How To Grow Bird Of Paradise - Bird of Paradise Growing Tips
The Bird of paradise plant commonly known as the crane flower is a species of flowering ornamental plant indigenous to South Africa. An evergreen perennial, it is widely cultivated for its wonderful looking flowers. In hot and sunny areas it is a very popular houseplant.
The scientific name of Bird of Paradise Plant is Strelitzia Reginae.
Bird of Paradise is a very popular as an ornamental plant around the world. In 1773 It was first grown at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Britain.
Since then, it has been widely introduced around the world by the British, including the Americas,Australia and Asia. Bird of Paradise plant grow well in any area that is sunny and warm.
Bird of Paradise is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in the garden. Bird of Paradise is a very tolerant plant towards soil conditions and it needs very less amount of water once established or started growing.
If cared for well, Bird of Paradise will flower several times in a year. They will thrive in rich loamy soil, especially when they get plenty of water throughout the year.
Bird of Paradise plant do well in full sun to semi-shade and respond well to regular feeding with a controlled release fertilizer ( NPK 20:20:20 ) and Vermi compost. They are sensitive to cold and need to be sheltered from frost if you are growing them in colder places, as it can damage the flowers and leaves or the whole plant.
Bird of Paradise is slow-growing and will not bloom until three to five years have passed since germination ,though it can exceptionally flower at two years if the plant is grown from healthy rhizomes from mother plant.
The scientific name of Bird of Paradise Plant is Strelitzia Reginae.
Bird of Paradise is a very popular as an ornamental plant around the world. In 1773 It was first grown at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Britain.
Since then, it has been widely introduced around the world by the British, including the Americas,Australia and Asia. Bird of Paradise plant grow well in any area that is sunny and warm.
If cared for well, Bird of Paradise will flower several times in a year. They will thrive in rich loamy soil, especially when they get plenty of water throughout the year.
Bird of Paradise plant do well in full sun to semi-shade and respond well to regular feeding with a controlled release fertilizer ( NPK 20:20:20 ) and Vermi compost. They are sensitive to cold and need to be sheltered from frost if you are growing them in colder places, as it can damage the flowers and leaves or the whole plant.
Bird of Paradise is slow-growing and will not bloom until three to five years have passed since germination ,though it can exceptionally flower at two years if the plant is grown from healthy rhizomes from mother plant.
Sure to attract everyone's attention when it blooms, the Bird of Paradise plant is one of the most spectacular flowering plants that can be grown in the home. It may be slow growing, but its needs are very simple and less tiring as a gardener.
Once the plant is mature enough to bloom, you'll be amazed as its flowers emerge, looking just like an exotic bird with orange and purple plumage. Even when this plant isn't in bloom, it offers very attractive foliage that resemble those of a banana plant.
The Bird of Paradise plant, Strelitzia Reginae, is native to subtropical areas of South Africa. For years, it was considered a collector's plant because it was difficult to find a nice specimen. With modern growing practices,Bird of Paradise plants are available more often, but are still much prized.
REMEMBER
Bird of Paradise begin to bloom when they are 4-5 years old and live on for years and years. When selecting a bird of paradise plant, look for a full, healthy-looking plant with lots of new growth. Plants that are slightly crowded in their pots will bloom better.
Once the plant is mature enough to bloom, you'll be amazed as its flowers emerge, looking just like an exotic bird with orange and purple plumage. Even when this plant isn't in bloom, it offers very attractive foliage that resemble those of a banana plant.
The Bird of Paradise plant, Strelitzia Reginae, is native to subtropical areas of South Africa. For years, it was considered a collector's plant because it was difficult to find a nice specimen. With modern growing practices,Bird of Paradise plants are available more often, but are still much prized.
REMEMBER
Bird of Paradise begin to bloom when they are 4-5 years old and live on for years and years. When selecting a bird of paradise plant, look for a full, healthy-looking plant with lots of new growth. Plants that are slightly crowded in their pots will bloom better.
How to Grow Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise mainly grows from their rhizomes, a mature Bird of Paradise plant has many healthy rhizomes growing in the soil, so in a small scale level Bird of Paradise plantation can be propagated from few mother plant's rhizomes only.
Now a days many commercial venture started propagating Bird of Paradise plants using laboratory based tissue culture techniques.
As scientists are innovating and introducing many new high yielding hybrid cultivar of Bird of Paradise every year for commercial ventures, as Bird of Paradise plants has earned a huge fame for their wonderful cut flowers around the globe.
Choosing a planting position
Bird of Paradise need lots of light and will even do well with full sun if they have been introduced to it slowly. Provided sufficient light indoors during the short day, dark winter by locating them in the sunniest window and giving them supplemental artificial light if possible.
Bird of Paradise plants like warm and tropical weather, it thrives well in warm and humid places around the world.
Bird of Paradise plants can tolerate a bit of water logging in the growing area, but if the water logging is frequent and the duration is long then it might initiate root rotting and infection of the rhizomes which eventually will end up killing the plant.
So while planting choose a higher ground or sloppy terrain with moderate drainage system.
Soil Preparation
Bird of Paradise will thrive in almost any soil conditions so long as the soil is well drained. Heavy soil will need improvement with compost,cow dung, well rotted manure or even gravel, you can add clay balls or Hydrotons, Vermiculite and Perlite when preparing soil for your Bird of Paradise.
A very sandy soil will need repeated watering in the first summer and will benefit from the addition of organic matter and heavy compost. Bird of paradise can be grown in a pot – a size 24 inch diameter would be fine.
Use a good quality peat based compost ( add one part soil / sand/ clay balls/coco peat/vermiculite/perlite/ cow dung/ vermi compost/ leaf mould ) , and feed once per week with a general plant liquid feed or water soluble NPK ( 20:20:20) once the first flower buds form.
Planting Alstroemerias
Dig the planting area well to a depth of about 1.5 feet adding 150-250 grams per square meter of organic fertilizers (Vermi Compost, Cow dung, leaf mould etc.).
Before planting, water the plant well in its pot or seedling bag or you can directly plant the Bird of Paradise rhizomes in the prepared soil also.
Plant with the compost level about 15 cm below soil level, firm in and water. Do not miss out watering regularly if planting during a dry spell.
Mulching with 5 cm of compost or paddy straw is a good idea as this will help to retain moisture and keep the rhizome cool in summer (warm, dry conditions at root level will lead to a reduction in flowering).
Thereafter, each spring feed with a handful of general fertilizer per plant like micro fertilizers / NPK etc as Bird of Paradise like regular fertilizers in a controlled fashion.
Bird of Paradise need lots of light and will even do well with full sun if they have been introduced to it slowly. Provided sufficient light indoors during the short day, dark winter by locating them in the sunniest window and giving them supplemental artificial light if possible.
Bird of Paradise plants can tolerate a bit of water logging in the growing area, but if the water logging is frequent and the duration is long then it might initiate root rotting and infection of the rhizomes which eventually will end up killing the plant.
So while planting choose a higher ground or sloppy terrain with moderate drainage system.
Soil Preparation
Bird of Paradise will thrive in almost any soil conditions so long as the soil is well drained. Heavy soil will need improvement with compost,cow dung, well rotted manure or even gravel, you can add clay balls or Hydrotons, Vermiculite and Perlite when preparing soil for your Bird of Paradise.
A very sandy soil will need repeated watering in the first summer and will benefit from the addition of organic matter and heavy compost. Bird of paradise can be grown in a pot – a size 24 inch diameter would be fine.
Use a good quality peat based compost ( add one part soil / sand/ clay balls/coco peat/vermiculite/perlite/ cow dung/ vermi compost/ leaf mould ) , and feed once per week with a general plant liquid feed or water soluble NPK ( 20:20:20) once the first flower buds form.
Planting Alstroemerias
Dig the planting area well to a depth of about 1.5 feet adding 150-250 grams per square meter of organic fertilizers (Vermi Compost, Cow dung, leaf mould etc.).
Before planting, water the plant well in its pot or seedling bag or you can directly plant the Bird of Paradise rhizomes in the prepared soil also.
Plant with the compost level about 15 cm below soil level, firm in and water. Do not miss out watering regularly if planting during a dry spell.
Mulching with 5 cm of compost or paddy straw is a good idea as this will help to retain moisture and keep the rhizome cool in summer (warm, dry conditions at root level will lead to a reduction in flowering).
Thereafter, each spring feed with a handful of general fertilizer per plant like micro fertilizers / NPK etc as Bird of Paradise like regular fertilizers in a controlled fashion.
How much water do they need?
The soil should be kept moist all spring and summer but should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering in the fall and winter.
The soil should be kept moist all spring and summer but should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering in the fall and winter.
Do they have any special temperature requirements?
Average indoor temperatures are fine. Try to avoid temperatures below 5 degree and above 45 degree centigrade.
Average indoor temperatures are fine. Try to avoid temperatures below 5 degree and above 45 degree centigrade.
Does a bird of paradise need much humidity?
They like high humidity during the growing season. Spray them every day in the summer but cut back to just once or twice a week in the winter.
They like high humidity during the growing season. Spray them every day in the summer but cut back to just once or twice a week in the winter.
How much fertilizer do they require?
Feed your bird of paradise every other week during spring and summer and once a month in fall and winter with a liquid such as liquid Instant Plant Food or a water-soluble fertilizer such as bloom booster.
Feed your bird of paradise every other week during spring and summer and once a month in fall and winter with a liquid such as liquid Instant Plant Food or a water-soluble fertilizer such as bloom booster.
What type of soil do they prefer?
A quality peat-based potting soil such as rich in organic compost is perfect for this plant.
A quality peat-based potting soil such as rich in organic compost is perfect for this plant.
When should I repot my bird of paradise?
When they are young and actively growing, repot every spring so they will have plenty of room. As they reach 4 or 5 years old, just replace the top soil every year or so. They will perform best if they remain root-bound.
When they are young and actively growing, repot every spring so they will have plenty of room. As they reach 4 or 5 years old, just replace the top soil every year or so. They will perform best if they remain root-bound.
Will they need any grooming?
Their large leaves tend to collect some dust. Simply wipe them off with a soft cloth or simply use organic plant shampoo. The leaves naturally have a flat, matte finish that you shouldn't try to wipe off. Do not use any leaf shine products.
Their large leaves tend to collect some dust. Simply wipe them off with a soft cloth or simply use organic plant shampoo. The leaves naturally have a flat, matte finish that you shouldn't try to wipe off. Do not use any leaf shine products.
How are they propagated?
As Bird of Paradise mature (and have bloomed for a year or two), they can be carefully divided. Keep in mind that this will keep the plant from blooming again for several years. They are also propagated from seed which takes 5 to 7 year to flower as per the growing conditions.
As Bird of Paradise mature (and have bloomed for a year or two), they can be carefully divided. Keep in mind that this will keep the plant from blooming again for several years. They are also propagated from seed which takes 5 to 7 year to flower as per the growing conditions.
Troubleshooting Problems with Bird of Paradise
Why won't my plant bloom?
The most common reason a Bird of Paradise won't bloom is that it is too young. It also needs to be crowded in its pot, so don't repot it after it is 4-5 years old. If the plant is mature and pot-bound and still fails to bloom, try using a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and micro nutrients fertilizer.It may also be suffering from too little light. almost full sun is required for blooming.
Are Your Plants Leaf Tips Turning Brown?
A common problem with Bird of Paradise and almost all indoor houseplants is what we call “tipping” or simply the tips of the leaves drying out and turning brown. This can be caused by a number of factors including over-watering, chemical burn from too much fertilizer, Root rot and dry stagnant air.
Probably the most common reason your plant is tipping could be in the tap water. Tap water contains salts, chlorine, minerals and fluoride – all of which can build up in the soil of your plant causing the tips of the leaves to burn and turn brown.
One way you can reduce this is to use a water filtration system or simply use charcoal in the potting soil. If you do not have a filtration system available, leaving the water in an open container overnight before using can help relieve some of the chlorine which is not proven.
The most common reason a Bird of Paradise won't bloom is that it is too young. It also needs to be crowded in its pot, so don't repot it after it is 4-5 years old. If the plant is mature and pot-bound and still fails to bloom, try using a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and micro nutrients fertilizer.It may also be suffering from too little light. almost full sun is required for blooming.
Are Your Plants Leaf Tips Turning Brown?
A common problem with Bird of Paradise and almost all indoor houseplants is what we call “tipping” or simply the tips of the leaves drying out and turning brown. This can be caused by a number of factors including over-watering, chemical burn from too much fertilizer, Root rot and dry stagnant air.
Probably the most common reason your plant is tipping could be in the tap water. Tap water contains salts, chlorine, minerals and fluoride – all of which can build up in the soil of your plant causing the tips of the leaves to burn and turn brown.
One way you can reduce this is to use a water filtration system or simply use charcoal in the potting soil. If you do not have a filtration system available, leaving the water in an open container overnight before using can help relieve some of the chlorine which is not proven.
What causes some of the leaves to dry out?
If the Bird of Paradise plant is kept too dry or the humidity is too low, it may develop a few brown, dry leaves. Simply correct the situation and cut out the dry leaf.
If the Bird of Paradise plant is kept too dry or the humidity is too low, it may develop a few brown, dry leaves. Simply correct the situation and cut out the dry leaf.
Occasionally, a leaf will curl up. Why?
If the Bird of Paradise leaf turns black and curls, the plant is probably being kept too cold. Make sure it isn't too close to a cold window. If the leaves stay green, but curl up, that is a response to too little light.
If the Bird of Paradise leaf turns black and curls, the plant is probably being kept too cold. Make sure it isn't too close to a cold window. If the leaves stay green, but curl up, that is a response to too little light.
If the leaves seem to be rotting off at the base, what is the cause?
The Bird of Paradise plant is being kept too wet and the soil drainage needs improvement. Be sure the plant is allowed to dry out a little between watering in the winter and don't allow it to sit in a saucer of water. Also check that the pot's drainage hole is not blocked and working properly.
The Bird of Paradise plant is being kept too wet and the soil drainage needs improvement. Be sure the plant is allowed to dry out a little between watering in the winter and don't allow it to sit in a saucer of water. Also check that the pot's drainage hole is not blocked and working properly.
Do Birds of Paradise have problems with insects?
Bird of Paradise will occasionally have a problem with scale. Watch for small, brown scales, usually on the underside of the leaves or along the stems. If you see white, fuzzy patches on the leaves, this is mealy bug. Use any insecticides available in your area or try to make some home made organic insecticides. In most cases, a simple treatment of insecticidal soap or a solution of rubbing alcohol and water will do the trick.
Bird of Paradise will occasionally have a problem with scale. Watch for small, brown scales, usually on the underside of the leaves or along the stems. If you see white, fuzzy patches on the leaves, this is mealy bug. Use any insecticides available in your area or try to make some home made organic insecticides. In most cases, a simple treatment of insecticidal soap or a solution of rubbing alcohol and water will do the trick.
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