Alyssa, it will help us to advise you if you would fill in your profile with your location. Even growing indoors, the strength of the light through winter, and the humidity of the ambient air help determine how a plant will grow. How cool does your home get at night?
Birds of Paradise bloom best when they are somewhat crowded in their pot. Could you possibly post a picture of your plant? I think with only 8 leaves on the go at the moment, you may have more than a year or two before that plant will bloom.
If it's hot and humid in the summertime where you live, you should definitely get that plant outside as soon as it's above about 55 at night, and keep it out all summer. Lots of water and fertilizer will help it put on leaves fast and furiously in the summer. I amend all my potted plants' soil with alfalfa pellets but you won't want the smell of them indoors, so if you can get some when it's time to put the plant outside, that will give it a nice jump start and a good dose of slow-release nitrogen to begin its summer growth. Then a balanced pelleted slow-release fertilizer will carry it nicely through its maximum growth period.
As far as light goes, BOP's grow here (FL) in full sun, but in California where the humidity is lower and temps higher, I'm sure Philip is right that they'd like some shade in the afternoons. Again, please tell us where you are?
