- Though the bird of paradise is a tropical plant, it actually prefers a temperate climate for optimum growth. Freezing temperatures will kill the plant, and it should be protected or brought indoors in the event of a frost. Generally, the plant thrives when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 to 55 F at night. These temperatures are ideal but not essential; a bird of paradise growing in a different climate will not necessarily suffer but it will be less likely to bloom.
- Growing a bird of paradise plant in a pot will significantly diminish the likelihood of the plant reliably producing blooms. Birds of paradise have wide root structures and fare best when given a 6-foot diameter of soil to themselves. The plant will be far more likely to produce blooms if planted in the ground with plenty of space around it.
- Through much of the year, the bird of paradise plant requires regular watering. The soil should be kept moist but not soaking wet from spring through fall. In the winter, however, the soil should be allowed to dry completely before watering. It is just as important to water conservatively in the winter as it is to water regularly the rest of the year in order to optimize the plant's blooming potential.
- Birds of paradise require abundant nutrition to grow their large flowers. A full-spectrum fertilizer -- a fertilizer containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous -- should be applied as directed on the label every two weeks between May and September.
- It is a common misconception that all tropical plants prefer as much sunlight as possible. The bird of paradise, like many other tropical plants, actually does not do best in full sun. Birds of paradise provide the best flowers when kept in partial shade, receiving four to six hours of sunlight a day. More sunlight will not kill the plant but will cause it to bloom less frequently and produce smaller flowers.
Temperature
Space
Water
Fertilization
Sunlight
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