Orange Bird of Paradise

In the ground in warm climates, Orange Bird of Paradise typically grows to about 3–5 feet tall and roughly 3–4 feet wide, forming a dense clump of upright stems and foliage. In large containers or as a houseplant, you can expect a mature height of about 3–6 feet, depending on light, pot size, and age, with a narrower footprint that makes it ideal for patios, sunrooms, and bright living spaces.

Because growth is moderate rather than extremely fast, the plant gradually fills its space over several seasons instead of exploding in a single year. As it matures and the rhizomes thicken, you can allow the clump to expand for a lush, full look or divide it periodically to keep plants at a manageable size and create new specimens.

Orange Bird of Paradise loves strong light. Outdoors it performs best in full sun to light shade, with more sun typically leading to better flowering. Indoors, it thrives in bright indirect light and can handle several hours of direct sun—especially from a south or west window—once it’s gradually acclimated. A bright sunroom or a spot just back from a big, unobstructed window is ideal.

In lower-light locations, the plant will still produce attractive foliage but may grow more slowly and rarely, if ever, bloom. If you notice stretching, leaning toward the window, or dull color, it’s a sign your Bird of Paradise wants more light. Moving it closer to a bright window or supplementing with a grow light can make a noticeable difference in vigor.

It can, but it often takes patience and the right conditions. Orange Bird of Paradise typically needs to reach a certain maturity (often several years old), have a well-developed clump, and receive strong light before it produces its signature flowers. Indoors, that usually means a very bright location—often with some direct sun—and consistent care with proper watering and feeding.

Even in good conditions, some indoor plants may only bloom sporadically or not at all, especially in spaces with weaker light or frequent repotting. The good news is that the bold foliage alone makes this plant worth growing, and if you’re determined to see blooms, you can move it outdoors to a sunny patio during the warm months to give it an extra boost, then bring it back inside before temperatures drop.

Yes. Orange Bird of Paradise is considered toxic if ingested, particularly the fruit and seeds. Pets that chew the plant may experience gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, nausea, or drowsiness, so it’s best to treat this as a “look, don’t chew” plant in households with cats, dogs, or other curious animals.

To keep everyone safe, position your Bird of Paradise where pets are less likely to nibble—on sturdy plant stands, in rooms they don’t frequent, or in protected plant corners. If you suspect a pet has eaten part of the plant and is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison resource for guidance. For containers in busy homes, you can also pair Bird of Paradise with non-toxic plants in more accessible spots so pets have safer greenery to explore.

Bird of Paradise actually prefers to be somewhat root-bound and often flowers best when its rhizomes and roots are fairly snug in the pot. Typically, repotting every 2–3 years is plenty, or whenever you notice roots circling heavily, emerging from drainage holes, or the plant becoming difficult to water because the root ball sheds water quickly. When you do repot, move up only one pot size and use a sturdy container to support the plant’s top growth.

If your plant has become very large and heavy, you can also opt to divide it instead of simply going into a bigger pot. Gently remove the clump from its container, separate sections with several healthy stems and roots, and pot each division in its own container with fresh mix. This not only keeps individual plants at a manageable size but also gives you additional specimens to use elsewhere or share.

In the landscape, space Orange Bird of Paradise plants about 3–4 feet apart center-to-center, depending on the mature size of the variety and how quickly you want a solid mass. This allows each clump enough room to expand over time without overcrowding while still creating a lush, cohesive planting. For a hedge-like effect, you can plant on the closer end of that range; for more distinct specimens, give them a bit more breathing room.

In containers, give each plant its own pot or use a large, wide container if you’re planting multiple divisions together. Indoors, position the pot so the leaves have space to expand without constantly brushing walls or furniture—usually at least a foot of clearance around the foliage. This not only looks better but also improves air circulation and makes it easier to water, rotate, and clean the plant.