The Red Bird of Paradise, often referred to as the Mexican Bird of Paradise, is one of several easy plants and shrubs that you can use in Phoenix for your desert garden. ... The shrubs do best in full sun and usually grow up to be about six (6) feet tall and about six (6) feet in diameter.
How do you take care of a bird of paradise in Arizona?
Plant red bird of paradise shrub in full sunlight after all danger of frost is past. This shrub tolerates any well-drained soil including rocky, native soils. It does not do well in heavy clay soils. Apply slow-release or organic fertilizer annually in spring .
What temperature can bird of paradise tolerate?
The plant will tolerate temperatures as low as 24°F for a short time; however, freezing temperatures will damage developing flower buds and flowers. To ensure flower production in north Florida, grow bird-of-paradise in a container that can be moved indoors during freezes. (modified leaf).
How much sun does a bird of paradise need?
Give bird of paradise a spot in full sun for best growth and most flowers. The exception to that is in the hottest regions, where partial shade protects plants from strong sun and heat. Plants in full sun tend to be shorter with smaller flowers, while part-shade plants grow taller with larger flowers.
Can bird of paradise survive outside?
Growing bird of paradise outside is only possible if you live in USDA zones 9 through 12 . The plant makes an attractive addition to the backyard garden in these zones and can be used as the focal point in a floral planting. In colder zones, the plant may survive but developing flower buds may be damaged.
Do birds of paradise like direct sunlight?
Bird of Paradise love lots of bright indirect light, and some direct light too . Some symptoms of the plant suffering from lack of light are extreme leaf splitting, drooping leaves, new leaves that won't open, and leaf browning.
Are birds of paradise hard to grow?
Birds of paradise are large, relatively easy to grow plants that lend a bold tropical flair to any indoor space. With proper care, a bird of paradise can grow to over six feet tall, even indoors. Its broad, arching leaves make a dramatic, graceful statement in your home.
Can bird of paradise survive winter?
Bird of paradise is hardy to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 C). As a native of South Africa and closely related to bananas, this tropical wonder is prone to freeze damage even in the warm zones where it is routinely planted. These tropical plants can withstand some cold , but freezes can damage the thin broad leaves.
Will my bird of paradise recover?
When their requirements are met, bird of paradise plants are generally pest-free and vigorous. However, plants that have been growing in the same location or container for a long time may show signs of decline. When this happens, they can be successfully revived by following a few easy steps.
How do you revive birds of paradise?
To let your plant replenish its moisture, give it a good shower . Remove the plant from its decorative pot and place in a shower, bathtub, or outside. Give it a thorough watering, allowing it to drain all the excess out before putting back in the pot.
Do birds of paradise like coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds can be used as a fertilizer on bird of paradise plants, both the indoor and outdoor kind. ... If you do plant to add coffee grounds to your bird of paradise, or any other indoor or outdoor plant, do it only once every few months and only add a small amount.
How long do birds of paradise live?
They are known for their bright feathers and unique, sometimes outlandish, mating dances. How Long Do Birds of Paradise Live? They typically live five to eight years .
Are birds of paradise drought tolerant?
When growing Mexican bird of paradise, you should keep in mind its overall size, which can reach up to 15 feet (4.5 m.) tall with a similar spread. This plant is considered drought tolerant , thriving in well-draining soil and plenty of sun.
Can bird of paradise grow in pots?
Bird of paradise also grows well in containers . In fact, the plant appreciates being a little crowded and will flower well under these conditions. In areas where winters are cool, move the bird of paradise container indoors to a heated, sunny room and then back outdoors in spring.
Do bird of paradise have deep roots?
Cut Around the Roots
Dig straight down to a depth of at least 18 to 20 inches , which is the depth of most older bird of paradise root systems.
Are birds of paradise poisonous to dogs?
This plant should be safe for humans (while we don't suggest eating any houseplants), but is toxic to dogs, cats and horses .
