How Fast Does A Bird Of Paradise Grow? – Tips To Maximize Growth

The beautiful Bird of Paradise.

Every time I look at this beautiful plant I feel like I am being transferred to a majestic tropical island.

However, in order to be transferred to that tropical island, our plants have to thrive and flourish. With that in mind, you might ask yourself: Why isn’t my planting grow? How fast does a bird of paradise grow? Am I doing something wrong? What can I do to get my plant to grow faster?

Have you found yourself asking those questions? If so, you are in the right place.

In this post, we are going to answer all your bird of paradise growth rate questions.

So, let’s jump right in…

How Fast Does A Bird Of Paradise Grow?

The answer: A bird of paradise grows at a moderate rate. The plant itself will grow about 2 feet each year. Some (Strelitzia nicolai) can reach up to 30 feet in height. On average it will produce a new leaf every month and a mature plant will produce around 36 flower spikes each year.

Keep in mind that it might take 4 or 5 years to see flowers on your bird of paradise. In fact, some plants don’t bloom until they are 10 years old.

30 feet that’s crazy! How is that plant ever going to fit in my apartment? Well, let’s address that question:

Can you grow a bird of paradise indoors?

Yes, you can grow a bird of paradise indoors. If you are looking for the perfect size you may want to check out the Strelitzia reginae. It grows anywhere from 4 to 6 feet tall. In fact, many gardeners have found it best to keep their plants in a large pot. That way they can keep it outside during the summer, but move it indoors when things start to get cold outside.

Tips for growing a bird of paradise indoors

• Direct sunlight. The bird of paradise prefers direct sunlight and it needs a lot of it. For that reason be sure to keep it in a room where it is going to get the most sunlight throughout the day. Depending on the location supplement plant lights may be needed. If the sunlight only hits one side of the plant, be sure to rotate it weekly for even growth.

• Rich soil. Any all-purpose potting mix will be good for your plant. However, I would recommend one that contains coco coir. Another option would be to add some coco coir to your existing potting soil. This will enhance the absorbency and water retention of the soil, but at the same time it will have plenty of drainage.

• Watering. When watering a bird of paradise it is always best to let the soil dry inbetween waterings. This is especially important in the winter, when plant growth slows. If possible, I would recommend using a clay pot for your bird of paradise. This will allow for better air flow which can help the soil dry out quicker inbetween waterings.

• Humidity. The Bird of paradise is a tropical plant, this means that they thrive in high humidity conditions. If you live in a dry area, try to increase the humidity levels by running a humidifier or misting the plant every other day. Additionally, because bathrooms maintain high humidity levels throughout the year, the bathroom may be the perfect place to keep your plant during those dry winter months.

• The bird of paradise likes cramped quarters. In order to encourage flowering, the bird of paradise likes to be slightly root bound. For that reason, I would recommend repotting your plant every 28 months. Of course before repotting your plant be sure that it is in a healthy condition to do so. I have found that it is best to repot my bird of paradise doing the spring or summer months when the plant is the strongest.

• Feeding. During the peak growing months (spring and summer) once a month your plant should be given a liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize it during winter month as plant growth tends to slow down during these months.

• Regularly clean their leaves. Because the bird of paradise has very large paddle shape leaves, dust can quickly accumulate on them. In order to keep them dust free, regularly wipe them down with a damp rag. This can be done in combination with misting the plant.

How To Care For Your Bird Of Paradise Outdoors In Order To Maximize Growth

• Lighting. While a bird of paradise will survive in medium light conditions, it could slow the growth of the plant. For that reason, in order to maximize growth it would be best to keep it in a location where it is going to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight throughout the day. Keep in mind that plants kept in full sun tend to be shorter with smaller flowers while those kept in partial shade tend to be taller with larger flowers.

• Proper spacing in between plants. Not only do these plants grow upward, but they also grow outward. It is best to plant a bird of paradise 6 feet apart from other outdoor plants.

• Proper Watering. In order to establish itself in its new location a bird of paradise will need regular watering for at least the first six months. After it has been established you will want to water the plant deeply, but let it dry out between waterings. During the winter months, only water the plant when the soil is very dry.

• Temperature. They prefer temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can be damaged if the temperatures drop lower than 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Fertilizer. In order for a bird of paradise to produce flowers and in order to maximize growth, it will need a lot of food. For that reason, feed them every 2 weeks during the spring months and once a month during the summer months.

Final Thoughts….

Without a doubt, a bird of paradise’s flowers are some of the most beautiful flowers. And to think that you could grow one in your house.

In this post, we have talked about how fast a bird of paradise can grow and we have talked about a few suggestions in order that your plant will thrive.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post.

Now it is your turn. Please share with us your experience with these plants and what you do to get that them to grow both indoors as well as outdoors.