If you are looking for a big plant to fill a big space then look no further. This regal houseplant has gorgeous dark green leaves that are almost the size of rowing oars. A happy, fully mature bird of paradise can reach heights of 5′ tall even in your home! If a jungle look is what you are trying to achieve of all the tropical plants that exist on this beautiful earth, the bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) has to be the most showy. Just as the bird of the same name, it is brilliantly colorful, gaudy and commanding of your attention. No other bloom really comes close to its singular and unique beauty, however, the coolest part about it may be the flower’s function. Birds will approach the bloom to pollinate and sit on the blue stamen. Their weight opens up access to the nectar for the bird to drink! It’s like nature’s secret handshake!

Strelitzia nicolai, or the white bird of paradise, is another cool variation that has white petals instead of orange. The foliage consists of huge, upright banana-like leaves that sit atop tall elegant stems like a gorgeous gigantic bouquet! To keep these jungle beauties happy, make sure they’re exposed to direct sunlight. This is your best bet at coaxing flowers out of them. This could take up to a few years if they’ve never bloomed before, as they’re slow growers. You’ll be happy to know that having patience is the trickiest thing about owning a bird of paradise!

 Keep their surrounding temperatures warm and fertilize with a liquid high in phosphorus in the spring and summer months. Water once every 1-2 weeks. Plants with bigger leaves like these tend to collect a lot of dust, so pick up some of our microfiber gloves and leaf shine to keep them glossy!

Though the bird of paradise is native to Southern Africa, they are found all over the globe in places like Hawaii, New Guinea and Eastern Australia. And someday, they could be found growing in your home in Bend!