Plants Similar To Birds Of Paradise

If you love the dramatic look of a Bird of Paradise plant but want more options, you’re in the right place. Finding plants similar to Birds of Paradise can give your space that tropical flair with a different twist.

These alternatives offer big, bold leaves and striking shapes that make just as much of a statement. Whether you need something for lower light or a different size, there’s a perfect pick for you.

This list focuses on plants that share the architectural quality and lush feel of Strelitzia. They bring the tropics indoors or into your garden.

Traveler’s Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis)

This is perhaps the most similar in overall impact. It forms a giant fan of leaves that looks like a Bird of Paradise on a larger scale. It’s actually related to the bird of paradise, which many people don’t realize.

Key Similarity: Massive, paddle-shaped leaves arranged in a dramatic fan.
Care Tip: Needs plenty of space and bright light. It’s best for large rooms or conservatories.
Difference: It grows much taller and wider than most indoor Bird of Paradise plants.

Banana Plant (Musa spp.)

For huge, rapid-growing foliage, nothing beats a banana plant. The large, often shredded leaves create an instant jungle atmosphere. They are surprisingly easy to care for if you have the light.

Key Similarity: Enormous, broad leaves that provide a major tropical statement.
Care Tip: Requires bright light, consistent watering, and regular feeding during growth periods.
Difference: Growth is faster and more vertical than the spreading habit of a Bird of Paradise.

False Bird of Paradise (Heliconia spp.)

Heliconias are close cousins and the confusion in names says it all. Their foliage is very similar, but many varieties are grown for their incredible, colorful flower bracts.

Key Similarity: Leaf shape and growth habit are nearly identical to Strelitzia.
Care Tip: Prefers high humidity and warm temperatures, making them great for greenhouses.
Difference: The flowers are often more flamboyant and come in reds, oranges, and pinks.

Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

This is the bigger sibling of the common orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae). If you want the same look but on a grander scale, S. nicolai is your plant.

Key Similarity: Nearly identical leaf shape and texture, just much larger.
Care Tip: Can handle slightly lower light than its smaller cousin but still needs room to spread.
Difference: It grows like a tree, forming a tall trunk, and its flowers are white and blue.

Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ or ‘Hope’ (Thaumatophyllum)

For a denser, bushier look with deeply lobed leaves, these philodendrons are excellent. They give a full, tropical feel without getting as overwhelmingly tall.

Key Similarity: Large, glossy, deeply divided leaves that command attention.
Care Tip: Very adaptable to indoor light conditions and more drought-tolerant.
Difference: Growth habit is lower and clumping, rather than upright and fan-like.

Elephant Ear (Alocasia and Colocasia)

Known for their striking, heart-shaped or arrowhead leaves, Elephant Ears are fantastic for bold texture. Some varieties, like Alocasia ‘Portora’, have huge vertical leaves.

Key Similarity: Massive leaf size and dramatic veining that stands out in any collection.
Care Tip: Alocasias often prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, while Colocasias love wet soil.
Difference: Leaf shape is usually more pointed or heart-shaped compared to the oval paddle of a Bird of Paradise.

Choosing the Right Alternative for Your Space

Picking the best plant depends on you specific conditions. Here’s a simple guide to match a plant with your home or garden.

For Lower Light Conditions

While most tropicals want bright light, some are more forgiving.

Philodendron ‘Xanadu’: Tolerates medium indirect light well.
Giant Bird of Paradise (S. nicolai): Manages in moderate light better than the smaller variety.
Some Alocasias: Like Alocasia ‘Polly’, can adapt to bright, indirect light.

For Smaller Spaces or Containers

You don’t need a huge room for a big look.

Dwarf Banana: Varieties like ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ stay manageable.
Philodendron ‘Hope’: Stays relatively compact and bushy.
Heliconia psittacorum: Smaller Heliconia types suitable for pots.

For Maximum Visual Impact

If you have the room and want a true centerpiece, go big.

Traveler’s Palm: The ultimate statement for a large atrium.
Giant Bird of Paradise: A classic that fills vertical space.
Colocasia ‘Thai Giant’: Produces leaves that can grow over 5 feet long.

Care Tips for Your Tropical Foliage

Keeping these plants healthy is straightforward when you focus on a few key areas. They all have some common needs.

Light Requirements

Most of these plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east or west-facing window is often ideal. Direct hot afternoon sun can scorch leaves, so filtered light is best. If light is too low, growth will be slow and leaves may become smaller.

Watering and Humidity

This is where many people run into trouble. Here’s a simple approach:

Check the top inch or two of soil with your finger.
Water thoroughly when it feels dry.
Let excess water drain away completely—never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
Increase humidity by misting regularly, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby. These plants often come from humid environments.

Soil and Feeding

A well-draining potting mix is essential. You can use a standard indoor potting mix and add some perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage. Feed your plants during the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Reduce or stop feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows.

Common Problems and Solutions

Brown Leaf Tips: Usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase moisture in the air.
Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by overwatering. Check that your pot drains well and let soil dry more between waterings.
Leggy Growth or Small Leaves: This typically means the plant needs more light. Move it to a brighter location.
Pests: Watch for spider mites or mealybugs. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap if needed.

FAQ

What plant looks like a Bird of Paradise but smaller?

The Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ or a dwarf banana variety offer a similar tropical feel in a more compact size. Some smaller Heliconia species also fit this need.

Are there indoor plants that look like Birds of Paradise?

Yes, many on this list are great indoors. The Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), various Alocasias, and Philodendron ‘Hope’ are all excellent indoor choices with the right light.

What is the difference between a Bird of Paradise and a Traveler’s Palm?

They are related but different. The Traveler’s Palm (Ravenala) has a more symmetrical, giant fan shape and grows much larger. The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) has a more clumping, upright growth habit with leaves that are arranged less rigidly.

Can I grow these tropical plants outside?

In warm, frost-free climates (USDA zones 10-12), you can grow most of these outdoors year-round. In cooler areas, they make fantastic summer patio plants but must be brought inside before the first frost. Always acclimate them gradually to outdoor sun to prevent leaf burn.

Adding plants with bold, tropical foliage is a sure way to change your space. With so many fantastic plants similar to Birds of Paradise available, you can easily find one that fits your lifestyle and light conditions. Start with one that matches your environment, and you’ll enjoy a touch of the tropics for years to come.