Quick Answer
Yes, you can bring your bird of paradise plant inside for the winter in most cases. Bird of paradise plants are tropical perennials that do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures well, so bringing them inside before the first frost will help them survive the winter in colder climates. When bringing your bird of paradise plant inside, choose a spot with bright, indirect light and maintain temperatures above 55°F. Water sparingly over winter, taking care not to overwater the plant. With proper indoor winter care, your bird of paradise should thrive until you can move it back outside in spring.
When to Bring a Bird of Paradise Plant Inside
Bring your bird of paradise plant inside at least a few weeks before the first expected frost in your area. Bird of paradise plants are only hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and cannot tolerate cold winter air or frost. Temperatures below 55°F can damage the plant.
Check your local hardiness zone and average first frost date. Then plan to bring potted bird of paradise plants inside well ahead of frost so the plant has time to acclimate. For areas with longer, colder winters, it’s best to bring the plant inside before temperatures start dropping into the 40s or 50s F.
Average First Frost Dates Across the U.S.
State | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Florida | January 5th-15th |
Texas | November 15th-30th |
New York | October 1st-15th |
Illinois | October 1st-20th |
Colorado | September 20th-October 10th |
Washington | October 20th-November 10th |
Minnesota | September 20th-October 10th |
Choosing the Best Indoor Spot
Bird of paradise plants need bright light to thrive indoors over winter. Choose a spot near a south, east, or west-facing window where the plant will get 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or 12 hours of bright indirect light each day. North-facing windows generally don’t provide enough light. You may need to supplement natural light with grow lights or a plant light.
Avoid positioning the bird of paradise right up against cold window glass, as this can damage leaves. Place the pot a few feet back from the window if needed. Also make sure the indoor spot doesn’t get colder than 55°F at night. Temperatures between 65-80°F are ideal.
You may want to move the plant to different spots over the course of the winter to optimize its sun exposure as day length and sun angles change. Rotate the pot regularly so all sides get light exposure too.
Light Requirements for Bird of Paradise
Light Condition | Daily Light Duration (Hours) |
---|---|
Direct Sunlight | 4-6 |
Bright Indirect Light | 12 |
Watering Indoor Bird of Paradise Plants
Water your bird of paradise conservatively over winter when kept indoors. The plant will enter a dormant period and won’t need as much moisture. Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out between waterings.
When you do water, water deeply until it runs out the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. This will moisten the entire root zone. Avoid watering frequently in tiny amounts, as this leads to shallow roots and weakened plants.
The plant may only need water every 2-3 weeks in a cool indoor environment. Monitor closely and adjust your watering routine based on the soil moisture and plant needs. If leaves start to droop, it likely needs more frequent watering.
Ideal Watering Schedule for Indoor Bird of Paradise
Plant Location | Watering Frequency |
---|---|
Warm, sunny indoor spot | 1-2 times per week |
Cool, low-light indoor spot | Every 2-3 weeks |
Fertilizing Bird of Paradise Over Winter
Fertilize a bird of paradise conservatively when overwintering it indoors. Look for houseplant fertilizer or use a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula. Fertilize at half the normal strength once a month during winter.
Too much fertilizer can damage roots and burn leaves on plants kept in low light or that aren’t actively growing. It’s better to under fertilize than over fertilize wintering houseplants.
Fertilizer Tips for Overwintering Bird of Paradise Indoors
- Use 1⁄2 strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
- Look for houseplant fertilizers made for low light conditions
- Always dilute fertilizer to avoid leaf burn
- Avoid high nitrogen formulas which may damage dormant plants
Increasing Humidity Around Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise plants prefer 40-50% relative humidity, which can be difficult to maintain indoors over winter. Run a humidifier nearby to increase moisture in the surrounding air. You can also set pots on pebble trays filled with water to boost local humidity levels around the plant.
Misting the leaves frequently can help temporarily increase humidity. But take care not to get water on leaves when temperatures are low or the plant is in full sun, as this can cause leaf burn.
Ideal Humidity Levels for Bird of Paradise
Season | Ideal Humidity Range |
---|---|
Winter (indoor conditions) | 40-50% |
Summer (outdoor conditions) | 50-70% |
What to Expect with an Indoor Bird of Paradise
When overwintering your bird of paradise plant indoors, expect slower growth and less frequent flowering. The plant will likely drop some leaves and enter a period of dormancy until temperatures warm up again in spring. This is normal!
As long as you meet its basic needs, the bird of paradise should recover well once moved back outdoors the following growing season. Just be sure to transition it slowly to stronger light levels and higher temperatures in spring once all danger of frost has passed.
Conclusion
Although native to tropical environments, bird of paradise plants can adapt well to colder climates when brought inside each winter. By choosing a bright indoor spot, maintaining warmer temperatures, reducing watering frequency, and providing conservative fertilization, you can keep your bird of paradise happy indoors until spring. Just transition the plant slowly back outdoors once overnight frosts are over to avoid shock. With proper winter care, your bird of paradise will thrive season after season.