The answer depends on the type of bird of paradise you have. If you have Strelitzia reginae, which is the most common form of bird of paradise, then it is highly likely that the plant will come back after a freeze.
This type of bird of paradise is designed to withstand light to moderate frost and periods of sub-freezing temperatures. However, if temperatures drop below 24°F (-4°C), then the bird of paradise will likely die.
It is possible to bring the plant back after a freeze, however, it will take time for it to recover. To help your bird of paradise survive a freeze, make sure you mulch heavily, cover the plant when frost is expected, and move the plant to a warmer area such as a covered porch to help protect it from the cold.
Can bird of paradise stay outside in winter?
No, bird of paradise plants should not stay outside in winter. Bird of paradise are tropical plants and cannot withstand cold temperatures. They can typically survive in zones 9-11 where temperatures don’t usually fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
If temperatures drop below this, the plant is more likely to experience cold damage or be killed by the cold winter air. Additionally, bird of paradise are sensitive to frost and do not tolerate any amount of frost.
To prevent winter damage, it is best to move the plant indoors during the winter and provide it with the warm environment and bright sunlight it needs to survive and thrive.
When should I bring my bird of paradise inside?
Your bird of paradise should be brought indoors if temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C). If the temperatures in your area fall below 45°F (7°C), you should bring your bird of paradise inside or provide adequate protection for it.
Your bird of paradise should also come indoors if heavy winds, frost or snow are forecasted. Because bird of paradise plants can be quite large, you may need to prune it down before bringing it inside.
Make sure your plant receives plenty of indirect sunlight indoors, and provide regular water. Temperature levels should remain above 45°F (7°C) in the winter months for your bird of paradise to thrive.
If temperatures are below this for an extended period, you should provide additional heat and protection for your plant.
How do you winterize a bird of paradise?
Winterizing a bird of paradise plant depends on the region in which it is grown. Bird of paradise plants are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and need protection from frost when grown in lower zones.
If you live in a colder region and experience temperatures that dip below 20°F (-7°C) for extended periods, it’s best to move your bird of paradise indoors for winter. If you decide to keep the plant outdoors but the temperature drops too low, you can cover the plant with a sheet of plastic or a frost blanket.
When it’s time to move an outdoor bird of paradise indoors, start by cleaning the foliage to remove dust and debris to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration. Then trim back a few inches of the older leaves to help the plant adjust to its new environment.
Place the plant in an area with bright light and keep the soil moist but not wet. During the winter months, provide fertilizer every other month to keep the plant healthy throughout the winter.
Once winter is over and the temperature outside is consistently above 20°F (-7°C), it’s safe to move the plant outdoors again. Set the bird of paradise in a shaded location with partial sun to prevent sunburns and start fertilizing every six weeks with a high-phosphorous fertilizer.
Should I cut the brown leaves off my bird of paradise?
Yes, you should cut off the brown leaves on your bird of paradise. Brown leaves are usually a sign of unhealthy or aging foliage and can be an indication of disease or nutrient deficiencies. Removing them will help the plant to direct resources to the healthier and new leaves providing your bird of paradise with the best environment to thrive.
When pruning, cut the leaves just below where they join the main stem, using clean and sharp secateurs. To help keep your bird of paradise healthy, provide it with plenty of sunlight and enough water to keep it from wilting.
If you want to fertilize, you should use a balanced fertilizer every month or two during the growing season. Additionally, check the soil from time to time to make sure it is not too dry or wet as both of these can impair the bird of paradise’s ability to grow and remain healthy.
Are birds of paradise indoor or outdoor plants?
Birds of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) are tropical plants that are native to South Africa and require warm, humid conditions and full sun—ideally at least 6-8 hours direct sunlight per day—to thrive.
While they can happily live indoors provided they receive enough sunlight and are kept in the correct type of soil and temperature, it’s usually a good idea to plant them outdoors in warmer climates where they’re easier to care for, as indoor conditions are often difficult to replicate.
Ultimately, outdoor or indoor placement for a Bird of Paradise will depend on where the plant is native to, how much direct sunlight it receives and the conditions it needs to thrive.
How cold is too cold for bird of paradise?
The temperature range that Bird of Paradise plants thrive in is relatively broad, as they are very hardy and can tolerate some colder temperatures. Generally, they can tolerate temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit without significant damage, although they can become stressed at temperatures below freezing.
In colder climates, Bird of Paradise plants should be treated as annuals, as they may not survive harsh winter weather, although in some cases they may return the following year. It is also important to protect Bird of Paradise from extreme winds and temperatures, as this can cause damage.
Strong wind can also dry out the leaves, making the plant more susceptible to cold damage. In very cold climates, it is best to bring Bird of Paradise indoors or provide some sort of protective covering for the winter.
Do you cut off dead bird of paradise leaves?
Yes, you should cut off dead bird of paradise leaves to keep the plant healthy. Dead leaves can harbor diseases and pests, and they can also prevent the plant from getting adequate sunlight and nutrients, so it’s important to remove them as soon as possible.
Be sure to use sharp pruning shears or scissors to make a clean cut near the base of the stem. When cutting dead leaves, it’s important to not cut too close to the crown of the plant, as this can cause it to become diseased.
It’s also best to avoid cutting healthy leaves, as this can weaken the plant. After cutting off the dead leaves, rake away the mulch from around the base of the plant to give it plenty of room to breathe and grow.
What temperature can bird of paradise tolerate?
Bird of paradise can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though they prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, these plants should receive approximately 8 to 10 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day, with temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees.
In colder climates, bird of paradise should be moved indoors during winter, as temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plants. During the summer months, they may require additional watering and care to ensure their health.
It is also important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. If temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time, the plants may be damaged or suffer from heat stress, so it is important to provide additional cooling during those times.
Do bird of paradise do well indoors?
Yes, Birds of Paradise can do well indoors when given the right environment. They need bright, indirect sunlight and to be in a warm climate. As houseplants, water them when the soil starts to feel dry, but don’t let it sit in standing water as it can cause root rot.
Additionally, give them nutritional plant food once a month to help them thrive. Birds of Paradise also need humid conditions, so mist their leaves regularly or place their pots in a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase humidity levels.
Finally, since they are fast growing plants they will need to be re-potted often to give their roots plenty of room to grow.
Is bird of paradise frost tolerant?
No, birds of paradise plants are not frost tolerant. They thrive best in temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C) and do not tolerate temperatures below 45°F (7°C). These plants are native to regions with warm climates like Indonesia, Southeast South America, and Central America, so they are not adapted to be exposed to harsher climates with temperatures below freezing.
For those living in cold regions, the best choice is to grow it in containers and bring them indoors to a warm space whenever temperatures drop too low. This will ensure that their beautiful colorful flowerplumes stay healthy and bloom.