If you’re looking for a gorgeous plant to bring some lively, tropical feeling to your home, the bird of paradise is one that rarely disappoints. This exotic plant is known for its vibrant orange and blue flowers that have the power to dominate any space they are in. No wonder the bird of paradise is such a popular statement plant.

Since it’s a plant that thrives in exotic regions, you might be worried whether your home has the right conditions for it to survive. In fact, when it comes to the bird of paradise plant care and love is all that it needs and it can freely thrive in virtually any place. And armed with the following tips, you can expect yours to thrive as beautifully as it would in a tropical forest.

Light

Considering how birds of paradise are accustomed to hot, tropical climates, it’s no surprise that the bird of paradise is a sun-hungry type of plant. While it does good in the shade, the best spot you can reserve for yours is next to a south-facing window. Giving the bird of paradise as much natural light as possible will result in luscious foliage and an abundance of colourful blooms. In the winter, make sure to keep it indoors, as it’s not very tolerant to cold weather and frost.

Water and Soil

To mimic the humid, tropical conditions this plant naturally grows in, make sure to water it regularly to keep the soil slightly moist. The key is to keep the plant not too dry, but not too wet either as its roots are prone to rot. A few splashes every morning, and a deep watering every couple of weeks in the summer should be just enough to keep the bird of paradise looking good. As for the soil, this plant is very versatile – which has been proven by the variety of places it can grow in. But to keep yours as happy and possible, consider planting it in a loamy, rich pot mix with very good drainage.

Fertilizing

The bird of paradise is a no-fuss plant which requires little-to-no fertilizing. If you notice that your plant has trouble thriving despite getting plenty of light, you can try feeding it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks in the spring and summer to encourage its blooms. Otherwise, a rich top dressing of organic compost will not only provide it with nutrients but will also help retain moisture.

Pruning

When it comes to owning a fast-growing bird of paradise plant care in the form of pruning is a must. Being known for reaching heights up to 2 meters, unless you want your ceiling scratched by your bird of paradise – you need to prune it. Not only does pruning keep your plant looking neat and beautiful, it’s also essential for preventing decay and the spread of disease. It’s best to prune it severely during winter, as this way it will have enough time to grow back and bloom in early spring.