The bird of paradise is a popular tropical plant known for its unique flower resembling a bird in flight. With striking foliage and vibrant blooms, it’s easy to see why this plant is a favorite. However, the bird of paradise is a slow grower and can take years before reaching maturity and flowering. If you’re eager to see your bird of paradise thrive and flower, there are several tricks you can use to speed up its growth.
Provide Optimal Sunlight
One of the most important factors in helping a bird of paradise grow quickly is providing the right amount of sunlight. Bird of paradise plants need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight will result in slow, leggy growth.
Position your bird of paradise in a south or west facing window where it will receive maximum sunlight. You can also place it outside in the spring and summer months if temperatures remain above 60°F. Just make sure to gradually acclimate an indoor plant to prevent sunburn.
Use a Proper Potting Mix
The potting mix you use can impact how quickly your bird of paradise grows. These plants prefer a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Aim for a mix containing compost, peat moss, bark or perlite. This will provide drainage while retaining some moisture.
Here’s an easy DIY potting mix recipe for bird of paradise:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part compost or worm castings
- 1 part perlite or bark chips
Avoid heavy, dense soil that will compact over time and prevent proper drainage. Re-potting in fresh potting mix every 2-3 years will also encourage faster growth.
Fertilize Regularly
Applying fertilizer is key to promoting rapid, healthy growth in any plant, including bird of paradise. Look for a balanced liquid fertilizer to use monthly during spring and summer. You can also use a controlled-release fertilizer applied at the start of each growing season.
Search for a fertilizer higher in phosphorus, the middle number of the NPK ratio. Phosphorus aids in flowering and fruiting. A ratio like 10-30-20 is ideal for bird of paradise plants. Always follow package instructions carefully when applying fertilizer.
Water Thoroughly
Providing adequate moisture is crucial for fast growth. Bird of paradise plants like a thorough watering whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Take care not to overwater, as soggy soil can cause root rot.
Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not wet. Increase watering frequency in summer months. The foliage will begin to droop slightly when the plant needs water. Prune off any dead or dying leaves, which can signal underwatering.
Increase Humidity
Bird of paradise thrives in the humid tropics. Replicating these conditions at home will satisfy its moisture-loving nature. Run a humidifier nearby to maintain 40-50% humidity. You can also set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to create a humid microclimate around the plant.
Misting the leaves is another easy way to boost moisture levels. Just be sure to do this early in the day so leaves dry completely before nighttime.
Feed With Epsom Salts
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) can act as a fertilizer supplement to encourage blooming and growth. Dissolve 1 tablespoon epsom salts per gallon of water. Feed this solution to your bird of paradise monthly during the active growing period. The magnesium in epsom salts aids in flower production and deep green foliage.
Prune for Shape
Strategic pruning can promote bushier, more vigorous growth. Trim off any dead or damaged leaves and stems at their base using sterilized pruning shears. Remove crossing or congested growth to open up the plant.
You can also cut back leggy stems halfway during the growing season to encourage branching and fullness. Just be careful not to remove more than 20% of the foliage at one time.
Growing Conditions to Maximize Growth
Achieving optimal growing conditions is key to boosting your bird of paradise growth rate. This tropical native thrives when provided with the following:
- Bright Light: At least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily.
- Warmth: Minimum temperatures of 60°F, ideally 70-80°F during the day.
- Humidity: 40-50% relative humidity or higher.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.
- Moisture: Allow soil to dry out halfway down between waterings.
- Fertilizer: Balanced liquid or slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
Monitoring these inputs and making adjustments as needed ensures your plant has everything it requires for rapid growth. Proper care will lead to larger foliage, quicker flowering and a healthier bird of paradise.
When Can I Expect it to Bloom?
One big question many bird of paradise owners have is when they can expect to finally see flowers. Unfortunately, this plant takes patience!
Here is an overview of the time it takes from sprouting until the first dazzling blooms emerge:
- Seed to 3 feet tall: 2-3 years
- 3 feet to 5 feet tall: 3-5 more years
- First flower blooms: 5-8 years
So realistically, you are looking at a 5 year or longer wait for a young bird of paradise start to flower. Mature plants will bloom much sooner, generally within a year of an ideal growing environment.
There are a few tips to help encourage and speed up flowering:
- Ensure the plant is mature and at least 3 feet tall.
- Provide bright light, heat and high humidity.
- Use a high phosphorus fertilizer monthly.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not wet.
- Give plant a winter dormancy period with reduced watering.
With excellent care, you may see the first dramatic blooms emerge in 3-4 years. But be prepared to wait up to 8 years for flowering, especially if starting with a young plant. The long wait is worth it when those vibrant orange and blue blossoms finally take flight!
Common Problems Hindering Growth
When a bird of paradise is growing slowly and not thriving, the underlying cause is often an environmental issue. Here are some common problems that can stunt growth:
Insufficient Light
Bird of paradise requires very bright light, including several hours of direct sun daily. An indoor plant situated in a dark corner will struggle with weak, leggy growth. Increase sunlight exposure for improved vigor.
Overwatering
While these tropical plants love moisture, soggy soil will limit root function and oxygen. Allow more time between waterings and only water when the top few inches become dry.
Underfeeding
Lack of fertilizer can deprive a bird of paradise of nutrients needed for lush growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in spring through fall.
Low Humidity
Indoor conditions can be too dry for this rainforest native. Boost humidity levels to 50% or more with a humidifier or pebble tray.
Drafts
Sudden temperature drops and cold drafts can shock bird of paradise. Keep away from air conditioning vents, doors, and windows in winter.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs and scale can infest leaves and stunt growth. Isolate and treat any infested plants immediately.
Incorrect Pot Size
If the roots are crowded in a too-small container, growth will slow. Re-pot in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil every 2-3 years.
Soil Compaction
Dense, heavy potting mix can prevent proper drainage and root expansion. Loosen compressed areas and amend soil with perlite.
Diseases
Foliar diseases like leaf spot can be caused by overwatering and humidity. Prune affected leaves and allow soil to dry out more between waterings.
Tips to Maximize Growth Rate
Use these key tips to ensure your bird of paradise grows as quickly as possible:
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring through fall using a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release spikes.
- Prune off any dead or damaged leaves and stems to keep the plant vigorous.
- Remove dry sheaths and bracts after flowering to encourage re-blooming.
- Propagate new starts from divisions to grow multiple fast-growing plants.
- Rotate the plant periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure.
- Keep leaves dust-free by wiping with a damp cloth to maximize light absorption.
- Mist leaves regularly to boost humidity levels around the plant.
- Plant in an orchid potting mix amended with perlite, bark and compost for optimal drainage.
- Apply worm castings around the root zone every 3-4 months for added nutrients.
Following these best practices for proper care, moisture, light, nutrients and propagation will have your bird of paradise thriving and growing rapidly in no time!
How to Accelerate Growth With Propagation
One strategy to generate multiple fast-growing bird of paradise plants is through propagation. This involves taking new starts from an existing mature plant. Here are a few methods:
Division
Carefully divide the rhizomes at the base when re-potting. This will create smaller starter plants that can be potted up individually. Divisions encourage quick regrowth.
Rhizome Cuttings
Remove a healthy rhizome using a sterile knife. Allow to dry 3-5 days until a callus forms. Plant in well-draining soil. Keep warm and moist until new growth emerges.
Seed
Collect ripe orange seeds from spent flower bracts. Sow seeds in moist potting mix. Expect germination in 3-8 weeks at 75°F. Grow seedlings under light until mature enough to transplant.
| Propagation Method | Difficulty | Time to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Division | Easy | 1-2 years |
| Rhizome Cuttings | Moderate | 1-3 years |
| Seed | Difficult | 2-4 years |
As shown above, division and rhizome cuttings provide the quickest path to a mature, blooming specimen when compared to growing bird of paradise from seeds.
Should I Use a Growth Supplement?
Using a supplement specifically formulated to enhance growth can certainly speed up your bird of paradise’s progress. Look for these key ingredients:
- Seaweed Extract – Provides micronutrients, amino acids, enzymes
- Humic Acid – Aids nutrient absorption
- Fulvic Acid – Increases cell division and growth
- Mycorrhizae – Beneficial fungi that improve root function
- Amino Acids – Building blocks for growth
Apply liquid supplements according to package directions, usually once per week. Use as a foliar spray and root drench for maximum benefit.
Granular supplements can also be incorporated into potting soil for extended release as the plant grows.
While not required, using a quality growth enhancer can accelerate a slow-growing bird of paradise. Stick to reputable brands and products designed specifically for houseplants.
Other Tropical Plants With Similar Care
If you’re looking to add other striking architectural foliage plants to your indoor garden, consider these tropical beauties that also thrive with care similar to bird of paradise:
- Philodendron selloum – Large dramatic leaves, tolerates low light
- Fiddle leaf fig – Sculptural violing-shaped leaves, loves humidity
- Monstera deliciosa – Iconic split and hole-filled leaves, fast growing
- Elephant ear – Huge heart-shaped leaves, comes in varying sizes
- Cycas revoluta – Feathery palm-like leaves, easy care
- ZZ plant – Glossy oval leaves, extremely tolerant of neglect
All appreciate the warm, humid, bright conditions loved by bird of paradise. Expand your indoor tropical oasis with these stunning specimens!
Conclusion
With its outrageous flowers and tropical polish, growing a vigorous bird of paradise is an exciting endeavor. While reaching maturity and flowering can take years, there are many techniques you can use to accelerate growth. Focus on optimizing sunlight, humidity, soil, moisture, and nutrition to spur your plant to its full potential. Implement propagation methods for multiplying specimens quickly. Your patience will pay off tenfold when those unmistakable blooms finally unfurl!
