How to Grow Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise ( Strelitzia reginae) is an exotic plant that is native to South Africa. Its name comes from its flowers that resemble a flying bird. The plant is a popular ornamental piece due to its attractiveness. However, certain conditions must be met in order for the plant to reach its maximum flowering capability. Learning how to grow Bird of Paradise properly will increase the beauty and health of your plants.
1-Find an ideal area to plant your Bird of Paradise plant that promotes growth.
You will want to grow your Bird of Paradise in a pot if you live in a climate that has temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees C). The plant can stay outside during warmer temperatures and be brought indoors when it is cooler.
A Bird of Paradise plant can withstand a salty breeze and is suitable for locations near the ocean.
Bird of Paradise plants do best in spots that receive full sun.
They prefer loamy soil that is rich and well-drained.
Test the soil and strive to maintain a pH of about 7.5.
2-Dig a hole with a shovel that is twice the diameter and as tall as the root ball on the Bird of Paradise plant.
Allow at least 6 feet (1.8 m) between each plant if you are planting multiple Birds of Paradise. Each plant will need adequate room to flower.
3-Saturate the plant with water before placing it into the hole or transplanting it into a pot.
4-Keep the soil moist during the initial stage before it becomes established.
Placing mulch around the base, but not around the stem, of the plant will help it retain moisture.
Watering the plant can be reduced once it is established--after about 6 months.
Allow the plant to dry out a little more during the fall and winter months and spray mist on its leaves.
5-Fertilize the plant with a 3:1:5 fertilizer or compost during the spring before it begins new growth.
Continue to fertilize the plant once per month during the summer.
6-Remove dead leaves and diminishing flowers from the plant to help reduce the chance of fungus.
Note
1-Find an ideal area to plant your Bird of Paradise plant that promotes growth.
You will want to grow your Bird of Paradise in a pot if you live in a climate that has temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees C). The plant can stay outside during warmer temperatures and be brought indoors when it is cooler.
A Bird of Paradise plant can withstand a salty breeze and is suitable for locations near the ocean.
Bird of Paradise plants do best in spots that receive full sun.
They prefer loamy soil that is rich and well-drained.
Test the soil and strive to maintain a pH of about 7.5.
2-Dig a hole with a shovel that is twice the diameter and as tall as the root ball on the Bird of Paradise plant.
Allow at least 6 feet (1.8 m) between each plant if you are planting multiple Birds of Paradise. Each plant will need adequate room to flower.
3-Saturate the plant with water before placing it into the hole or transplanting it into a pot.
4-Keep the soil moist during the initial stage before it becomes established.
Placing mulch around the base, but not around the stem, of the plant will help it retain moisture.
Watering the plant can be reduced once it is established--after about 6 months.
Allow the plant to dry out a little more during the fall and winter months and spray mist on its leaves.
5-Fertilize the plant with a 3:1:5 fertilizer or compost during the spring before it begins new growth.
Continue to fertilize the plant once per month during the summer.
6-Remove dead leaves and diminishing flowers from the plant to help reduce the chance of fungus.
Note
- A Bird of Paradise plant can be started from seeds. However, it can take up to 5 years before you will see flowering on your plant.
Warnings
- The seeds of the Bird of Paradise are toxic. They can cause abdominal pain and vomiting in children and dogs.
- Mulch against the stem of the plant will increase the chance of the Bird of Paradise getting stem rot. Stop the mulch 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the stem.
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