The more commonly seen bird of paradise, Strelitzia reginae, is a tropical plant with blue-green foliage and exotic orange, blue and white flowers that resemble birds. It is native to South Africa, trunkless and usually grows to 5 or so feet in height. It prefers a well-draining, fertile soil, moisture during the growing season and drier conditions while dormant. Give the plant sun to light shade. This bird of paradise will not bloom until it's mature and has formed a large clump, which may take five, eight or more years. Flowering mostly occurs fall to spring. To encourage flowering on mature plants, apply a low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Cool winter temperatures are said to help flowering once a plant is mature. Dense, crowded plants bloom best, and container plants flower best if somewhat root-bound. While S. reginae may survive a drop to the upper-20s, it's best to protect it during freezing weather.