Bird of Paradise Plants | Strelitzia


The bird of paradise (Strelitzia) is one of the most striking tropical houseplants you can grow indoors. With its large, paddle-shaped leaves and bold upright habit, it brings an instant jungle feel to any room. Native to South Africa, Strelitzia species are surprisingly tough and well suited to bright spots in UK homes.

Our Strelitzia plants are sourced from trusted partner nurseries and delivered to your door with care. Whether you are looking for a statement floor plant or a tropical centrepiece, the bird of paradise delivers on impact.

For more tropical statement plants, explore our large indoor plants range, or browse Monstera and Alocasia collections for similarly bold foliage. If you want plants that thrive in sunny rooms, see our bright light collection.

1 product

    1 product
    Strelitzia reginae 17cm Plants GrowTropicals
    Bird of Paradise

    Strelitzia reginae

    £35.99
    1

    Everything You Need to Know About Bird of Paradise Plants

    About Strelitzia: The Bird of Paradise

    The genus Strelitzia contains just five species, all native to southern Africa. The most commonly grown as a houseplant is Strelitzia reginae, prized for its broad, banana-like leaves and, in mature specimens, its extraordinary crane-shaped flowers in orange and blue. Indoors in the UK, flowering is rare, but the foliage alone makes it a worthy addition to any plant collection.

    Light, Temperature and Positioning

    Bird of paradise plants need as much bright light as you can give them. A south or west-facing window is ideal. They will tolerate some direct sun, which actually encourages more compact, sturdy growth. In lower light, leaves may stretch and the plant can become leggy. If your home lacks bright spots, consider varieties from our low light plants collection instead.

    Strelitzia prefer warm conditions between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius. They dislike cold draughts, so keep them away from exterior doors in winter. Humidity is appreciated but not essential, making them easier than many tropical species such as Calathea or Alocasia.

    Watering and Feeding

    Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of soil have dried out. In summer this may be once a week; in winter, reduce to every two to three weeks. Bird of paradise plants are somewhat drought tolerant thanks to their thick, fleshy roots, but consistent watering encourages the best leaf production. Feed monthly from spring to early autumn with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

    Repotting and Growth

    Strelitzia reginae is a slow to moderate grower indoors. Repot every two to three years into a pot one size up, using a well-draining potting mix. These plants actually prefer being slightly root-bound, which can also help encourage flowering in the long term. For a dramatic floor-level display, pair your bird of paradise with other large indoor plants or architectural species from our Ficus collection.

    Styling and Companion Plants

    With its upright, fan-like growth, the bird of paradise works as a standalone statement piece or grouped with other tropical plants. Pair it with trailing varieties like Pothos or hanging plants to create layers and texture. Its bold leaf shape contrasts beautifully with the fine, feathery foliage of ferns or the patterned leaves of Philodendron varieties.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Place your Strelitzia reginae in the brightest spot you have, ideally a south or west-facing window. Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry and feed monthly during the growing season. Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and allow the plant to photosynthesise efficiently.

    Indoor flowering is uncommon in the UK because Strelitzia needs very high light levels and warm temperatures year round to bloom. Mature plants (five years or older) in a bright conservatory or south-facing room have the best chance. Even without flowers, the striking foliage makes it one of the most popular statement plants in our large indoor plants range.

    Indoors, Strelitzia reginae typically reaches 1 to 1.5 metres in height, though in ideal conditions it can grow taller. Growth is slow to moderate, and the plant can be kept more compact by slightly restricting pot size. For other large-scale plants, explore our Monstera and Philodendron collections.

    Leaf curling is usually a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or exposure to cold draughts. Check the soil moisture and increase watering if it is very dry. Misting the leaves or placing the pot on a pebble tray can help raise humidity. If your home is particularly dry, you might also consider species that tolerate drier air from our easy care collection.

    Yes, Strelitzia is mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing nausea and digestive upset. Keep it out of reach of curious pets, or choose from our pet-friendly plants collection for safer alternatives that are non-toxic to animals.

    Use a well-draining potting mix. A blend of houseplant compost with added perlite or bark works well. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially during winter when the plant uses less water. Many of our customers use similar mixes for other aroids in the Alocasia and Anthurium collections.