What Kind Of Pot For Bird Of Paradise?

If you are planning to get a bird of paradise plant, it’s important to know the right pot for growing it because that can affect the growth and health of the plant.

Grow the Bird of paradise in a pot that provides it with 1 to 2 inches of spacing between the roots and walls of the pot. During repotting, choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the previous pot. The plant will grow best in terracotta or clay pots with adequate drainage holes.

This article will provide all the information to help you determine the correct pot for your Bird of paradise plant. So, keep reading.

Understanding the requirements of Bird of paradise

The Bird of paradise is known for their large, beautiful foliage and bright orange flowers.

They are tropical, hardy plants native to South Africa.

They can be grown as both indoor and outdoor garden plants.

They are vigorous, fast-growing, and easy-to-grow plants. 

The size and growth pattern of Bird of paradise 

The Bird of paradise is one of the large-sized houseplants.

In their natural habitat, they can reach up to 20 feet. 

When grown as a houseplant, you can expect them to grow around 3.5 to 6 feet tall in favorable growing conditions. 

The plant’s foliage has small leaves with long petioles, which look very similar to a banana plant.

The leaves are around 12 to 18 inches long.

The common and the most popular variety of Bird of paradise will grow around 3.5 to 6 feet tall.

The white variety of the Bird of paradise plant is the largest variety that can grow up to 18 feet tall. 

They are slow-growing plants.

Hence, you will need to keep your patience 

while growing them.

The plant will expect its first flowering 3 to 5 years after planting.

The type of soil and environmental conditions preferred by Bird of paradise

Let’s look at the important requirements of a bird of paradise plant.

1. Soil

The Bird of paradise plant will grow best in a loamy, rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic potting mix.

You can also use a compost mixture.

I prefer a well-drained potting mix and airy, peat-free compost for my Bird of Paradise plant. 

Growing the plant in poor-quality soil can be too risky for its health. 

Hence, using the ideal soil type will benefit your plant in the long run.

2. Light

The plant will grow best in bright indirect sunlight, including some direct sunlight.

However, they need shade during the hottest month to prevent sunburns.

The best spot for keeping the plant would be an east or west-facing window that provides plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

3. Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature range for a Bird of paradise plant is 65-85°F.

It is not cold tolerant, so it can’t recover from cold damage.

They will preferably grow well in normal room humidity.

The impact of pot size and material on plant growth and health

The selection of a pot depends on two important factors, i.e., pot size ad material.

1. Pot size

The pot size is very important for a plant’s health and growth.

I once mistakenly selected a small pot for one of my plants because my plant died within two months.

The soil remained underwatered, and lack of airflow suffocated the roots, due to which the plant died.

So, I will never repeat this mistake again!

Using a very big pot can also be very harmful to the plant.

A large pot will hold more water, causing the soil to remain soggy for longer periods.

Therefore, the plant will suffer from overwatering issues, which can further result in root rot disease. 

So, selecting the right pot is necessary for the plant’s ideal health. 

2. Pot material 

Different pot materials include terracotta, wood, ceramic, plastic, fiberglass, etc.

You will need to choose a potting material that will suit the requirement of your plant. 

The Bird of paradise are tropical plants and loves moisture, so keep these things in mind before selecting the potting material.

Choosing the right pot for Bird of paradise

The factors to consider when selecting a pot for Bird of paradise are:

1. The ideal size and shape of the pot

The Bird of paradise plant can grow up to a height of 5-6 feet, and their leaves can grow over a foot in length, so it will need a large-sized planter.

They like to be rootbound, which can be problematic as they quickly overgrow their containers.

If you don’t repot the plant to a larger container, its roots will get damaged, and the soil will lose all its nutrients.

To prevent this problem, choose a pot that will provide the plant with 1-2 inches of spacing between the roots and wall of the pot.

When repotting, select a pot 2 inches larger than the current pot of your plant. 

Repot the plant every 1 to 2 years.

A 3 to 4 feet bird of paradise plant will grow well in a 10-inch pot. 

On the other hand, a 5 to 6 feet plant will thrive well in a 14-inch pot.

The Bird of paradise plant will grow well in round and square pots. 

However, a square-shaped pot will provide more surface area for planting and more volume than round-shaped pots.

2. The impact of pot material on soil drainage and root health

The potting material plays an important role in maintaining your plant’s health.

For example, terracotta or clay pots are most suitable for plant owners who worry about overwatering.

This material is highly absorbent, so it will absorb the excess moisture from your plant’s roots.

It will provide better drainage to your plant than other pot materials like plastic, ceramic, etc. 

The glazed or ceramic pots are less absorbent, so they will be suitable for those plant owners who always forget to water their plants. 

They will not let the moisture from the soil dry out quickly.

However, the soil will become soggy if you overwater, and the excess moisture will suffocate the root system. 

Whatever pot material you choose, it’s important to make sure that it has enough drainage holes in it. 

The drainage holes will allow the extra water to drain from the soil.

If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, drill a few if possible.

Also read: What Soil Should I Use For Bird Of Paradise?

3. Types of pot for Bird of paradise

Let’s look at all the types of pots we can use for the Bird of paradise plants.

1. Terracotta pots

Terracotta pots are the most widely used pot for houseplants.

They are clay based and unglazed. 

You can grow your Bird of paradise in this pot, as it will keep the soil moist and provide sufficient airflow to the roots.

2. Plastic pots

The plastic pots are lightweight, resistant, and flexible.

They are cheap and easy to maintain. 

They are non-porous, so they are good at retaining soil moisture. 

3. Wooden pots

Wooden pots are becoming popular these days as they are eco-friendly and lost lasting.

They are natural and don’t threaten the plant’s health.

They are decorative and add an appealing look to the plant. 

4. Concrete pots

Concrete pots are good options for potted plants as they are environment-friendly, long-lasting, and porous.

They also protect the plant from temperature fluctuations. 

5. Metal pots

The metal pots are aesthetically appealing and are durable against cracks and breakages.

They are unique and comes in different shape, size, and color. 

6. Ceramic pots

Ceramic pots are terracotta pots coated with paint.

They are coated with a lacquer, preventing the soil from drying out quickly. 

They come in different designs and patterns that can be decorative options for homes.

4. Pros and cons of different types of pots for Bird of paradise

Let us now study the benefits and drawbacks of each type of pot.

1. Terracotta pots

Advantages	Disadvantages
The terracotta pots are highly preferable for growing Bird of paradise plants.	The terracotta pots are soft, so they can easily get cracks and damage.
They are very cheap compared to other pots.	They are heavy, so moving them to different places is difficult.
They are porous, so the soil’s excess water will evaporate quickly.	The plant in terracotta pots will need frequent watering as the water from the soil will evaporate quickly due to the pot’s porous nature.
The clay material allows good airflow in the soil.
They come in different sizes and are easily easily available in the market.

2. Plastic pots

Advantages	Disadvantages
Plastic pots are cheaper than various other pots available in the market.	The plastic pots are non-biodegradable.
They come in different shapes, colors, sizes, and designs.	They are non-porous, so the soil doesn’t dry out quickly.
They are very durable and can last for many years.	The pots fade their color quickly and become less attractive.
They are non-porous so the soil will stay moist for a longer time.

3. Wooden pots

Advantages	Disadvantages
The wooden pots are visually appealing as you can paint and decorate them.	The wooden pots are highly porous, so the soil will dry out quickly.
They are durable, sturdy, and lost lasting.	The wooden pots require protection from termites.
They are eco-friendly and can get recycled in many ways.	They will start to damage if they are continuously in contact with water.

4. Concrete pots

Advantages	Disadvantages
The concrete pots are environmentally friendly.	The concrete pots contain lime which can get mixed with soil and increase its pH level.
They are highly durable and long-lasting.	They are more expensive than terracotta or plastic pots.
They are strong and heavy and can withstand rain or wind.	Most of the concrete pots don’t have drainage holes.

5. Metal pots

Advantages	Disadvantages
Metal pots are very strong and can last for several years.	The metal pots do not have drainage holes, so you must drill them before using them.
They add a unique and elegant look to your house.	The metal pots, which are iron or nickel-based, will rust with time.
They are weather resistant and will regulate the soil temperatures.	The metal pots are non-porous. So, the soil will remain wet for longer periods, and watering such soil will create root rot issues for the plant.

6. Ceramic pots

Advantages	Disadvantages
Ceramic pots are available in different shapes, colors, patterns, and styles.	Ceramic pots are heavy, so they are difficult to move.
The pots are less porous, so they are good for moisture-loving plants.	The pots do not come with drainage holes. So, the excess water will stay in the pot, leading to an overwatering situation.
They are heavy, durable, and sturdy and will last many years.	They are costlier as compared to other pots available in the market.

Professional advice for choosing the right pot for Bird of paradise

Professional advice from a horticulturist or garden expert can help you in many ways.

A horticulturist or garden expert is a professional who has specialization in cultivating and maintaining gardens. 

The benefits of seeking professional advice

Seeking professional advice from a horticulturist or experts has many benefits, such as:

• They will provide you with tips that will help your plant to grow and prosper.
• They will help you figure out the problems your plants are dealing with and provide you with the necessary solutions.
• They will provide recommendations regarding any changes to be made if there is any issue in your plant’s growing environment. 

Questions to ask a horticulturist or expert

Below I have listed some questions you can ask a horticulturist or expert.

• When should I repot my Bird of paradise plant?
• What would be the ideal pot size for my Bird of paradise plant?
• Which pot material would be best for my Bird of paradise plant?
• What pot shape would be best for my Bird of paradise plant?
• What are some care tips for my Bird of paradise plant?

Factors to consider when seeking advice

Some factors to consider while taking professional advice from a garden expert are:

• Knowing about your plant’s requirements and growing conditions.
• Knowing what type of help you want from the professional.
• Knowing what question you want to ask the professional.

However, you can grow your Bird of paradise without seeking professional advice, as I have everything you need on this website.

Among all the plants I am growing, Bird of paradise is one, and I have collected enough experience to help you get started with it.

Final words

Selecting the right kind of pot is very important for ensuring the healthy growth of the Bird of paradise plant. I hope this article has helped you understand the different pot types you can use to grow your plant.

Consider the benefits and drawbacks before selecting any pot. The Bird of paradise plant can grow in almost all kinds of pots. However, the best pot for them is terracotta or clay. You can select any pot shape, making sure that it has enough drainage holes.

If you are repotting, choose a pot 2 inches larger than the current pot. Remember to clean the pot every month to prevent pest and disease problems.

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Reference: Wikipedia.