.

Strelitzia Reginae Information

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the Bird of Paradise or Crane Flower, is a species of flowering plant native to the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It is a stunning evergreen perennial widely grown for its dramatic flowers. A summary of the key characteristics include:

• Family: Strelitziaceae
• Size: 120-180 cm tall and 90-120 cm wide.
• Leaves: Large, banana-like, green foliage.
• Flowers: Bird-shaped flowers with three bright orange sepals, three blue petals, and a single upright white petal emerging from the centre.
• Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich loamy soil
• Water: Moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Temperature: Prefers warm climates, but can tolerate light frosts once established.

Strelitzia reginae is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in both containers and gardens in warm climates. It makes a beautiful addition where ever it is grown.

What Bird Of Paradise Plants Are Available In NZ?

The following Bird of Paradise plants are generally available in NZ:

• Strelitzia nicolai
• Strelitzia reginae
• Strelitzia parvifolia
• Strelitzia augusta
• Strelitzia 'Mandela's Gold'

What Is The Tallest Bird Of Paradise?

The tallest Bird Of Paradise species is Strelitzia Nicolai, commonly known as the giant white bird of paradise or wild banana. It can reach a height of up to 10 meters (33 feet) with an erect woody stem. Its large, banana-like leaves can grow up to 200 cm (6 feet) long and 80 cm (3 feet) wide. The flowers are produced in a horizontal inflorescence emerging from a stout spathe and are white with blue tips.

What Is The White Bird Of Paradise Plant?

There are two main contenders for the title of "White Bird of Paradise" plant; Strelitzia Nicolai and Strelitzia alba.

• The flowers of the Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as Giant White Bird of Paradise, are beautiful. The white flowers emerge from boat-shaped purple bracts.
• Strelitzia alba, also sometimes referred to as the White Bird of Paradise, is a much rarer and tender perennial. The large white flowers that can reach up to 15 cm long. They have a dark beak-like structure and resemble the head of a crane.

Bird Of Paradise Care

Caring for Bird Of Paradise plants is about making sure they are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than investing in the plants, putting the effort into planting them, and then having them fail. Therefore, follow our advice and give yourself the best chance of success.

How To Trim A Giant Bird Of Paradise

Giant White Bird Of Paradise plants can be trimmed to control their size and maintain their shape. The best time to trim them is in late winter or early spring. This is when the plant is dormant and less stressed by pruning. You can remove dead, diseased, or damaged leaves at any time. For healthy leaves, focus on removing the older, lower leaves. This will help improve air circulation and make the plant look tidier. Once the flowers have faded, you can cut off the flower stalks at the base where they emerge from the main stem. If your plant is getting too tall for your space, you can take more drastic measures. Remove stems or cut them back to the desired height. More shoots will come away from the base of cut stems. These can be thinned out as necessary.

What Is Wrong With My Bird Of Paradise?

A few things can go wrong with a Bird Of Paradise plant and often we find it is human error than anything else that causes a plant to fail. The most common issues are presented below and organised from most likely to least likely based on The Plant Company's experience.

• Fertiliser placed in the bottom of the hole at planting. Doing this can draw moisture away from the roots and cause root burning. The best solution here is to generously water the plant every day.
• Too much fertiliser applied. Killing plants with kindness is very common. The best solution here is to generously water the plant every day and flush the soil with water repeatedly.
• Herbicide misadventure. Spraying too close with glyphosate is quite common and plant death is often imminent.
• Plants have been over-watered or watered too infrequently. Over-watering can cause root rot and the plant will die a slow death. Reducing watering helps, as does repotting and removing the rotten tissue.
• Pest infestation. Mealybugs can infest plants and are seen as fluffy, white specs. A general insecticide can be used for their control. Please always read the label before using any agrichemical.
• Planting on clay soils with extremely poor drainage. If water cannot escape from the holes the plants are in, the plants can drown and succumb to root rot. Drainage must be addressed to resolve this issue and the article, Fixing Poor Drainage On A Clay Soil can offer assistance.
• Excessive shade – Bird Of Paradise plants require good amounts of light to grow well. If you think this is an issue, simply move the plant to a spot with better light. Do not move them into direct sunlight from heavy shade as this can also damage the plant. Rather, transition the plant to the brighter light by placing it is semi-shade for a week first.

What Problems Do Bird Of Paradise Plants Encounter?

Bird of Paradise plants are generally low-maintenance and relatively free of problems, but they can occasionally experience issues due to various factors. Some common problems and solutions include:

• Brown leaf tips, especially on the lower leaves, are often a sign of underwatering. Ensure the plant receives adequate water, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
• Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or root rot. Check the soil drainage and reduce watering if necessary. If the soil is lacking nutrients, apply a balanced fertilizer. If root rot is suspected, repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
• Curling leaves can be a sign of underwatering, overwatering, or pest infestation. Check the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly. If pests are present, use an appropriate pest control method.
• Split leaves are not a problem but rather a natural characteristic of bird of paradise plants. The splits allow the leaves to withstand wind without tearing or breaking.
• Bird of paradise plants may not flower if they are not receiving enough sunlight or if they are not fertilized regularly. Ensure the plant receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and fertilize it monthly during the growing season.
• Bird of paradise plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be affected by scale insects, mealybugs, and fungal diseases. Use appropriate pest control methods or fungicides if necessary.
• Root rot is a serious problem caused by overwatering or poor soil drainage. The roots turn brown and mushy, and the plant may wilt and die. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and reduce watering.

In general, Bird of Paradise plants are easy to care for and thrive with proper attention to their watering, light, and nutrient needs. By addressing any problems promptly, you can keep your bird of paradise plant healthy and enjoying its striking foliage and exotic flowers.

Bird Of Paradise Propagation

Bird Of Paradise propagation is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. Our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.

Can You Divide Bird Of Paradise Plants?

Yes, you can divide Bird Of Paradise plants! It's actually the most common and recommended way for home gardeners to propagate them. It also helps create new and healthy plants and is a great way to rejuvenates overgrown or root-bound plants.

Can You Grow Bird Of Paradise From A Cutting?

Unfortunately, propagating Bird Of Paradise plants from stem or leaf cuttings is not possible. These plants lack the necessary growth nodes on their stems and leaves to develop roots independently. Rather, they are propagated by dividing mature clumps into several plants.

How to Multiply Bird Of Paradise Plants

Bird of Paradise plants are propagated by two main methods:

• Division: This is the most common and practical way for home gardeners to multiply plants. It involves dividing the mature plants (clumps) into individual plants. Each division should have a healthy section of roots and foliage.
• Seeds: While less common, Bird of Paradise can also be grown from seeds. This method takes much longer than division, as it can take several years for seedlings to mature into flowering plants.
  • Seeds need to be fresh for best germination.
  • Soaking them in water for a few days before planting can help improve germination rates.
  • They should be planted in a warm, moist seed raising mix and can take several weeks to germinate.

How to Plant and Grow Bird Of Paradise

Planting a Bird Of Paradise and getting it to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to give you the greatest chance of success when growing a Bird Of Paradise.

Are Bird Of Paradise Plants Grown Indoors In NZ?

Both Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) and Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise flower), can be grown indoors in New Zealand. They are popular choices for their exotic flair and beautiful foliage. Some things to keep in mind:

• They love bright, indirect sunlight. They can have direct sun coming through from a window. Avoid spots with low light levels.
• Water regularly during spring and summer, allowing the top 25 mm of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
• Use filtered or rainwater whenever possible, as these plants are sensitive to chlorine.
• Maintain warm temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F).
• Protect your plant from drafts and avoid placing them beside cold windows.
• Use a well-draining pot with a pot size that allows for some root growth. A good quality potting mix for indoor plants is ideal.
• Feed your plant with indoor plant fertiliser during spring and again in autumn.
• Remove discoloured or damaged leaves.

Bird of paradise plants are generally slow growers, so be patient. Also note that they are unlikely to flower when grown indoors, though they will reward you with lush foliage.

Are Bird Of Paradise Plants Toxic?

Bird of Paradise plants are considered minimally toxic to humans. This means that a small, accidental ingestion likely won't cause any problems for an adult. However, for small children and pets, ingestion of any part of the plant can cause mild stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhoea. The sap can also irritate skin, so it's always best to wear gloves when handling the plant.

Do Bird Of Paradise Plants Need High Humidity?

Bird of Paradise plants do not need high humidity or any misting to grow well. Normal humidity levels in a house are generally fine.

Do Birds Of Paradise Need Lots Of Water?

The general rule for watering Bird of Paradise plants is once every week during spring and autumn, twice a week during summer, and once a fortnight during winter. Ideally, you’ll wait for the top 10-20 mm of soil to be completely dry before watering. The Plant Company does a deep-watering each time. That is, water until water runs out the bottom of the pot.

Does Bird Of Paradise Grow Well In NZ?

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the Bird of Paradise, grows well in New Zealand, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Strelitzia reginae can withstand occasional light frosts, but it can be damaged by severe or prolonged frosts.
• In areas prone to frosts, consider mulching around the base of the plant for winter insulation or grow it in a container that can be brought indoors during the coldest months.
• The cooler temperatures in some parts of New Zealand might affect flowering frequency.

With careful selection of the planting location and winter protection in colder regions, Strelitzia reginae can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to a New Zealand garden.

How Fast Does Giant Bird Of Paradise Grow?

The Giant Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai) is considered a moderate grower. Expect around 60 cm (2 feet) of height increase per year. It can take several years to reach maturity which is typically after 7-10 years. It may take 4-5 years for a young plant to produce its first flower.

How Much Sunlight Does The Bird Of Paradise Plant Like?

Bird of Paradise plants thrive in bright, indirect light when grown indoors. They will also grow well in full sun. They tend to grow poorly in shaded positions.

How To Grow A Bird Of Paradise In A Pot

Bird Of Paradise plants look amazing when managed appropriately in a pot indoors. Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the plant is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants. Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.

The key to having an amazing Bird Of Paradise in a pot is to water it when the top 25 mm of soil is dry, keep it away from cold drafts, and feed it with indoor plant fertiliser in spring and again in autumn.

How To Grow A Bird Of Paradise Plant Indoors

Bird of paradise plants can thrive indoors with the right care. There are a few things to get right so they perform well.

• They love bright, indirect sunlight. They can have direct sun coming through from a window. Avoid spots with low light levels.
• Water regularly during spring and summer, allowing the top 25 mm of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
• Use filtered or rainwater whenever possible, as these plants are sensitive to chlorine.
• Maintain warm temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F).
• Protect your plant from drafts and avoid placing them beside cold windows.
• Use a well-draining pot with a pot size that allows for some root growth. A good quality potting mix for indoor plants is ideal.
• Feed your plant with indoor plant fertiliser during spring and again in autumn.
• Remove discoloured or damaged leaves.

Bird of paradise plants are generally slow growers, so be patient. Also note that they are unlikely to flower when grown indoors, though they will reward you with lush foliage.

How To Keep Bird Of Paradise Small

There isn't a guaranteed way to stunt a bird of paradise plant's growth entirely, but some techniques can slow the growth down:

• Potting: Choose a pot that's only slightly larger than the root ball. Root restriction can slow growth to some extent.
• Pruning: This method offers more control over size and shape. Prune selectively to remove outer or larger leaves. Removing foliage will slow the growth and encourage the plant to produce new leaves.
• Watering: Keeping the plant on the drier side will tend to slow the growth down. Be careful not to stress the plant too much or it may die!
• Consider using Strelitzia reginae rather than Strelitzia nicolai as this will grow smaller naturally.
• Dividing plants when they become large is another means of keeping the overall plant smaller.

How To Plant A Bird Of Paradise

Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Bird Of Paradise plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A good planting spade makes this job a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our article, Managing Rootbound Plants explains this in more detail.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is sitting above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure from your fingers as you go. Scatter garden fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering. If the plant is taller than 30 cm you might want to consider staking it to give it a bit of extra support and use tree ties for secure and appropriate holding.

How To Repot A Bird Of Paradise Plant

To repot a Bird of Paradise plant, start by removing the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. The Plant Company recommends cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the plant is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months. Place the plant in the pot and add more potting mix. Firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.

The key to having an amazing Bird Of Paradise in a pot is to water it when the top 25 mm of soil is dry, keep it away from cold drafts, and feed it with indoor plant fertiliser in spring and again in autumn.

What Is The Frost Tolerance Of Bird Of Paradise?

Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird of Paradise) has some frost tolerance but can be damaged by freezing temperatures. Severe or prolonged frosts will damage the foliage and flowers. The roots might survive short freezes if the soil doesn't freeze completely, but the plant may not flower the next season due to the significant damage to the foliage. Frost cloth is a good option to protect vulnerable plants.

What Is The Ideal Temperature For Bird Of Paradise Plants?

Bird of Paradise plants prefer temperatures in the range of 18°C-30°C (65°F-85°F). The most critical element is to not let the temperature drop below 15°C (60°F) as this can cause chilling injury.

Where Do Bird Of Paradise Grow Best?

A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Bird Of Paradise plant. On poorly drained sites, or with over-watering, they tend to become stunted and sickly looking due to the roots struggling to breathe. As shade levels increase, they tend to become spindly and flowering is often reduced or does not occur. In full sun positions they tend to grow more compactly. The position should also be moderately sheltered so leaves are not broken by wind and this will help produce a better shaped plant overall. Some Bird Of Paradise plants can take a light frost once established, but it pays to seek local advice on this one. Wherever they are grown, make sure that they will not dry out during summer and they have plenty of room to expand.