How Long Do Bird Of Paradise Flowers Last? A Guide To Longevity

The magnificent Bird of Paradise flower, with its vibrant orange and blue petals resembling a tropical bird in flight, is a true statement piece. Its dramatic and exotic look can instantly elevate any space in your home. A common question we hear is, "How long will my beautiful flower last?" 

Generally, a cut Bird of Paradise will grace your vase for one to two weeks. However, with the right knowledge and a little attention, you can often extend this period and enjoy its stunning display for longer. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Bird of Paradise Flower's Lifespan

The Bird of Paradise flower (Strelitzia) typically lasts for seven to fourteen days in a vase. However, proper care can significantly extend its life. Key factors within your control include how the flower is handled, the cleanliness of its vase, and the quality of its water.

The journey of a cut flower from the florist to your home is a race against time, and its lifespan is influenced by several important factors. Knowing what affects its longevity is the first step towards getting the most out of your beautiful bloom.

The average vase life of a Strelitzia, the botanical name for Bird of Paradise, is between seven and fourteen days. This is a general estimate, and the actual time can vary quite a bit. So, flower care will go a long way.

A flower that was cut from the plant just yesterday will naturally last longer than one that has been in transit or at the florist for a few days. The care you provide from the moment you get it home will have the single biggest impact on its vase life.

Many factors come into play. The freshness of the flower when you buy it is perhaps the most critical. A flower that is already fully open and has been sitting in the shop for several days will have a shorter display time at home. 

The way it is handled, the cleanliness of its vase, and the quality of its water are all within your control. Your home environment also plays a significant role. 

In Singapore, our warm and humid climate means that bacteria can multiply faster in vase water, which can clog the flower's stem and prevent it from drinking. This makes regular water changes even more important here than in cooler countries.

Selecting the Freshest Bird of Paradise Stems

Choosing a healthy, fresh stem at the florist is your best strategy for ensuring a long and beautiful display. It can be tempting to pick the flower that is already fully open and looks perfect, but a little patience will be rewarded with a much longer vase life.

When you are at the florist or market, take a moment to inspect the flowers carefully. The best way to judge freshness is to look at the spathe, which is the hard, green, beak-like part of the flower from which the colourful petals emerge. 

For the longest life, choose a stem where the spathe is still tightly closed or is just beginning to show the first hint of orange petals. This means the flower is yet to begin its main blooming process, and you will get to enjoy the entire show from the comfort of your home.

Next, look at the stem itself. It should feel firm and look healthy and green from top to bottom. Gently run your fingers along the stem; it should feel smooth, not slimy. Avoid any stems that have soft spots, brown patches, or a slimy texture, especially near the bottom. 

These are signs of bacterial decay, and the flower will not last long. If any petals are already visible, they should be bright and vibrant, without any wilting, tears, or brown, dried edges. By choosing a bloom that is still young, you are essentially bringing home a flower with its full potential ahead of it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Caring for Your Cut Bird of Paradise

What you do in the first hour after bringing your flowers home is crucial. This initial preparation sets the stage for a long and healthy vase life by ensuring the stem can absorb as much water as possible. Taking these few simple steps will make a world of difference. 

Step 1: Preparing Your Vase

First, choose a suitable vase. Bird of Paradise flowers are tall and have heavy heads, so you will need a tall, sturdy vase with a solid base that will not tip over easily. The vase should be tall enough to support at least two-thirds of the stem's height. You can also use a mason jar for your flowers. The choice is really up to you.

Before you do anything else, make sure the vase is perfectly clean. Bacteria are the biggest enemy of cut flowers. Wash your vase thoroughly with warm water and a little bit of soap, using a bottle brush to scrub the inside. Rinse it well to make sure no soap residue is left behind, as this can also harm the flower. A sparkling clean vase gives your flower the best possible start.

Step 2: Cutting the Stems Correctly

Once your vase is ready, it is time to prepare the flower stem. Do not use regular household scissors, as they can crush the delicate water-absorbing vessels at the end of the stem. Instead, use a very sharp, clean knife or a pair of floral shears, also known as secateurs. 

Lay the stem on a cutting board and cut about two to three centimetres off the bottom. It is very important to cut the stem at a sharp 45-degree angle. This slanted cut increases the surface area, allowing the stem to absorb water more efficiently. 

The moment you cut the stem, place it directly into your prepared vase of water. Do not leave it sitting out, as this can cause an air bubble to form in the stem, which will block water from being drawn up.

Step 3: Preparing the Water

The water you use is just as important as the vase. Fill your clean vase about two-thirds full with room temperature water. Cold water can shock the stem, while warm water can encourage bacterial growth. Most florists will provide a small sachet of flower food with your purchase. You should always use it. 

Flower food is a specially formulated mixture of sugar to nourish the flower, an acidifier to help the water travel up the stem, and a biocide (like a tiny amount of bleach) to kill any harmful bacteria in the water. Stir the flower food into the water until it is completely dissolved before you place your flower in. If you do not have flower food, you can make a simple substitute by adding two drops of household bleach and one teaspoon of sugar to one litre of water.

Step 4: Removing Excess Foliage

Before placing your Bird of Paradise in the vase, check if it came with any large leaves attached to the stem. While these can look lovely, you must remove any leaves that will end up below the waterline. Leaves left to sit in the water will begin to rot very quickly, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. 

This bacteria will contaminate the water, produce an unpleasant smell, and ultimately shorten the life of your flower by clogging its stem. You can gently tear or snip these lower leaves off right at the main stem.

Also take into consideration how to arrange the flowers in the vase so that you’re not just taking care of them, you are also highlighting their best asset.

Daily and Ongoing Care for Maximum Longevity

Once your Bird of Paradise is beautifully arranged in its vase, a little bit of ongoing care will ensure it stays looking its best for as long as possible. A simple daily or alternate-day routine is all that is needed to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Manage Water 

The single most important task for ongoing care is managing the water. In Singapore's warm environment, vase water can get cloudy with bacteria very quickly. You should aim to change the water completely every one to two days. 

This removes the bacteria before it has a chance to harm the flower. When you change the water, it is a good idea to give the vase a quick rinse as well. 

Trim Well

While the vase is empty, take your flower and re-trim the stem. Just as you did initially, use a sharp knife or secateurs to snip about one centimetre off the bottom at a 45-degree angle. This fresh cut exposes new tissue that can drink water freely, ensuring your flower stays hydrated.

Where you place your vase in your home also has a big impact. Find a spot that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a window but out of the direct, harsh rays of the sun is perfect. Direct sunlight can be too intense, causing the colours to fade and the petals to wilt prematurely. 

Be Mindful Of Heat Sources 

Keep your arrangement away from areas that get warm, such as next to a television, on top of a microwave, or near a stove. You should also avoid placing it in the direct path of a strong draught from an air conditioner or a fan, as this constant airflow can cause the flower to lose moisture too quickly. 

A classic piece of floral advice that is especially true for tropicals is to keep them away from your fruit bowl. Ripening fruit releases a natural, invisible gas called ethylene, which acts as a ageing hormone for flowers and will cause them to mature and fade much faster.

Mist Your Flower 

Bird of Paradise flowers are native to humid, tropical environments. In a dry, air-conditioned room, the air can lack the moisture they are used to. 

Lightly misting the stem and any accompanying leaves every couple of days can help replicate that humidity and keep the flower looking fresh. Use a spray bottle with a fine mist setting. 

Try to avoid spraying the delicate orange and blue petals directly, as excessive moisture sitting on them can sometimes encourage mould spots.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Bird of Paradise Flowers

Even with the best care, you might occasionally encounter an issue with your cut Bird of Paradise. Fortunately, most common problems are easy to solve with a bit of know-how.

Doesn’t Bloom

A frequent concern is a flower that refuses to open. You have brought home a beautiful, tight bud, but a few days later, it is still closed. This is quite normal. The new petals are tightly packed inside the hard spathe and sometimes need a little gentle encouragement to emerge. 

You can help it along by using your thumbs to gently pry open the lips of the spathe. You may see the tip of the first orange petal inside. Carefully coax it out. Often, once the first flower is released, the others that are tucked in behind it will follow more easily over the next few days. A single Bird of Paradise spathe can contain several flowers that emerge one after another.

If you notice the bottom of the stem is becoming slimy to the touch, this is a clear sign of bacterial growth in the water. You need to act quickly. 

Take the flower out of the vase immediately. Hold the slimy part of the stem under cool running water and gently wipe the slime away with your fingers or a paper towel. 

Then, use your clean shears to cut the stem significantly, at least a few inches above where the slime was. Before putting it back, thoroughly wash and rinse the vase. Fill it with completely fresh water and a new dose of flower food.

Droopy Petals

Sometimes, you might see the petals looking a bit droopy, or the edges starting to turn brown. This can be a sign of dehydration or simply the natural end of the flower's life. 

First, try the emergency hydration technique: re-cut the stem and place it in fresh water with flower food. 

Ensure it is not in a hot or draughty spot. If the browning is minor and only on the petal edges, it is just a part of the natural ageing process. While it signals the flower is past its peak, you can still enjoy it for a few more days.

The Lifespan of a Bird of Paradise Plant vs. a Cut Flower

It is helpful to understand the difference in lifespan between a cut Bird of Paradise flower and the plant itself. While we have focused on the one to two-week vase life of a cut stem, the plant it comes from is incredibly long-lived.

When grown as a houseplant in a pot, a Bird of Paradise plant can thrive for many years, often for 50 years or even longer, becoming a generational feature in a home. With the right conditions, plenty of bright light, regular watering, and occasional feeding, a healthy and mature plant will reward you with its own stunning flowers. 

A well-cared-for plant will typically produce multiple flower stalks during its blooming season, giving you a continuous display of tropical beauty that lasts for months, far longer than any single cut stem ever could. This makes the plant a wonderful long-term investment for those who truly love the look of these exotic blooms.

Conclusion On Caring for Cut Bird of Paradise Flowers

The exotic Bird of Paradise is a truly special flower that brings a touch of the tropics into our homes. While its natural vase life is about one to two weeks, this is not a fixed number. As we have seen, its ultimate longevity rests heavily in your hands. 

Simple acts of care, such as making a fresh cut to the stem, providing clean water with flower food, and choosing a good location away from heat and direct sun, can make a remarkable difference. By following these easy steps, you can ensure you get the most value and enjoyment from your purchase, keeping your stunning Strelitzia looking vibrant for as long as possible.

At Singapore Florist, we pride ourselves in our wide array of flowers. Our goal is to provide you with bouquets unlike any other. So, if you are looking for flowers to give to someone special, contact us. We will be glad to help you out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bird of Paradise Flowers

How Long Do Bird of Paradise Flowers Last Once Cut?

Once cut, Bird of Paradise flowers will typically last for one to two weeks in a vase. To achieve the longest lifespan, it is crucial to provide proper care. The three most important tips are to always use fresh, clean water, re-trim the stems every couple of days, and keep the vase out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

How Do You Make Bird of Paradise Flowers Last Longer?

You can extend the vase life of your Bird of Paradise flowers by following a few simple but effective steps. Starting with the freshest possible flower is key. Then, you should:

• Cut the stem at a sharp angle before placing it in water.
• Use a thoroughly cleaned vase and add flower food to the water.
• Change the water completely and re-trim the stem every one to two days.
• Place the vase in a cool location with bright, indirect light.
• Keep your flowers away from any ripening fruit, as the ethylene gas released will cause them to age faster.

How Long Is The Lifespan Of A Bird Of Paradise?

It is important to distinguish between the cut flower and the plant. The lifespan of a cut Bird of Paradise flower in a vase is about one to two weeks. The lifespan of a Bird of Paradise plant is much longer; when cared for properly as a houseplant, it can live for over 50 years.

Do Birds Of Paradise Flowers Open Up?

Yes, they do, but sometimes they need a little help. The colourful petals emerge one by one from the hard, green, beak-like casing called a spathe. If a bud seems reluctant to open after a few days, you can gently use your thumbs to open the spathe and help the first flower emerge. More flowers are often tucked in behind the first one and will appear over the following days.

Should I Mist My Bird Of Paradise?

Yes, misting can be beneficial for a cut Bird of Paradise. These are tropical flowers that thrive in high humidity. In a dry, air-conditioned Singaporean home, a light misting on the stem and any leaves every couple of days can help replicate their natural environment and keep them looking fresh. However, try to avoid soaking the delicate orange and blue flower petals directly.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Strelitzia?

Strelitzia is the botanical name for the Bird of Paradise. When referring to the Strelitzia plant, its lifespan can be many decades, often exceeding 50 years with good care. When referring to a cut Strelitzia flower, its lifespan in a vase is much shorter, typically lasting between one and two weeks.