Where to Find and Care for Mature Bird of Paradise Plants

One of the most beautiful and well-known tropical plants is the bird of paradise, which has orange, blue, and white flowers that look like a brightly colored bird in flight. Young bird of paradise plants are easy to find, but it takes them 3–5 years to grow up and flower. If you want to add tropical flair to your garden right away, you should buy an adult bird of paradise.

What is a Mature Bird of Paradise Plant?

A mature bird of paradise is typically over 3 feet tall with an established root system and already producing its signature flowering stalks. Some key signs a bird of paradise is mature include:

• Height over 3 feet
• Thick woody trunk and stems
• Established clumps of leaves
• Presence of flowering stalks
• More mature plants may be 5-6 feet tall with abundant blooms

Benefits of Buying a Mature Specimen

There are several advantages to buying a mature bird of paradise instead of a younger plant:

• Provides immediate tropical impact with its bold foliage and flowers.
• Blooms much sooner, within the first year.
• Has a bigger, bolder presence in the garden.
• Transplants more successfully due to established root system.
• Is hardier, vigorous, and healthy compared to a younger plant.

If you want a quick tropical effect or need to fill space fast, a mature bird of paradise is the way to go.

Where to Find Mature Birds of Paradise for Sale

While mature birds of paradise are harder to find than young plants, here are some top places to find them:

Specialty Nurseries

Check local nurseries focusing on tropicals and exotics. When you buy plants in person, you can pick out the perfect one by hand. Call ahead to confirm availability.

Online Mail Order Nurseries

Reputable online nurseries have a wider selection of plant sizes, often carrying extra large and mature plants. Some recommended sources include Logee’s Tropical Plants, Garden Goods Direct, Evergreen Direct, and BrighterBlooms.

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sometimes have fully grown bird of paradise plants, especially in the spring. Inventory varies but worth a look.

Plant Nursery Outlets

Find discount distribution centers selling direct from commercial growers. While selection is always changing, they often have a nice variety of large, mature plants.

What to Look for When Buying a Mature Plant

When selecting a mature bird of paradise, look for:

• Multiple flowering stalks
• Vigorous, robust leaf growth
• Large, healthy root system
• Full, rounded canopy of leaves
• Good rich leaf color without spots or yellowing
• Proper height and size as advertised
• Healthy white roots without rot

Taking time to choose a top quality specimen will ensure it transplants and grows well.

Caring for a Mature Bird of Paradise Plant

Caring for a mature bird of paradise after planting includes:

• Carefully digging up the entire root ball and transplanting quickly.
• Generously watering while roots establish the first few weeks.
• Staking larger plants if needed for support.
• Allowing time to adjust before fertilizing or pruning.
• Providing excellent drainage in fast-draining soil.
• Giving ample bright sunlight – at least 6 hours a day.

With proper care after transplanting, a mature plant will quickly bounce back and start flowering.

How to Plant a Mature Bird of Paradise

Follow these tips when planting a mature bird of paradise:

• Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
• Partially backfill the hole and place the plant. Position it 2-3 inches higher than ground level to allow for settling.
• Backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
• Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the hole.
• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base, leaving several inches bare near the trunk.
• Stake the plant if top heavy or in windy areas.
• Allow it time to establish for 4-6 weeks before fertilizing.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

To keep a mature bird of paradise thriving:

• Site in full sun – it thrives in at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
• Water 1-2 times a week, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings.
• Fertilize in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune off dead leaves and spent flowers as needed.
• Protect from frost and temperatures below 30°F.
• Repot every 2-3 years in spring, moving up one pot size.
• Divide rootbound plants in early spring.

With proper care, a mature bird of paradise will grow for decades, providing exotic tropical flair with its stunning foliage and flowers!

Add Instant Tropical Style

For those desiring the signature bird of paradise blooms, purchasing a mature plant is the fastest way to achieve it. While juvenile plants eventually reach maturity, a mature specimen makes an immediate statement and flowers in the first year. Seek out a vigorous, healthy mature bird of paradise from a reputable source to add vibrant tropical beauty to your garden!