How to grow the exotic 'Crane Flower' (Strelitzia)

Bird of Paradise Mastery

20-30 min

Spring or Monsoon

Difficulty: Medium

Growth Snapshot

Core care pillars at a glance

Toxic to pets and people

Bird of Paradise can cause irritation or illness if chewed or swallowed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.

Irritant: GI irritants
Severity: mild
Symptoms: Mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness; caused mainly by fruit and seeds

The Full Picture

Strelitzia reginae is famous for its flowers that look like a tropical bird in flight. In Lucknow, it is a sturdy outdoor plant. It loves the sun but needs patience—it can take 3-4 years to bloom from a small plant. The key is to keep it 'crowded'. Unlike other plants, Bird of Paradise blooms best when it is slightly root-bound in its pot.