Explore All Types of Birds of Paradise Plants

Are you looking to make your home look like an indoor tropical oasis? Then you’ve probably heard of birds of paradise plants. Named after actual birds due to their unique look, they are exotic, bright-colored flowers that instantly illuminate any room; No wonder they are famous among horticulturalists and designers. Keep reading to explore all types of birds of paradise plants and find out how to take care of them.

How Many Types of Birds of Paradise Plants Are There?

The bird of paradise plant is a common name for the Strelitzia genus. The genus contains five species of perennial plants, and they are all native to South Africa. They are large flowering plants that range between 6 feet and 33 feet tall. And they produce stately colorful flowers that resemble birds of paradise with their unusual feathers and coloring. Their leaves are large and broad with long stalks arranged in a fan-like crown. And sunbirds, also known as spiderhunters, pollinate these species by perching on their leaves and drinking from their spathe.

White Bird of Paradise

The white bird of paradise (Strelitzia alba), also known as the white-flowered wild banana, is one of the rarest birds of paradise plants. This species is endemic to the Western Cape province in South Africa. Specifically, it grows along the Garden Route in the southeastern coastal areas. 

This plant is a clump-forming evergreen perennial that can grow up to 32 feet tall. The leaf blades are green, smooth, elongated, and shiny. And the flowers are all-white, blooming any time of the year. However, flowering occurs typically between July and December. Their woody capsule fruits ripen from October through February.

Mountain Strelitzia

The mountain strelitzia (Strelitzia caudata) is another banana-like species from Africa. It ranges as far north as the Chimanimani Mountains in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, traveling south to South Africa and Eswatini. They grow between rocks in dense groups, usually on steep slopes in high-altitude forests. The mountain strelitzia can grow up to 26 feet tall and is notable for its sepal appendage. It features a woody stem with a fan-shaped crown and grayish-green leaves. Its black seeds present bright orange hairs. 

Giant Bird of Paradise

The giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is one of the largest birds of paradise plants. Like the previous species, it is a banana-like plant with long woody stems and long leaves arranged in a fan. This plant can reach over 30 feet tall, and its grayish-green leaves measure almost six feet long. The flowers are white and reddish-orange. And they contain the bilirubin pigment, typically only found in animals. The giant bird of paradise is native to South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This species is a popular indoor and outdoor plant in parts of the Southern United States and Mexico. It grows well in Texas, Louisiana, and Southern California. In its natural habitat, it’s restricted to evergreen coastal forests and thickets.

Crane Flower

The crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) is another evergreen perennial native to South Africa. It does not grow as tall as the other species, averaging six feet tall. The leaves are also arranged in fan-shaped crowns, with the flowers standing above the long stalks. The flower sepals are bright orange and deep blue purple. It is a popular houseplant for its dramatic and exotic-looking flowers, especially in the Americas and Australia. They are cultivated in California and Florida and do well as house plants in some temperate areas.

African Desert Banana

The African desert banana (Strelitzia juncea) is also native to South Africa and features narrow leaves. It is a drought-resistant plant and is the most frost-resistant species in the Strelitzia genus. It is a popular house plant but is listed as vulnerable due to illegal removal for horticulture.

When Do Birds of Paradise Plants Bloom?

Birds of paradise plants are desirable because they can bloom throughout the year if they are mature. However, most of them flower from fall to spring. Young plants may not bloom until late winter.

How To Take Care of Birds of Paradise

Birds of paradise plants need a humid environment. Here are some tips to help you take care of these unique plants.

• Add a pebble tray to the pot
• Place a humidifier near the plant when indoors
• Keep the temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. And allow it to dry slightly between waterings.
• Fertilize the plant once a month during spring and summer
• Give it a lot of sun, at least six full hours a day

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