White Bird of Paradise

White birds of paradise are prized for their tropical foliage more than for their flowers. These tropical plants have a similarly shaped leaf as their exotic cousin, the orange bird of paradise, but the similarities stop there. The white bird grows substantially larger and has deep green leaves as opposed to the blue-grey leaves of the orange bird. Plant white birds away from the house and give it plenty of room to grow. They get large, so prune them regularly to maintain a groomed appearance. These plants work well in open areas or as a tropical backdrop to landscapes around fences. White birds are also very popular indoor houseplants. When used as houseplants they will grow to be about 6-8 feet tall and will not flower.

Plant the white bird in well-draining soil; the white bird does not like to sit in soaked soil for extended periods. Water the plant daily until it is established then water when needed. This plant needs full to partial sun to do well; however, it is very tolerant of more shade. Fertilize with a well-balanced fertilizer three times a year starting in the spring. If using the white bird as a houseplant, place it in a high, bright sunny location and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune off any brown foliage to keep the plant looking fresh and tidy.