From this ultimate guide on how to grow & care bird of paradise plant, learn growing season, soil, potting mix, sunlight, watering, fertilizers, etc. to take well care of your plant.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) also known as crane flower is a popular ornamental houseplant. This plant is native to South Africa, hence grows best tropical climate. Due to resemblance of its flower to the birds of paradise, this plant was named bird of paradise. However in South Africa, it is popular as crane flower.
It is also the floral emblem of Los Angeles city. You will be surprised to know that one of its species, i.e., Strelitzia nicolai can grow up to 33 feet tall, but generally other species can grow up to 10 feet tall. S.reginae & S.nicolai are also the popular species that you cam keep indoors.
There are total five recognized species of this genus. And you will love to grow anyone among them after reading this care guide.
Bird Of Paradise Plant Care Guide
Growing Season: Tropical to sub-tropical climate is ideal for bird of paradise. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Temperature: 180 Celsius to 30o degree Celsius is the ideal temperature range to grow this beautiful plant.
Soil & Potting Mix: Well drained, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter is best for them. Prepare potting mix with 30% garden soil+ 30% cocopeat + 10% river sand + 30% organic compost.
Sunlight: You can grow outdoors as well as indoors. For best growth keep them under bright indirect to direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid keeping them under low light conditions.
Watering: Apply water only when top layer of soil becomes dry, watering once a week is good for this plant if day temperature is not higher than 32o Celsius.
Fertilizers: Once after 14 days, you can fertilize with two handful of well decomposed cow dung manure + one teaspoon bone-meal. During flowering phase you can also add onion peel fertilizer. But avoid fertilizing during harsh cold winters.
Pruning: Time to time pruning of old leaves, flowers and branches helps to keep plant healthy.
Repotting: For 3 to 4 feet high plant 10 inch pot is good, but for 5 to 6 feet tall plant , pot size must be at least 14 inches. However root bounding promotes blooming, so you can repot once your plant has completed blooming in a season.
Pests & Diseases: Pests such as aphids, white flies, thrips can cause harm to your plant. Also protect your plant from diseases such as gray mold, etc.
Bird Of Paradise Propagation
By Division: With the help of shovel or sharp knife, take out underground rhizome or new growth along with roots. Plant them in new pots filled with potting mix.
By Seeds: Soak seeds in water for 48 hours, weaken the seed coat by scraping with a knife. Sow seeds at 1 inches depth & 3 inches apart from each other. Keep growing medium little moist and under indirect sunlight. Seeds will take about 2 months to germinate.
Bird Of Paradise Plant Images
These pictures have been captured by curators around the world. You can watch them & appreciate the beauty of this flower.
FAQ’s On Bird Of Paradise
When do bird of paradise bloom?
Bird of paradise bloom from September to May. Under low light condition they fail to bloom, therefore at least 5 to 6 hours of bright sunlight daily is necessary to promote blooming. If you have propagated from seed then it will take around 3 to 5 years to start blooming.
Where to buy bird of paradise?
You can visit local nursery, if they are not available there then you can easily find them on online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Ugaoo, etc.
Are bird of paradise toxic?
Yes they are moderately toxic to pets and minimally toxic to humans. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
where are birds of paradise found?
They are commonly found in tropical regions and are native to Sothern Africa.
Can I repot a bird of paradise when blooming?
Avoid repotting when the plant is in blooming phase, once it stops blooming, then you can start repotting.
Can you plant orange and white bird of paradise together in same container?
Yes, the plant can survive together but make sure to avoid overcrowding in the container.
Where can I purchase bird of paradise bulbs?
There are lot of verified seller on Amazon and Flipkart selling bulbs of bird of paradise, you can purchase from them.
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