Bird of Paradise

Name: Bird of Paradise
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PB0173S
Price: 18.0 CAD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)

Bird of Paradise

$18

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Size 4" - Pot Small 6" Pot - Medium

Color White Yellow Orange

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About This Plant

White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is native to the coastal forests and riverbanks of South Africa, where it grows into a large multi-stemmed tree reaching 6 metres or more. Indoors it is grown for its paddle-shaped leaves that can grow very large and split naturally. This creates the feathered, tropical look the plant is known for.

The large, splitting leaves create an instant tropical atmosphere. Each new leaf unfurls as a full paddle and gradually develops natural splits along the veins as it matures. This is normal and healthy. The plant grows upright and can reach 2 metres or taller indoors over several years, making it a useful floor plant for bright living rooms and open spaces.

Keep it away from pets and children. The ASPCA confirms Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The fruit and seeds are the primary concern, causing mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness if ingested. Keep it in a spot that pets and small children cannot easily access.

Bright light is what drives this plant indoors. The White Bird of Paradise needs the brightest spot available in a Canadian home to thrive and grow at a reasonable pace. A south-facing window or a bright room with several hours of indirect light is ideal. In lower light it survives but grows very slowly and the leaves stay smaller.

Winter Slowdown

Growth nearly stops from November through February as Canadian light levels drop. This is a large plant that needs strong light to push its massive leaves and it simply pauses in the dim Canadian winter. It does not go dormant and the existing leaves stay healthy. Cut watering back to every two to three weeks since the plant is using very little water. Keep temperatures above 15°C and away from cold glass.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, confirmed by the ASPCA (Strelitzia spp.). The fruit and seeds contain toxic compounds including hydrogen cyanide and tannins. The foliage can also cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Indoors the plant rarely fruits, so the main concern is pets chewing the large leaves. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Keep it in a spot that pets cannot reach.

Pests

The large leaf surface attracts scale insects and spider mites, especially when dusty or when indoor air is very dry. Check the undersides of the large leaves and along the stems each time you water. Scale insects appear as small brown bumps on the stems and midribs. In Canadian homes, the dry heating season from November onward increases vulnerability to both.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Monstera Deliciosa. Large leaves, splits naturally.

For another large tropical plant with naturally splitting leaves that handles slightly lower light, the Monstera Deliciosa is one of the most popular large statement plants for Canadian homes.

Alocasia Golden Dragon. Bold and golden-toned.

For a large tropical floor plant with a completely different leaf character, the Alocasia Golden Dragon has bold dragon-wing leaves with warm golden stems and grows well in bright Canadian rooms.

Fiddle Leaf Fig. Architectural statement.

For another tall, structural statement plant for a bright corner, the Fiddle Leaf Fig has large, wavy leaves and a strong upright form that suits bright living rooms in Canadian homes.

Common Questions

How often should I water the White Bird of Paradise?

Water when the top half of the soil feels dry. In spring and summer that is roughly every seven to ten days. In a Canadian winter, every two to three weeks as growth slows significantly. This plant is drought-tolerant in short bursts but performs best with consistent moisture. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check soil moisture correctly.

Why are the leaves splitting?

Leaf splitting is completely normal and natural. As each paddle-shaped leaf matures, it develops splits along the veins which allow wind to pass through in its native South African habitat. This is a sign of a healthy, maturing plant. Splitting begins as the plant grows larger and is not caused by anything you are doing wrong.

Is the White Bird of Paradise toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Strelitzia is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The fruit and seeds cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness if ingested. The foliage is the primary concern indoors since the plant rarely fruits inside. Keep it in a location that pets and small children cannot easily access.

How fast does it grow indoors in Canada?

Growth depends almost entirely on light. In a south-facing bright room, it can push two to four new leaves per year. In lower light conditions typical of Ontario and Quebec apartments, it may produce one to two leaves per year. It is a slow to moderate grower indoors regardless of conditions, so patience is needed.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes. It is not frost hardy but handles warm, dry indoor conditions well. Keep temperatures above 15°C and position it in your brightest window. Growth nearly stops from November to February but the plant stays healthy. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

How to Take Care of White Bird of Paradise

Good to Know

Sun: Direct to bright indirect

Needs the brightest spot available. A south-facing window with some direct morning sun is ideal in a Canadian home. It tolerates indirect light but grows more slowly. From October to February, keep it as close to the largest, brightest window as possible.

Light: Bright

More light equals faster growth and larger leaves. A south-facing room works best year-round. East-facing also works but growth will be slower. Avoid north-facing rooms where it will survive but rarely push new leaves during Canadian winters.

Water: When top half of soil is dry

Water thoroughly until it drains, then wait until the top half of the soil is dry. In spring and summer every seven to ten days, in a Canadian winter every two to three weeks. This plant handles underwatering better than overwatering. Never leave it in standing water.

Humidity: Moderate

Tolerates average indoor humidity well, which makes it one of the more practical large tropical plants for Canadian homes during the dry heating season. Leaf tips may brown in very low humidity. Wiping the large leaves regularly helps the plant absorb light and reduces stress.

Pet Friendly: No

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, confirmed by the ASPCA. The fruit and seeds cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Keep it in a location that pets and small children cannot access.

Pro Tip

The White Bird of Paradise grows its leaves toward the brightest light source. Rotating the pot a quarter turn every two weeks ensures all sides develop evenly and prevents the plant from leaning strongly in one direction. This matters most from October to February when Canadian daylight comes from a narrow angle and the plant will reach hard toward it.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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