The distinctive bird of paradise is one of the best-known tropical flowers. It is closely related to the banana tree. The bird of paradise plant is named for closely resembling the tropical bird of the same name. It is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. It can be moved outside in the summer where it may thrive for a few months. Bird of paradise plants typically flower in the late winter or early spring but can flower at other times of the year when provided optimal conditions. These plants grow with upright leaves emerging directly from the soil and have no trunk. The large leaves range from 12 to 18 inches long and can develop splits in the leaves when exposed to windy conditions or brushed against in a busy hallway. Strelitzia is toxic to cats and dogs.

Strelitzia works well in massed plantings outside in warm climates but they are more often grown successfully indoors as beautiful houseplants when the following care requirements are met.

• Plant indoors in a warm spot with bright indirect sunlight.
• Water regularly as long as the soil is well draining.
• Feed the plant with compost early in spring before new growth begins.
• Fertilize every week during the growing season.
• Move the plant outside in warm summer months and inside during the winter to increase the survival rate.

This plant needs bright light, including some direct sunlight, to bloom well. However, it requires shielding in the direct midday summer sun, which can burn the leaves of younger plants. A good position is in a room with windows facing east or west. Avoid rooms with only a north-facing window. Use rich, well-drained potting mix for potted plants or a compost mixture. If using a pot, make sure it has ample drainage holes to allow water to flow through the soil and out of the pot.

Keep the soil continually moist throughout the year. While it should not be waterlogged, expect to water it daily in the spring and summer as it loses moisture through its big leaves. You can water it until you see the water draining from its drainage holes, but make sure it does not sit in a pool of water. If overwatered, the plant will develop crunchy brown leaves. If underwatered, the leaves farthest from the center will turn yellow.

Bird of paradise prefers high humidity. You might want to keep a spray bottle handy to mist it if your home is dry. Keep the air temperature above 60 degrees F in the winter. This is not a cold-tolerant plant and it recovers slowly from frost damage. This plant is a heavy feeder. Feed it in the springtime with slow-release pellets or weekly during the growing season with liquid fertilizer.

Curling leaves are a sign of underwatering. Avoid this problem by giving more water and letting the water run freely from the bottom of the pot to ensure that all the roots have access to water. Make sure the plant doesn't sit in the water because soggy soil can cause other problems.