From my perspective as a Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae or Strelitzia nicolai), my watering needs are intrinsically linked to my origins. I hail from the subtropical coastal regions of South Africa, where my roots enjoy deep, infrequent drinks from rainfall, followed by periods where the soil is allowed to dry out somewhat. I have developed robust, fleshy roots that store water, making me relatively drought-tolerant. The greatest danger you pose to me is not underwatering, but overwatering. Soggy, waterlogged soil suffocates my roots, preventing them from absorbing oxygen and nutrients, and quickly leads to root rot, a often fatal condition.
You must resist the urge to water me on a fixed schedule. My thirst varies dramatically with environmental conditions. Instead, you must physically check my soil moisture. The best method is to insert your finger or a wooden chopstick about 2-3 inches into the soil. If the soil at that depth feels dry or the chopstick comes out mostly clean, it is time to water me thoroughly. If it still feels cool and moist, please wait a few more days and check again. This simple act is the most direct way to understand my immediate needs.
Several elements in your home directly influence how quickly I use the water you provide. Light is the biggest factor. If I am placed in a bright, sunny spot where I can photosynthesize vigorously, I will drink water much more rapidly. In a lower-light location, my growth and water usage will slow down significantly. Temperature and humidity also play crucial roles. During the warm, active growing season (spring and summer), I will require more frequent watering. In the cooler, dormant winter months, my water needs diminish considerably. Additionally, heating systems in winter create dry air, which can cause moisture to evaporate from my soil and leaves faster.
When my soil indicates it is time, please water me properly. This means providing a deep, thorough watering. Slowly pour room-temperature water onto the soil around my base until you see water begin to flow freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures the entire root ball has been saturated. It is absolutely critical that any excess water is allowed to drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of standing water, as this will create the waterlogged conditions that are so detrimental to my root health.
You must learn to adjust your care with the seasons. In spring and summer, you may find yourself watering me every 1-2 weeks. In autumn and winter, this interval could extend to every 3-4 weeks or even longer. Beyond the soil test, observe my foliage. While I am resilient, prolonged underwatering will cause my magnificent leaves to curl, split excessively, or turn crispy and brown at the edges. Overwatering, however, will cause leaves to turn yellow, often starting with the lower leaves, and feel soft and mushy. These are my ways of communicating my distress.
