The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a herbaceous perennial native to the subtropical coastal regions of South Africa. Its natural habitat provides key insights into its summer outdoor tolerance. It thrives in warm temperatures, consistently between 65-85°F (18-29°C), and enjoys high humidity levels. While it appreciates summer warmth, it is only hardy in USDA zones 10-12. In these zones, it can remain outdoors year-round. For gardeners in cooler zones, the plant can absolutely live outdoors during the summer months, but it must be treated as a tender perennial and brought indoors before the threat of frost in autumn.
For optimal growth and its renowned flowering, a Bird of Paradise requires abundant light. When placed outdoors for the summer, it should be situated in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. In ideal conditions, it prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to fuel its growth and encourage the production of its iconic, crane-like flowers. However, in regions with exceptionally intense afternoon sun, providing light afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch, which manifests as brown, crispy edges or bleached patches on the large, banana-like leaves.
Summer heat significantly increases a plant's transpiration rate, leading to faster drying of the soil. An outdoor Bird of Paradise will require more frequent watering than its indoor counterpart. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings is a good practice to avoid root rot. Furthermore, the plant will benefit from the naturally higher humidity levels found outdoors during summer. If placed in a dry, windy location, occasional misting of the leaves can help replicate the humid coastal air it naturally prefers.
A crucial step before moving a Bird of Paradise outdoors is a gradual acclimation process, often called "hardening off." A plant moved directly from an indoor environment to full outdoor sun will likely suffer from sunscald. The process should take place over 7-10 days, starting with placing the plant in a fully shaded, sheltered location. Gradually, over the course of the week, it can be introduced to brighter morning sun for a few hours at a time before finally being placed in its permanent sunny spot. This slow introduction allows the plant's leaves to develop a tolerance to the more intense UV rays, preventing shock and damage.
Placing a Bird of Paradise outside for the summer is highly beneficial for its overall health and vigor. The increased light intensity supercharges its photosynthetic capabilities, leading to stronger, faster growth and the development of larger, more robust leaves. This boost in energy significantly enhances the plant's potential to bloom, as flowering is a energy-intensive process triggered by ample light. Additionally, better air circulation outdoors helps keep the foliage dry and can reduce the risk of pests like spider mites, which thrive in dry, stagnant indoor air.
