Green Logs

Plant guide

Bird of Paradise

ストレリチア

Watering rhythm

Every 7–10 days

About this plant

Bird of Paradise is a stunning South African native prized for its luxurious, bird-shaped blooms that make a real statement in any space. As an evergreen plant, it brings bold visual presence and works beautifully as décor. It's also quite forgiving and straightforward to care for, making it a wonderful choice even if you're new to houseplants.

Placement & environment

This plant thrives in bright conditions. Ideally, position it near a window where it receives at least 3 hours of direct sunlight daily. Keep temperatures between 10–25°C, and avoid anything below 5°C. Humidity levels can be moderate, though the plant prefers not to be in overly dry air.

Seasonal watering rhythm

Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.

Watering rhythm

Water thoroughly once the soil surface feels dry to the touch—let water drain completely out of the pot's base before stopping. Always empty any water sitting in the saucer beneath the pot. The key is avoiding constant wetness to prevent root rot. If you notice the leaves starting to droop, that's your cue the plant needs water.

Common troubles

Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.

SymptomLikely causeWhat to try
Leaves turning yellowOften due to overwatering, root rot, or insufficient light. Winter is when overwatering becomes especially risky.Check how wet the soil is—if it's not dried out yet, hold off on watering. If root rot seems likely, consider repotting the plant into fresh soil.
No flowers appearingYoung plants typically need at least 3 years to mature before flowering. Poor light conditions can also prevent blooming.Focus on building up a healthy, mature plant first. Once established, make sure it gets plenty of bright light and apply fertilizer during spring and summer for best results.
Leaves turning brown and shriveledUsually caused by underwatering, extreme dryness, or cold stress—especially near heating vents in winter.Check your soil moisture and adjust your watering routine as needed. Move the plant away from cold drafts and direct heat sources to help it recover.
Spider mites or scale insectsThese pests are drawn to dry conditions and dusty leaves.Wipe the foliage regularly with water to keep it clean and dust-free. If you spot pests, gently wipe them away with a damp cloth or use an appropriate horticultural spray.
Plant not growing largerMay result from low fertilizer, inadequate light, or the plant becoming root-bound.During the growing season (spring and summer), feed with diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice a month. Increase light exposure and repot into fresh soil every 2–3 years.

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