Plants Similar To Birds Of Paradise

If you love the bold, architectural look of the Bird of Paradise plant but want more options, you’re in the right place. There are many stunning plants similar to Birds of Paradise that can give your space that tropical flair.

These alternatives offer the same dramatic impact with different colors, shapes, and sometimes easier care requirements. Whether you have a bright sunroom or a lower-light corner, you can find a plant that fits. Let’s look at some of the best choices to create your own indoor jungle.

This list focuses on plants that share the Bird of Paradise’s key traits: large, striking leaves, a strong vertical presence, and a distinctly tropical vibe. They are perfect for making a statement in your home.

Traveler’s Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis)

Often mistaken for a Bird of Paradise, the Traveler’s Palm has a truly spectacular fan-shaped leaf arrangement. Its leaves are huge and paddle-like, forming a dramatic east-west line. It’s a fast grower that loves bright, indirect light.

Why it’s similar: Massive, banana-like leaves that create an instant tropical atmosphere.
Care tip: Needs consistent moisture and high humidity to thrive indoors.
Key difference: Its leaves grow in a single, flat plane like a fan, unlike the Bird of Paradise’s more layered look.

White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

This is the Bird of Paradise’s bigger cousin. Strelitzia nicolai features immense, glossy leaves that can grow several feet long on mature plants. It produces a stunning white and blue flower, though this is rare indoors. It’s a bit more tolerant of lower light than the orange Bird of Paradise.

Why it’s similar: It’s literally in the same family, with an almost identical leaf shape but on a grander scale.
Care tip: Provide ample space for it to grow, as it can become very large.
Key difference: The leaves are typically larger and the plant overall is more tree-like in its growth habit.

Banana Plant (Musa spp.)

For that lush, oversized foliage look, few plants deliver like a banana plant. Their large, soft leaves unfurl in a spectacular way and grow very quickly. Dwarf varieties like ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ are well-suited for indoor cultivation.

Why it’s similar: The huge, often tattered leaves provide immense textural interest and a strong tropical feel.
Care tip: They are heavy feeders and need lots of water and bright light to support their rapid growth.
Key difference: The leaves are softer and more delicate than the stiff, leathery leaves of a Bird of Paradise.

Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia alba)

Another close relative, this species is very similar to Strelitzia nicolai but with slightly different flower structures. Its foliage is the main attraction for indoor growers, offering those classic, beautiful pleated leaves. It’s a robust plant that makes a serious statement.

Why it’s similar: Nearly identical in appearance to the White Bird, with majestic, paddle-shaped leaves.
Care tip: Ensure the pot is heavy and stable to support its top-heavy growth.
Key difference: It can be slightly more tender and may require even more protection from cold drafts.

Philodendron ‘Hope’ (Philodendron bipinnatifidum ‘Hope’)

This philodendron offers deeply lobed, dark green leaves that are very architectural. It grows in a dense, bushy form rather than a straight trunk, but it has the same bold, tropical presence. It’s generally more forgiving than a Bird of Paradise.

Why it’s similar: The large, split leaves create a dramatic silhouette and a jungle-like aesthetic.
Care tip: It prefers medium to bright indirect light and likes to dry out slightly between waterings.
Key difference: The growth habit is more shrub-like and spreading, rather than upright and clumping.

False Bird of Paradise (Heliconia spp.)

Heliconias are the Bird of Paradise’s flamboyant relatives. While their flowers are the main show, their foliage is also impressive—large, oblong, and often in beautiful shades of green, sometimes with colored midribs. They need warmth and humidity.

Why it’s similar: The overall growth form and large leaf size are very comparable, and they are in the same order of plants (Zingiberales).
Care tip: They are true tropicals that demand high humidity and consistently warm temperatures.
Key difference: The leaves are often thinner, and the plant is primarily grown for its incredible, colorful bracts.

Choosing the Right Alternative for Your Space

Picking the perfect plant depends on more than just looks. You need to consider the conditions you can provide. Here’s a simple guide to match a plant with your home.

Assess Your Light

Light is the most important factor. Observe the light in your chosen spot throughout the day.

Bright, Direct Light: A sunny south or west-facing window is ideal for true Banana Plants and the classic Bird of Paradise.
Bright, Indirect Light: This is the sweet spot for most alternatives. White Bird of Paradise, Traveler’s Palm, and Heliconia will do well here.
Medium to Low Light: The Philodendron ‘Hope’ is one of the most adaptable options for lower light conditions, though growth will be slower.

Consider Size and Growth Rate

Think about how much space you have, both now and in the future. Some of these plants are giants.

For Large Spaces: White Bird of Paradise, Giant Bird of Paradise, and Traveler’s Palm will eventually become indoor trees.
For Moderate Spaces: Dwarf Banana varieties and the Philodendron ‘Hope’ stay more manageable for years.
Fast Growers: Banana plants and Traveler’s Palm grow remarkably quickly, which can be rewarding but require more frequent care.

Evaluate Your Care Commitment

Be honest about how much time you want to spend on plant care.

Higher Maintenance: Banana Plants (need lots of water and fertilizer), Heliconia (need high humidity), Traveler’s Palm (needs constant moisture).
Moderate Maintenance: Both White and Orange Bird of Paradise plants fit here. They need regular care but are quite resilient.
Lower Maintenance: Philodendron ‘Hope’ is the most forgiving on this list, tolerating some neglect and variable humidity.

Care Guide for Tropical Foliage Plants

Once you’ve chosen your plant, proper care will keep it healthy and striking. These general guidelines apply to most of the alternatives mentioned.

Watering Practices

Overwatering is the most common cause of problems. The goal is to mimic a tropical environment, which isn’t constantly soggy.

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about 2 inches into the pot.
Water thoroughly when the top few inches feel dry. Pour water until it runs freely from the drainage holes.
Always empty the saucer after 15-20 minutes to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering frequency in the winter when plant growth slows down.

Light and Humidity Needs

These are tropical plants, after all. They thrive in bright, humid conditions.

Light: Rotate your plant a quarter turn every time you water to ensure even growth and prevent it from leaning toward the light.
Humidity: Group plants together, use a pebble tray filled with water, or run a humidifier nearby. Misting provides only a very temporary boost.
Cleaning Leaves: Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth every month or so. This removes dust so the plant can breathe and photosynthesize efficiently.

Soil and Fertilizing

The right foundation and food are key for supporting those big, beautiful leaves.

Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. You can add perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration for plants like Philodendrons.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Only move up one pot size (1-2 inches larger in diameter).

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to identify and fix common problems with these tropical plants.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips

This is almost always a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. It can also be caused by fluoride or salts in tap water.

Solution: Increase humidity around the plant. Use distilled or rainwater if your tap water is very hard. Ensure you are watering thoroughly, not just giving small sips.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can have a few causes. You need to play detective.

Older leaves yellowing: This is natural aging. Just prune them off at the base.
Many leaves yellowing, especially with wet soil: Likely overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings.
New leaves yellowing: Could be a nutrient deficiency or insufficient light.

Leggy Growth or Small Leaves

If your plant is stretching out with long spaces between leaves or producing smaller-than-usual leaves, it’s not getting enough light.

Solution: Gradually move the plant to a brighter location. Avoid sudden moves to direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Pests

Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can sometimes bother these plants. Early detection is easiest.

Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems regularly for tiny bugs or webbing.
Isolate the affected plant immediately.
Wipe leaves with a solution of mild soap and water or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, following the product instructions carefully.

Design Ideas with Tropical Foliage

These plants are natural focal points. Use them to create specific moods and styles in your home.

Creating a Focal Point

Place a single large specimen, like a White Bird of Paradise or a Traveler’s Palm, in an empty corner by a bright window. Use a simple, neutral pot to let the plant’s form be the star. This draws the eye and adds height to a room.

Building a Tropical Grouping

Cluster several plants with different leaf textures and heights together. For example, place a Bird of Paradise alternative in the back, a Philodendron ‘Hope’ in the middle, and some smaller ferns or peperomias in front. This creates a mini-jungle vignette that feels lush and full.

Using Repetition for Impact

For a modern, graphic look, use two or three identical plants of the same size and type. Line them up along a bright wall or place them symmetrically on either side of a doorway or sofa. The repetition of the bold leaf shape makes a strong design statement.

FAQ Section

What plant looks like a Bird of Paradise but is smaller?

The Philodendron ‘Hope’ is an excellent choice. It has large, dramatic leaves but grows in a more compact, shrub-like form than a Bird of Paradise, making it better for smaller spaces. Some dwarf Heliconia varieties can also work.

Are there any Bird of Paradise look-alikes for lower light?

Yes. While no tropical plant truly thrives in deep shade, the Philodendron ‘Hope’ is the most tolerant of lower light conditions on this list. It can adapt to medium indirect light better than a true Bird of Paradise can.

Which alternative is the easiest to care for?

The Philodendron ‘Hope’ is generally considered the most forgiving and low-maintenance option. It’s more drought-tolerant and adaptable to average home humidity than the others, which often demand more specific conditions.

Can I grow a Banana plant indoors like a Bird of Paradise?

You can, especially dwarf varieties. They need very bright light, ample water, and regular feeding to support their fast growth. Be prepared for a plant that may outgrow its space quicker than a Bird of Paradise would.

What is the difference between Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia alba?

They are very similar. The main differences are botanical and relate to their flowers and seed structures. For most indoor gardeners, they are virtually indistinguishable by foliage alone and are often sold under the same common names (White Bird of Paradise or Giant Bird of Paradise).

Adding plants with bold, tropical foliage is a fantastic way to change the feel of your home. By choosing from these great plants similar to Birds of Paradise, you can find the perfect match for your light, space, and care style. Each one brings its own unique character while delivering that dramatic, jungle-inspired look we all love. Start with one that fits your conditions, and enjoy the process of watching it grow into a stunning centerpiece for your room.