The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a striking tropical plant renowned for its crane-like flowers in vibrant shades of orange and blue. Bringing this exotic beauty indoors or nurturing it in your garden requires understanding its specific needs to ensure healthy growth and those spectacular blooms. Here’s a guide to keeping your Cendrawasih thriving.  

Light: Bright, Direct Sun is Key: To truly flourish and flower, Cendrawasih plants need plenty of bright, direct sunlight. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Outdoors, choose a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily. Insufficient light will result in leggy growth and a lack of blooms.  

Watering: Keep it Consistent, But Not Soggy: During the active growing season (spring and summer), water your Bird of Paradise regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In the fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.  

Soil: Well-Draining and Rich: A well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture is best for Bird of Paradise. A blend of standard potting soil with added perlite or sand improves drainage. For outdoor plants, amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.  

Humidity: Moderate to High is Appreciated: As a tropical native, the Bird of Paradise appreciates moderate to high humidity. While it can tolerate average indoor humidity, providing extra moisture, especially during dry months, will benefit its growth. You can increase humidity by using a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or misting the leaves occasionally.  

Temperature: Warm and Consistent: Bird of Paradise plants thrive in warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect them from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. They are not frost-tolerant and need to be brought indoors in regions with cold winters.  

Fertilizing: Fueling Those Exotic Blooms: Feed your Bird of Paradise every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.