Quick answer
The best place to plant a bird of paradise is in zone 10 or 11, or anywhere the plant is hardy and can receive 6-8 hours of full sun per day. Bird of paradise thrives in warm tropical climates and requires temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Well-draining, fertile soil amended with compost is ideal. When planting outdoors, select a sheltered location protected from wind. Containers can be used to grow bird of paradise on patios and porches. Provide ample water and fertilizer during the growing season. With proper care, bird of paradise will grow into a stunning tropical specimen.
Ideal growing zones
Bird of paradise plants are only hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11. This includes parts of Florida, Southern California, Hawaii, and other tropical regions. In cooler climates, bird of paradise can be grown as a seasonal annual or houseplant. The ideal zones offer warm temperatures and high humidity preferred by this tropical plant. Frost and freezing temps below 40°F will damage and kill bird of paradise. Before planting outdoors, research your USDA zone and temperatures in winter. Growing bird of paradise in too cold of a climate will require moving the plant indoors during winter.
Sun exposure
Full sun is essential for bird of paradise plants to thrive. Provide a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun is better, especially in cooler climates. Locate the plant in the brightest spot possible. A south or west facing exposure is ideal. Light shade in peak afternoon heat is tolerated once established. Insufficient sun will result in sparse flowering and weak growth. Maximize sunlight by pruning surrounding trees and shrubs. Use caution when siting bird of paradise in partial shade locations.
Soil needs
Well-draining, fertile soil amended with compost is the best growing medium for bird of paradise. The plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.1-7.5. Adding compost improves moisture retention and provides nutrients. Before planting, till compost and other organic matter into native soil to create aloose, porous texture. This allows oxygen circulation to the roots. Compacted, soggy soil will lead to root rot. Adequate drainage is critical. Evaluate drainage by digging a hole 12″ deep, filling with water, and checking if it drains completely within a few hours.
Wind protection
Shelter bird of paradise from excessive wind, which can shred the large leaves. The best locations offer protection while still allowing ample sun. Good options include against a wall or fence, behind a windbreak, under taller trees, or surrounded by shrubs. Avoid wide open areas with frequent strong winds. Containers can be moved to protected spots as needed. Staking tall plants prevents breakage in wind. Carefully site bird of paradise plants to ensure adequate air flow while limiting damage from gusts.
Growing in containers
Bird of paradise adapts well to container growing. This allows flexibility to move the plants seasonally or into shelter. Use a large pot at least 12-16 inches wide and deep. Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Soil mixes for palms or citrus are a good choice. Add coarse sand or perlite if the mix contains peat which retains too much moisture. Site containers in full sun protected from wind. Provide ample water and fertilizer during the growing season. Move pots to a sheltered location for winter. With proper care, container grown plants can reach 4-6 feet tall.
Watering needs
Bird of paradise requires ample moisture during the active growing season. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Hot tropical climates may need daily irrigation. Cooler regions can go 2-3 days between watering. Soil type also impacts frequency. Sandy mixes require more frequent water than heavy clay. Indoors, water when the top 1-2″ becomes dry. Drooping leaves indicate under watering. Limit water during the winter when plants are dormant. Thoroughly soak the root zone when irrigating. Avoid frequent shallow watering which encourages roots to grow upward. Consistent deep watering is best.
Fertilizer
Feed bird of paradise regularly during the growing season for best growth and flowering. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks. Slow release granular fertilizers can be applied in early spring and again in summer according to label directions. Discontinue fertilizer after September to allow plants to harden off for winter dormancy. Resume fertilizing when new growth appears in spring. Adapt fertilizer frequency and type to your climate and the plant’s needs. fast growing plants in containers require more nutrients. Cut back on fertilizer if you notice leaf tip burn.
Pruning
Pruning bird of paradise removes damaged growth, keeps plants compact, and improves flowering. First remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems. Next selectively cut back leggy growth and upright shoots to shape the plant. Remove cross intersecting leaves and small lower suckers for better air circulation. Trim older flower stalks back to a healthy leaf node after flowering concludes. Container plants need more frequent pruning to control size. Take care not to over prune. Time pruning to avoid cutting off developing flower buds during summer. Disinfect pruners between cuts to prevent disease spread.
Propagating bird of paradise
Bird of paradise can be propagated by divisions, cuttings or seeds. Mature plants can be divided in early spring by carefully separating suckers and rhizomes while keeping root systems intact. Take cuttings of new growth in spring or summer. Use a rooting hormone powder and maintain high humidity until roots form. Seeds must come from a fertile plant and be scarified by nicking the hard outer shell. Plant seeds while fresh. Germination rates are often low. Established plants are easy to divide or take cuttings from to propagate more plants.
Common pests & diseases
Bird of paradise can be affected by several insect pests and diseases. Mealybugs, aphids, scale and spider mites suck plant juices and leave sticky residue on foliage. Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays deter these soft-bodied pests. Prevent webworm and caterpillar damage by regularly inspecting for curled leaves and chewing damage. Fungal issues like leaf spot, botrytis and fusarium wilt cause brown spots, yellowing leaves, and rapid decline. Improve air flow and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease. Treat with appropriate fungicides. Proper site selection, plant sanitation, and prompt treatment help keep pests and diseases under control.
Overwintering
In zones 10 and 11, bird of paradise will remain evergreen through mild winters. Where temps drop below 40°F, its important to bring plants indoors before frost arrives. Select the sunniest window possible and continue watering sparingly. Cooler temperatures of 65-70°F are ideal for overwintering. Avoid hot, dry rooms which stress plants. Keep humidity around 50% with a humidifier or pebble tray. Stop fertilizing in fall so plants harden off. Prune any damaged growth before moving indoors. Transition plants slowly back outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed. With proper overwintering care, bird of paradise will survive until the weather is favorable for planting back in the garden.
Conclusion
With its vibrant tropical blooms, bird of paradise thrives in warm, sunny gardens protected from wind. Well-draining but moisture retentive soil amended with compost encourages lush foliage growth and abundant flowering. Ample water, fertilizer, and pruning keeps plants vigorous. Site selection is critical where bird of paradise is marginally hardy. Sheltered microclimates, containers, and winter protection can enable successful outdoor growth in cooler zones. Both landscape plantings and container grown bird of paradise add a touch of the tropics anywhere they can grow. When sited in the ideal environment, rewarded with proper care, bird of paradise develops into a truly stunning feature.