They are relatively easy to care for, but the most important thing that they do need is sun exposure. They can be grown inside and in a wide variety of environments, however, the biggest challenge owners face when growing indoors is their size.īirds of paradise can grow well over 6 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide! This is what drew me to them when I was looking for a plant for our sunroom. Bird of Paradise Plant Growthīird of paradise plants are easily recognizable by their large, glossy, green leaves and vivid, fanned out flowers. In Hawaii, where Georgia O’Keeffe famously painted White Bird of Paradise, they stand for magnificence and a positive outlook on life. In South Africa, it’s native country, they represent joy and paradise, hence the name. Strelitzia comes from Queen Charlotte, Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.ĭepending on where in the world you are, birds of paradise take on different meanings and representations.

Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, its scientific names, were given by Sir Joseph Banks, one of the directors of the royal gardens. This plant is so beloved in South Africa that it’s been grown at their Royal Botanic Gardens since the eighteenth century. There is also a type of bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai, that blooms white bird flowers. When the flower blooms each of the petals fan out, and the result looks a lot like a bird in flight. Its flowers are made of three bright cantaloupe-orange petals, and three royal blue petals that are fused into one bud. Originating in South Africa, the bird of paradise gets its name from the way its flowers bloom.

Bird of Paradise Originsīirds of paradise are hardy, long-lasting plants that will adapt to most indoor environments. By subscribing, I consent to receiving emails.

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