Bird of Paradise White 4”

Strelitzia reginae (or Strelitzia nicolai for the larger form), commonly called bird of paradise, is a tropical plant native to South Africa known for its large, paddle-shaped leaves and upright, fan-like growth. What makes this plant special is its bold, architectural presence—broad leaves that create a full, layered canopy, and in the right conditions, it can produce striking bird-like flowers.

Light drives everything with this plant—size, structure, and long-term health. Place it directly in a south or east-facing window where it receives strong, consistent light, including some direct sun. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 8–12 inches from the top of the plant. In lower light, the plant will produce smaller leaves, stretch, and eventually decline from the base. Strong light keeps leaves large, upright, and more closely spaced.

Watering should be steady but not excessive. Allow the soil to dry about halfway down before watering, then water thoroughly and let it drain, using a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark for airflow. This plant shows stress clearly—if leaves split, that is normal and helps airflow, not damage. If lower leaves yellow consistently, the soil may be staying too wet. If the plant stops producing large leaves or growth slows, it is usually a light issue rather than needing more water.