Description

Bird of Paradise Orange is celebrated for its bold, sculptural foliage and exotic flowers that resemble a tropical bird in flight. Thick, leathery, gray‑green leaves rise in an elegant fan from a slowly enlarging clump, creating an instant focal point indoors or out. Mature plants produce vivid orange and sapphire-blue flowers on tall stalks, often from late fall through spring in warm climates, and intermittently indoors with abundant light.

Though often marketed alongside palms, this plant is not a true palm; it is a rhizomatous perennial native to South Africa. It thrives in bright light, appreciates warmth, and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. With proper care and patience, it will reward you with architectural presence year-round and spectacular blooms that last beautifully as cut flowers.

Suggested Uses

• Statement houseplant in bright rooms
• Tropical accent for patios and poolside
• Architectural feature in modern gardens
• Container gardening for balconies/terraces
• Cut Flowerproduction
• Mediterranean & subtropical beds
• Coastal gardens (good wind tolerance)
• Bird- and pollinator-friendly plantings

Plant Details

• Botanical NamePalm- Bird of Paradise Orange
• Common NamePalm- Bird of Paradise
• Size & Growth3–6 ft tall and wide (clumping); indoors typically 3–5 ft.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 9b–11 outdoors; grow as a container plant elsewhere.
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; thick, banana-like, fan-forming leaves.
• Bloom TimeLate fall through spring outdoors; sporadically indoors with high light.
• Growth RateModerate (slower in low light or cool temps).
• Light RequirementsFull sun to very bright indirect light; 6+ hours ideal.
• Attracts PollinatorsYes—birds and bees (outdoors in warm regions).
• Indoor FriendlyExcellent in bright rooms and sunrooms.
• Container FriendlyYes—thrives slightly root-bound.
• Deer ResistantGenerally deer resistant.
• Pet WarningToxic if ingested by cats/dogs.
• FragrantNot notably fragrant.
• Cut FlowerOutstanding—7–14 days in arrangements.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Agapanthus, Aloes, Kangaroo Paw, Cordyline, Lantana.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsSet crown level with soil; do not bury the neck.
• Soil MoistureEvenly moist in growth; let top 1–2" dry between waterings.
• Soil TypeWell-draining mix or sandy loam; pH 6.0–7.5.
• HumidityAverage indoor (40–60%) is fine.
• Pruning InstructionsRemove spent flower stalks at the base; trim dead or torn leaves.
• Winter CareProtect from frost; keep above 50°F (10°C).
• Planting DepthPlant at the same depth as in the nursery pot; crown at soil line.
• FertilizationFeed monthly spring–summer with a balanced fertilizer at 1/2 strength.
• Special CareKeep slightly root-bound; repot every 2–3 years in spring.