Colorful, exotic, and bold, Bird of Paradise plants are loved for their tropical appearance, beautiful blooms, and rapid growth. These plants can fill a corner of your home with their broad, flat, attractive foliage. But how long does it take them to grow, and what can you expect from these beauties indoors?
Wondering if a Bird of Paradise will grow quickly indoors? These tropical houseplants can grow tall relatively fast but don’t produce many new leaves each year. And just how big do they grow? The most common indoor Bird of Paradise varieties will grow to be about six feet tall.
So how can you help your houseplant to reach its full potential? Keep reading to learn more about how these plants grow and what conditions are best for producing healthy and vibrant Birds of Paradise.
A Note on Bird of Paradise Growing Season
What is a growing season, and why does it matter? It’s a common misconception that plants grow all year round. But most plants, including the Bird of Paradise plant, have a season during which they achieve most of the growth they will obtain that year. This includes increased height, as well as the development of new leaves and roots.
Since Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant, native to South Africa, it thrives outdoors in hot climates, such as those found in regions of California and Florida. In these areas, the plant’s growing season may be prolonged. However, even in warm Southern states, there is typically a seasonal change that will mark the end of the plant’s growth period.
Following the growing season, plants enter a stage called dormancy. During this dormant period, plants will dramatically slow their growth, focusing instead on the health and protection of their roots. You may even notice occasional yellow leaves as the plant reduces its focus on maintaining leaves and shoots. You can think of this dormant period as hibernation, during which the plant conserves its strength for a burst of growth to follow.
When grown indoors, most Bird of Paradise plants will grow from late-spring to early-fall, after which the change in temperatures and sunlight quality will trigger dormancy.
Do Birds of Paradise Grow Quickly?
Many Bird of Paradise plant lovers agree that this species of plant grows quickly. Moreover, it’s known for full, bushy growth, with large leaves and prominent blooms.
But there is a “catch” with the growth of your Bird of Paradise. While the leaves and stems may seem to flourish quickly, it can take 3-4 years before the plant begins to bloom – and that is with ideal conditions.
As a result, some plant owners may become frustrated with the lack of flowers, over-fertilizing or overwatering in an attempt to encourage blooming. These strategies can slow the plant’s growth and reduce the likelihood that your Bird of Paradise will develop its characteristic, showy blooms.
How Big and Tall Do Birds of Paradise Grow?
Bird of Paradise plants are cousins of the banana tree, and some species of the Bird of Paradise can grow over 30 feet tall. Typically, these plants are found outdoors in tropical regions or warm Southern states.
However, the Bird of Paradise that is most commonly grown as a houseplant can achieve heights of 6 feet when grown inside. Since these plants don’t have trunks, much of this height is seen in the form of tall stems, on which large leaves, and flowering blooms, are showcased.
With leaves that can reach 18 inches long, and six inches wide, these plants can take up quite a bit of space, measuring roughly 4 feet across when healthy and mature.
How Often Do Birds of Paradise Get New Leaves?
Bird of Paradise plants can be slow to develop new leaves. These are evergreen plants, which means that their leaves remain green and attached, often for multiple years.
And while excessive leaf drop is never normal for an indoor plant, Birds of Paradise tend to keep their leaves longer than many other indoor plants, and new leaves appear less frequently.
If you are hoping to encourage new growth, maintaining proper care, and considering some light pruning, can help stimulate the development of additional leaves and flowers.
The Ideal Growing Conditions for Your Indoor Bird of Paradise
When grown indoors, a Bird of Paradise plant can reach heights of 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Capable of developing large, orange, or white blooms, which resemble the plumes of a bird, these plants can be showstopping additions to any plant collection.
However, Birds of Paradise can require special care and patience to achieve these beautiful results. But don’t worry, you don’t need a green thumb to keep your plant from turning yellow! Below are some simple techniques to help you keep your Bird of Paradise plant healthy and vibrant all year round.
Water
It can be easy to assume that a tropical plant craves a lot of water, but this is not the case. Bird of Paradise plants enjoy thorough watering but do not thrive in soggy soil.
To ensure proper watering, without saturation, inset a finger into the plant’s container. If you notice that the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry, it is time to water again.
In the winter months, when growth has slowed, you will notice that the plant requires less water to thrive. Testing the soil with your finger will help you stay responsive to the plant’s hydration needs without overwatering.
Soil
Potting mix is definitely more than just “dirt.” In fact, choosing the right blend can make a big difference in the health of your plant. This is because some soils are explicitly blended to retain water, while others are designed to drain it away. So, which one does your Bird of Paradise need?
A Bird of Paradise plant prefers a soil that is loamy and well-draining. This means that the soil will likely contain ingredients such as clay, which will give it a dense feel. However, the right potting mix will also include sand or silt to ensure that the water moves through the pot without waterlogging the roots.
Humidity
As many plant lovers eventually learn, water and humidity are very different. While it’s essential to not allow your Bird of Paradise to sit in damp soil, maintaining moist air around your plant is great for its leaves and blooms.
Adding a humidifier to your plant’s space is a helpful strategy for keeping your plant healthy. You can also consider misting the air around your plant with clean water once or twice a week. However, be careful not to let water accumulate on the leaves – this can lead to bacterial buildup, which may sicken your plant.
Light
Bird of Paradise plants like bright light and can tolerate direct sun. In fact, a bit of direct sun can help provide the energy required to produce its beautiful blooms, and a minimum of five hours of sunlight a day can be great for this plant.
Furthermore, Bird of Paradise plants have large, waxy leaves, which can grow up to 18 inches in length and can tolerate the sun’s rays. For this reason, many Bird of Paradise plant owners like to move their plants outside on nice summer days.
However, there can definitely be too much of a good thing, especially if the plant is young. If your plant is not yet mature enough to flower, consider shielding it behind a curtain during the midday, when the sun is at its hottest. This will protect the plant’s leaves as they continue to develop.
Putting it All Together
Remember, Birds of Paradise are tropical plants, so bright sun, humidity, and warm temperatures can go a long way to producing a vibrant plant.
But keep in mind that, whether a plant is tropical or not, overwatering is the single biggest culprit of a yellowing, curling, or wilting plant. Only water your Bird of Paradise when the soil is dry, and do not mist water directly on the leaves and stems.
By paying attention to these basic care tips, you can help keep your Bird of Paradise healthy all year round – and you’ll be the envy of your plant-loving friends!