All about the bird of paradise plant The bird of paradise’s waxy, extravagant leaves give new meaning to the concept of Big Plants. But the bird of paradise isn’t just a show-off: He’s a true artist. This big plant’s gorgeous bright-orange and blue flowers look like the heads of exotic birds (specifically, crowned cranes). The bird of paradise flowers even last up to two weeks! Amazingly, he’s down-to-earth and easy-care, just calmly creating the most exquisite tropical ambience for your space. Strelitzia reginae, the bird of paradise’s scientific title, is named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III. Queen Charlotte supported the arts, loved botany, and expanded the Kew Gardens. How tall is the extra large size bird of paradise’s height? Depending on what we have at the moment it should be anywhere from 3.5-5ft tall Bird of paradise benefits It’s easy to care for! Its flowers are stunning. It’s an air-purifying big plant. It makes a delightful tropical statement piece. Cut a leaf off and use it as a hand fan lol Is a bird of paradise the right plant for you? If you like easy-care big plants with bold leaves and vibrant flowers, the birds of paradise plant is the plant for you! The bird of paradise is happy to be your low-key artist-in-residence.  Bird of paradise plant care Birds of paradise are easy-care big plants (as long as you have the light for it), perfect for beginners living in a bright apartment who don’t even know what color their thumbs are. Does the bird of paradise like sun or shade? The bird of paradise isn’t too fussy! He loves bright, indirect light, but he’s ok with full sun too (although he’ll grow fewer flowers). His dream is to live by a south or west window. Not sure what kind of light you have? Check out our indoor lighting guide. How often does the bird of paradise need to be watered? Water this specific size of bird of paradise when the first 2 inches of the soil is dry, and when you water, water for a continuous 2ish minutes- go slowly across the surface of the soil. You should see water coming down the bottom when you're done. *For people that are searching watering instructions for bird of paradise that are not this specific size*: they like to be watered generally when the top layer of the soil is dry, you should refer to this bird of paradise care guide (coming soon) Does the bird of paradise have any special requirements? Birds of paradise get pretty hungry during the growing season, when he’s hard at work creating exquisite blossoms. So fertilize every month or two. Prune any leaves that look bad, so that the bird of paradise plant doesn’t have to expend his energy trying to keep them alive. Use clean, sharp scissors. Re-pot every 2-3 years. Is a bird of paradise safe for pets? Birds of paradise plants are quite toxic, so it might not be a good match if you have furry critters. Must know before buying a bird of paradise Their leaves make a statement. The birds of paradise’s flowers are lavish, loud, and long-lasting. It’s an easy-care big plant. It’s flexible about sunlight. Water bi-weekly-ish*.