As a Bird of Paradise plant, my very essence is tropical. I hail from the warm, humid coastal forests of South Africa, which means I am not built for cold. My cells contain water, and freezing temperatures cause that water to expand, rupturing my cell walls—a death sentence. I thrive in temperatures consistently between 65-85°F (18-29°C). I can tolerate brief dips down to about 50°F (10°C), but anything below 24°F (-4°C) will cause severe damage to my leaves and stem, and prolonged exposure will be fatal. My roots, safely nestled in the ground, are slightly more protected but equally vulnerable to a hard freeze. Therefore, my ability to live outside is almost entirely dependent on the climate I am placed in.
For me, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the ultimate guide to my outdoor survival. These zones tell you the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature. I am only truly hardy outdoors year-round in Zones 10-12. In these zones, winter lows rarely, if ever, dip below 30-35°F (-1 to 2°C), creating a safe and stable environment for me to grow into a large, flourishing clump. In Zone 9b, where lows can reach 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C), my existence becomes precarious. I may survive with significant protection—a thick layer of mulch over my roots and a frost cloth covering my foliage on cold nights—but my leaves will often suffer burn damage, and I will be a much smaller, less vigorous specimen.
Assuming the temperature is right, other elements dictate my health and happiness outside. Sunlight is crucial; I need bright, direct light to produce my magnificent, crane-like flowers. However, in extremely hot, desert-like climates (Zone 11-12 interiors), intense afternoon sun can actually scorch my broad leaves. A location with full morning sun and dappled or partial afternoon shade is often ideal. Wind is another concern. My large leaves act like sails, and strong gusts can tear them to ribbons, causing stress and opening pathways for disease. A spot sheltered from harsh winds, perhaps near a wall or fence, is best. Finally, my water needs change outdoors. While I dislike soggy "feet" (roots), I will need more frequent watering under the hot sun than I would indoors, especially during dry spells.
For gardeners in zones cooler than 9, I can still enjoy an outdoor life seasonally. Growing me in a large container is the perfect solution. Once the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C), I can be moved outside to grace a patio or deck. This gives me the beneficial growing conditions of fresh air, ample light, and rain. This outdoor period is often when I put on the most growth. The critical task is to bring me back inside well before the first autumn frost. This mobile lifestyle requires diligence but allows me to thrive in a much wider range of climates.
