Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): Dramatic tropical flower that mimics an exotic bird in flight — a statement plant for any space.
🔍 Quick Facts
| Common name | Bird of Paradise |
| Other names | Bird of paradise, Crane flower (no traditional Indian name) |
| Scientific name | Strelitzia reginae |
| Plant family | Strelitziaceae |
| Size | 1–1.5 m clumping perennial |
| Native region | South Africa |
| Climate | Tropical/Sub-tropical |
| Ease of growing | Moderate |
| Parts used | Flowers, Leaves |
About Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise is native to South Africa and gets its name from its flowers, which look like the head of a brightly coloured crane. It has become a popular statement plant in Indian homes and landscaping. Plants grown from seed take 4–5 years to flower, so buying a mature divided clump is usually better. It is grown purely as an ornamental and cut flower.
Botanically known as Strelitzia reginae, it belongs to the Strelitziaceae family. It is native to South Africa and grows best in a tropical/sub-tropical climate. The parts most often used are the flowers and leaves.
Uses in the Garden & Tradition
Bird of Paradise is best known for:
- Ornamental
- Interior design
- Air quality
- Feng shui
- Gift plant
How It Is Used
- Grown as a landscaping and indoor statement plant.
- Flowers are long-lasting in arrangements.
How to Grow Bird of Paradise
| ☀️ Sunlight | Full sun to bright light; needs strong light to flower. |
| 💧 Watering | Regular in summer; let the topsoil dry in winter. |
| 🪴 Soil | Rich, well-drained loam. |
| 🌱 Propagation | Division of mature clumps; seeds are slow. |
| 📅 When to plant (India) | Plant or divide in February–March. |
| 🏡 In pots / at home | Grows in a large (16 inch+) pot; slightly root-bound plants flower more. |
Precautions & Safety
- Seeds and fruit are mildly toxic to pets and children.
- Not a medicinal plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by the WhyOnPlanet editorial team · Last updated October 2026