5 Best Bird of Paradise Plant Varieties to Grow

Bird of paradise plant varieties range from the classic orange-flowered Strelitzia reginae to the towering white-bloomed Strelitzia nicolai, and choosing the right one makes all the difference indoors. Each variety has its own size, light tolerance, and growth habit, so the best pick depends on your space and what you’re actually able to give it. Here are the five best bird of paradise varieties, what makes each one worth growing, and which one is most likely to thrive for you.

I spent two years convinced I was bad at bird of paradise plants. Mine sat in the corner looking dramatic and doing absolutely nothing. No new leaves, no growth, just vibes.

Turns out I had the wrong variety for my apartment, and it was in completely the wrong spot.

Once I figured that out and made the switch, everything changed. These plants get a reputation for being fussy, but a lot of that comes down to picking a variety that doesn’t suit your conditions from the start.

So before you bring one home, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually choosing between. In this guide, I walk you through the five best varieties of bird of paradise plants, what each one looks like, how big it gets, and what kind of light and space it needs to do well. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Bird of Paradise variety fits your home, whether you’re gardening indoors or outdoors, and what it needs to ensure it thrives as with blooming flowers that elevates your garden to a majestic tropical paradise.

What Is a Bird of Paradise Plant?

The name has a good origin story. When Dutch explorers encountered these blooms in the South Pacific in the 16th century, the flowers looked so much like exotic tropical birds that the name just stuck. It’s one of those cases where the common name actually makes sense.

Today, “bird of paradise” refers to two distinct plant genera that share the name but not much else.

• The Strelitzia genus is a relative of the banana plant and the one most people mean when they say bird of paradise. It’s a low-growing tropical plant with those iconic, sculptural flowers in orange, blue, and white. It’s popular enough in the cut flower industry that it’s earned the nickname “florist’s flower,” and it’s the variety most likely to thrive as an indoor plant with the right care.
• The Caesalpinia genus is a thorny shrub or tree from the pea family that prefers hot, dry, desert-like conditions. It’s a striking plant in the right outdoor setting, but it’s not the one you want to try squeezing onto a windowsill.

Both are beautiful in their own way, but if you’re here because you want a statement houseplant with tropical flair, Strelitzia is almost certainly what you’re looking for.

Related: Full List of Flowers

What to Know About the Strelitzia and Caesalpinia Bird of Paradise Plants 

If you’ve ever searched “bird of paradise plant” and ended up more confused than when you started, you’re not alone. There are actually two completely different plant genera that share the name, and they look almost nothing alike.

The Strelitzia genus is what most people picture: dramatic, paddle-shaped leaves, those unmistakable orange and blue blooms, and a tropical presence that makes a room feel like it has a personality. Originally from South Africa, Strelitzias are the variety you’re most likely to find at a nursery, and the ones that do genuinely well as indoor plants in the right conditions. They like warmth, humidity, and bright light, and in frost-free climates they can live outside year-round.

The Caesalpinia genus is a different story entirely. These are shrubby, tree-like plants native to drier, desert-adjacent regions, and their flowers tend to be yellow or red rather than orange and blue. They’re less common as houseplants and need a lot of bright light to be happy indoors. A sunny south-facing window is ideal, and if natural light is limited, a good grow light can fill the gap. Either way, keep them away from cold drafts and make sure temperatures stay consistently above 50°F.

Both genera have their appeal, but they have different needs, different looks, and different ideal homes. Knowing which one you’re working with from the start saves a lot of guesswork later.

What Are the Different Bird of Paradise Varieties?

The most common bird of paradise varieties belong to two genera: Strelitzia and Caesalpinia. Strelitzia varieties include reginae, nicolai, juncea, alba, and caudata, and are the most popular for indoor growing. Caesalpinia varieties, including pulcherrima and gilliesii, are shrubby outdoor plants that rarely grow well inside. Each variety differs in size, flower color, and light and temperature requirements.

Let’s take a look at the popular bird of paradise plant varieties from the Strelitzia and Caesalpinia genera.

1. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) – For Year-Round Color Display

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a tropical plant native to South Africa, known for its striking orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird in flight. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall, thrives in bright light, and is the most popular variety for both indoor growing and cut flower arrangements.

Also known as the Crane Flower or Orange Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae is famous for its striking orange sepals and blue petals. It features long, leathery leaves that resemble those of a banana plant.

The leaves of the bird of paradise grow in stiff clumps directly from the ground, and flowers emerge from sturdy stalks. Each flower showcases three lively orange sepals and three striking blue petals that spread out to resemble a bird’s head and feathers.

Each flower lasts about a week, but since each spathe can hold 5-7 flowers, the plant enjoys a prolonged blooming period. These flowers can also bloom up to 25 times per year during the growing season, ensuring a display of color almost all year round.

• Learn more in our complete Orange Bird of Paradise Care Guide

2. White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) – Great Landscape Plant

White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a large tropical plant native to South Africa that can reach 20 feet tall indoors and even taller outside. It produces white and blue flowers and is prized more for its enormous, dramatic leaves than its blooms. It’s the variety most often used as a bold indoor statement plant.

The White Bird of Paradise is one of the larger species within the Strelitzia genus and is considered a great landscape plant in many warm regions.

Originating from the coastal forests of southeastern South Africa, this plant bears the scientific name Strelitzia nicolai. This name is in tribute to the German-Danish botanist G.H.W. Nicolai. It is also commonly known as the Giant Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, or Crane Plant.

Its flowers bear a resemblance to those of the traditional Orange Bird of Paradise, featuring white sepals that form the crown and a bluish-purple “tongue.”

The large, grayish-green leaves are similar to those of its relative, the banana tree, adding to its tropical appearance.

• Read more in our comprehensive White Bird of Paradise Care Guide

3. Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) – Yellow Blooms That Resemble Azaleas

Mexican bird of paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) is a fast-growing shrub or small tree native to northern Mexico, typically reaching 10 to 12 feet tall. It produces clusters of bright yellow flowers and thrives in hot, dry climates. Unlike Strelitzia varieties, it’s an outdoor plant that does best in warm, sunny garden settings with well-drained soil.

Plants of the Caesalpinia genus that carry the common name “bird of paradise” are very different from the Strelitzia species. The Mexican Bird of Paradise is one of them. It is a broad-leaved evergreen tree that blooms in yellow flower clusters similar to azaleas.

The Mexican Bird of Paradise blooms repeatedly with clusters of yellow flowers that resemble azaleas. Its leaf shape and seed pods are similar to plants of the legume family. This flower will remain evergreen with temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Continue reading our detailed Mexican Bird of Paradise Care Guide

4. Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) – Beautiful Barrier Plant With Prickly Stems

Red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is a tropical shrub native to the Caribbean and Central America that produces showy clusters of red and orange flowers with long, dramatic stamens. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall and thrives in hot, sunny conditions. It’s a popular landscape plant in warm, arid climates but rarely grows well indoors.

The Red Bird of Paradise, known as the Pride of Barbados or Peacock Flower, is closely related and similar to the Mexican Bird of Paradise.

The Red Bird of Paradise is native to dry regions and is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub. It’s a fast grower and blooms many times with its red-orange flowers. It can be grown as a barrier plant with its prickly stems.

The flowers on this plant and other Caesalpinia species are smaller than the Strelitzia plants. The blooms are similar to azaleas because they grow in clusters.

This plant prefers arid climates and desert environments. Their leaf shapes and arrangement resemble those of other plants in the pea family (legumes).

• Learn more in our complete Red Bird of Paradise Care Guide

5. Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) – Red or Yellow Azalea-Like Flowers and Fern-Like Leaves

Yellow bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) is a drought-tolerant shrub native to Argentina and Uruguay that produces pale yellow flowers with striking long red stamens. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall and thrives in full sun and dry conditions. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s a popular choice for xeriscaping and warm-climate gardens.

The Yellow Bird of Paradise is also known as the Poisiana or Bird of Paradise Bush. This plant is one of the more shrubbier Caesalpinia plants, which is evergreen when in warm climates.

Its azalea-like flowers are red or yellow and typically bloom in July and August. It has fernlike leaves like other legume family plant leaves.

The yellow bird of paradise plant can self-seed easily because the seeds will be expelled when the pods dry. The seeds will escape and grow in the surrounding areas.

• Check out our complete Yellow Bird of Paradise Care Guide

What Are the Water Requirements for a Bird of Paradise?

Birds of Paradise plants require careful watering. Here are important considerations to keep in mind when watering these plants:

• Watering Frequency – Water frequently but avoid overwatering. Let the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out completely between watering times.
• Soil Moisture – Keep the soil moist, but ensure that excess water can drain away to avoid waterlogged soil.
• Soil Type – Use well-draining soil to prevent the roots from becoming too wet.

Be careful not to overwater your birds of paradise. Here are some signs that point to overwatering:

• Leaves may turn yellow, droop, or split.
• Tips and edges of leaves might turn brown with a yellow line.
• Wilting leaves could indicate root rot due to excessive moisture.

Water your Birds of Paradise less frequently and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to address overwatering. With proper care, your Birds of Paradise will maintain their health and beauty.

For optimal growth, ensure your Bird of Paradise plant is in a warm environment, ideally between 65 and 80°F. While it can tolerate temperatures above 60°F, maintaining this range is best. Indoor plants benefit from increased humidity levels, which you can achieve by placing them on a pebble tray or near a humidifier.

What Are Some Common Problems With a Bird of Paradise?

While the Bird of Paradise plant is tough and beautiful, it can encounter issues that affect its vitality and appearance. Understanding these common problems is important for maintaining the health of your tropical plant.

1. Split Leaves – Result from low humidity or physical damage. Keep the plant in a humid environment and handle it with care.
2. Discolored or Curling Leaves – Often caused by water-related issues. Adjust watering to allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again, and ensure proper drainage.
3. Root Rot – Arises from overwatering or inadequate drainage. Allow the soil to dry before watering and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
4. Lack of Light – Leads to weak growth and lack of flowering. Place your Bird of Paradise where it receives bright, indirect light.
5. Pests – Watch out for spider mites and scale insects. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to eliminate them.
6. Leggy Growth – Result of insufficient light or excessive fertilization. Provide more light and reduce fertilization.
7. No Leaves – This could be due to stress or heavy pruning. Stick to a regular care routine to promote new growth.
8. Not Flowering – The inability to flower might be caused by low light or immaturity. Ensure adequate light exposure and be patient, as mature plants are more likely to bloom.

Pruning Tips for Bird of Paradise Plants

Pruning is important in caring for indoor Bird of Paradise plants, greatly impacting their health and visual appeal. Here are some pruning tips for your Bird of Paradise:

• Use Clean, Sharp Tools – Always use clean and sharp pruning shears when removing damaged, yellowing, or dead leaves at the base of the plant.
• Trim Leggy Stems and Spent Flower Stalks – Regularly trim unwanted or leggy stems and spent flower stalks to maintain the desired shape and prevent overcrowding.
• Focus on Younger Growth – Prioritize the removal of older leaves to encourage the growth of younger, healthier foliage. Additionally, regularly prune spent or fading flowers to stimulate continuous blooming.
• Sanitize Tools Between Cuts – It’s important to sanitize your pruning tools with alcohol between each cut to prevent the spread of diseases.

Regular pruning not only helps maintain a tidy appearance but also fosters healthy growth and enhances the overall well-being of your Bird of Paradise plant.

How Do You Propagate Bird of Paradise?

Bird of Paradise plants can be propagated in two ways, making it accessible to all plant enthusiasts.

Propagating Bird of Paradise involves taking a piece of their rhizome and planting it in moist potting mix. This process is relatively straightforward and yields quick results.

You can grow Bird of Paradise plants from seeds, although this method requires patience. Germination can take 2 to 3 months, and it may be several years before they bloom.

Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours to begin. After soaking, remove any orange tufts and gently nick the seeds with a sharp knife. Plant them in a tray filled with moist potting mix, about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Cover the tray with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity, and ensure the soil remains moist until the seeds sprout.

Once the seedlings have a few leaves, transplant them into individual pots. This allows them ample space to develop healthy roots. With careful nurturing and patience, you’ll soon be rewarded with your own beautiful Bird of Paradise plants!

Bird of Paradise Varieties Final Thoughts

Bird of Paradise plants bring a touch of tropical paradise to any garden or indoor space. Their journey from exotic discoveries by Dutch explorers to symbols of mythical paradise adds to their beauty.

There’s a Bird of Paradise plant for every taste and setting, whether it’s the vibrant Orange Bird of Paradise or the elegant White Bird of Paradise. 

Caring for these tropical plants requires attention to detail, from understanding their water and light needs to addressing common issues like split leaves and root rot. Proper care ensures their vitality and longevity.

Enthusiasts can share the joy of Bird of Paradise plants with others and expand their collection by propagating through methods like rhizome division or seed germination.

Cultivating Bird of Paradise plants is more than just gardening. It’s about creating a piece of paradise wherever you are, adding lively colors and tropical charm to your surroundings.

Bird of Paradise Varieties FAQs