--- title: "Plant Care: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)" description: Care for a Bird of Paradise houseplant in a 10-inch pot. This guide covers how much and how often to water, the best light conditions, fertilizing schedules, temperature and humidity preference, and how to manage common leaf issues. --- [Skip to content](https://help.costafarms.com/en/knowledge/plant-care-bird-of-paradise-strelitzia-nicolai#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [More support](https://help.costafarms.com/en/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![Costa Farms Corporate Logo EST (WHITE).png\]](https://help.costafarms.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Costa%20Farms%20Corporate%20Logo%20EST%20(WHITE).png?height=40&name=Costa%20Farms%20Corporate%20Logo%20EST%20(WHITE).png) - [Home](https://costafarms.hubspotpagebuilder.com/) - [About Us](https://costafarms.hubspotpagebuilder.com/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://costafarms.hubspotpagebuilder.com/contact-us) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://1839005.hs-sites.com/blog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://costafarms.hubspotpagebuilder.com/) - [About Us](https://costafarms.hubspotpagebuilder.com/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://costafarms.hubspotpagebuilder.com/contact-us) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://1839005.hs-sites.com/blog) - English Show submenu for translations - [More support](https://help.costafarms.com/en/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Contact us](https://info.costafarms.com/en-us/costa-farms-contact-us) [Contact us](https://info.costafarms.com/en-us/costa-farms-contact-us?hsLang=en) Hi! How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Ask Us a Question](https://help.costafarms.com/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Plant Care](https://help.costafarms.com/en/knowledge/plant-care?hsLang=en) 3. [Tropical Plant Care](https://help.costafarms.com/en/knowledge/plant-care?hsLang=en#tropical-plant-care) # Plant Care: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) ## Care for a Bird of Paradise houseplant in a 10-inch pot. This guide covers how much and how often to water, the best light conditions, fertilizing schedules, temperature and humidity preference, and how to manage common leaf issues. **How to care for a bird of paradise houseplant in a 10-inch pot** Bird of paradise is a bold tropical houseplant with broad, banana-like leaves that make a dramatic statement in any room. While it rarely blooms indoors, its upright form and sculptural foliage bring a lush, modern look to home interiors. This plant grows well indoors with the right light and consistent watering routine. ![](https://costafarms.com/cdn/shop/files/1500x1500-WhiteBirdin10inchWeaveBasket_1.jpg?v=1712158019) --- ### Watering Your Bird of Paradise Bird of paradise likes consistent moisture but doesn’t want to sit in soggy soil. Let the top **50% of the soil dry out** between waterings. An easy way to check soil moisture is to insert a wooden chopstick, skewer, or similar tool halfway down into the soil. If it comes out clean and dry, it's time to water. If soil sticks to it, wait a few more days. **Watering guideline for a 10-inch pot:** Give the plant **3 cups of lukewarm water** on watering day. Pour the water slowly and evenly over the soil surface so all the roots are moistened. Avoid watering directly into the plant’s center or onto the leaves. **Important:** Never let the plant sit in standing water. If it’s in a decorative container, check the outer pot or saucer 15–20 minutes after watering and empty any excess. --- ### Light Requirements Bird of paradise grows best in **bright light**. A spot that receives **direct morning sun (until around 10:00 a.m.)** is ideal. The plant will also tolerate bright, indirect light for the rest of the day. If it doesn’t get enough light, you may see: - Slower growth - Smaller or folded leaves - Leaning toward the light source Rotate the plant every couple of weeks to help it grow straight and evenly. --- ### Fertilizing Fertilize only during the **spring and summer growing season**. Use a **time-release houseplant fertilizer** or a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (like 20-20-20) once a month, following package directions. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter when growth slows down. Overfertilizing in the off-season can stress the plant and damage roots. --- ### Temperature and Humidity As a tropical plant, bird of paradise prefers: - **Temperatures above 60°F** - **Humidity above 40%**, though it tolerates average indoor conditions If your home is very dry, especially in winter, consider: - Using a humidifier nearby - Grouping plants together - Setting the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (keep the bottom of the pot above the waterline) Keep the plant away from cold drafts, heaters, or air conditioning vents to avoid leaf damage. --- ### Common Leaf Concerns - **Inward curling leaves** usually point to underwatering or dry air - **Crispy brown tips** often result from low humidity or inconsistent watering - **Splitting leaves** are normal and natural—this allows light to pass through in the wild If you notice browning, check your watering routine and humidity level.   ![](https://costafarms.com/cdn/shop/files/2000_x_2000-White_Bird_of_Paradise_Infographic_2.jpg?v=1759255029) --- ### Repotting Bird of paradise tends to grow slowly indoors, but may need repotting **every 1–2 years**. Signs it’s time to repot: - Roots growing out the drainage holes --- not one or two roots but enough that the drainage holes are starting to get blocked - Water running straight through the pot - Growth slowing despite regular care Move up one pot size and use a **well-draining indoor potting mix**. A blend with coir or peat, pine bark, and perlite is ideal. Avoid dense mixes that stay soggy. 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