Question
I was given a mexican bird of paradise that is potted. Can it stay in the pot indoors or does it need to be transplanted outdoors?

Answer
Dear Jenn,

Yes it can be grown in a pot indoors but I would, if it were my plant, transplant it into my garden [if I had one!!] as they look gorgeous growing in large clumps.  

However if you want to keep it in indoors then it must be in a position where it gets plenty of light but not direct sunlight as it will dry out quickly.  It should initially be given a thorough watering and then rewatered when the surface soil is dry.  If it is a small plant which hasn't flowered yet [flowering can take between 3 and 4 years] then repot it each spring.  However, if it is a mature flowering plant then do not repot as root restriction is necessary for annual blooming.  

I do hope you manage to keep it growing well as it is a spectacular plant and will give you a lot of pleasure I am sure.

Diana