Plant Care variegated birds of paradise

variegated birds of paradise

Reviewed by: Kiersten Rankel | Last Updated: 11/23/2022

Taxonomy

Strelitzia reginae 'Variegata'
Strelitzia
Strelitziaceae
Zingiberales

How to care for variegated birds of paradise

💦 Water

How often to water your variegated birds of paradise

Water needs for variegated birds of paradise
0.5 cups
every 9

variegated birds of paradise needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of variegated birds of paradise

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for variegated birds of paradise in your home

Light needs and placement for plant variegated birds of paradise: 3ft from a window
3ft or less from
a window

variegated birds of paradise may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of variegated birds of paradise in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize variegated birds of paradise

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for variegated birds of paradise: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your variegated birds of paradise after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #VariegatedBirdsOfParadise
💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

variegated birds of paradise prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

variegated birds of paradise may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


💨 Humidity

variegated birds of paradise prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.


🪴 Soil

variegated birds of paradise does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!


💩 Fertilizer

variegated birds of paradise is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for variegated birds of paradise to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

variegated birds of paradise is native to South Africa.


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for variegated birds of paradise

variegated birds of paradise

variegated birds of paradise


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

Trending in your area

Similar to variegated birds of paradise

Discover rare plants

Article Sources