How to Grow and Care for Bird of Paradise

Although the bird of paradise [1] usually blooms in the late winter or early spring, it can bloom at other times of the year if the right circumstances are present. These plants have no trunk and grow with upright leaves that emerge from the ground. When exposed to windy circumstances or brushed against in a crowded hallway, the huge leaves, which are 12 to 18 inches long, may split. Strelitzia is toxic to cats and dogs.

Common Name	Bird of Paradise Flower, Bird's Tongue Flower, Crane Flower
Botanical Name	Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai
Family	Strelitziaceae
Plant Type	Houseplant
Sun Exposure	Full to partial
Dimensions	Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Soil pH	Slightly acidic
Soil Type	Loamy
Fruit Type	Capsule
Flower Color	Orange or white
Toxicity	Toxic to pets

Bird of paradise plants are exotic flowering plants that belong to two different genera: Strelitzia and Caesalpinia. Both genera have species that are commonly known as bird of paradise, but they have different characteristics and growing requirements. Here are some of the types of bird of paradise plants:

• Strelitzia reginae: This is the most common and well-known type of bird of paradise plant. It has long, banana-like leaves and orange and blue flowers that resemble the head and beak of a tropical bird. It is native to South Africa and can grow up to 6 feet tall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining, loamy soil.

• Strelitzia alba: This is one of the tree-like species of Strelitzia, along with S. nicolai and S. caudata. It can reach up to 30 feet tall and has white flowers with black beaks. It is found in coastal areas of the western Cape region of South Africa and in Madagascar. It needs a lot of light and humidity to thrive.

• Strelitzia caudata: This is another tree-like species of Strelitzia that grows in the mountains of southern Africa. It has black-beaked, white-tufted flowers and leaves that resemble those of a traveler's palm. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and likes a sunny, warm and dry climate.

• Strelitzia juncea: This is a smaller species of Strelitzia that has reed-like leaves instead of banana-shaped ones. It has orange and blue flowers that are slightly smaller than those of S. reginae. It grows up to 6 feet tall and makes a lovely cut flower or border plant. It is native to South Africa and likes full sun and well-draining soil.

• Caesalpinia gilliesii: This is a type of bird of paradise plant from the genus Caesalpinia, which belongs to the pea family. It is also known as the yellow bird of paradise or the desert bird of paradise. It has feathery, green leaves and yellow flowers with long red stamens. It is native to Argentina and Uruguay and can grow up to 10 feet tall. It is drought-tolerant and likes full sun and sandy soil.

Strelitzia are attractive plants that can be cultivated effectively inside, but their major problem is their size—they can reach heights of 5 to 6 feet. Before flowering, these plants need three to five years to reach maturity. In warm climes, they thrive as specimen plants or in bulk plantings outside where their flowers tower over the foliage in stunning displays.

Temperature and Humidity

The Bird of Paradise thrives in humid environments. If the surrounding air is dry, a spray bottle can be used to mist the plant. The air temperature should be kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. It is not cold-tolerant and recovers slowly from frost damage.

Soil

It is best to use a rich and well-draining potting mix or a compost mixture for potted plants. If you're using a pot, make sure it has enough drainage holes to allow water to flow through the soil and out.

Water regularly throughout the year to keep the soil moist without overwatering and causing waterlogging. Water it daily during the spring and summer months due to moisture loss.

Water

Water regularly throughout the year to keep the soil moist without overwatering and causing waterlogging. Water it daily during the spring and summer months due to moisture loss through the large leaves.

Water it until the water drains through the drainage holes, but do not allow it to sit in a pool of water. Overwatering can cause crunchy brown leaves, while underwatering can cause yellowing of the leaves farthest from the center.

Fertilizer

This plant requires a lot of food. In the spring, apply slow-release pellets or liquid fertilizer weekly during the growing season.

Light

This plant requires bright light with some direct sunlight to bloom properly. During the summer, however, it should be protected from direct midday sun, which can burn younger leaves [2]. It is best to place the plant in a room with east or west facing windows and avoid windows facing north.

When growing strelitzia from seeds, be patient. The seeds may not germinate for two months. Before planting, soak seeds in water at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours. Eliminate any stringy orange material. With a knife or nail file, nick the seed. Place the seed at least 3 inches from other seeds in a well-draining potting mix, about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Put the container in a warm, shaded area that gets some indirect sunlight (at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Maintain a cloche or plastic wrap covering over the soil, keeping it damp but not drenched. Transplant the seedling into a 6-inch container as soon as it sprouts and has two to three leaves. Your plant is prepared for a more permanent home after it is 6 inches tall.

A plant called a bird of paradise grows quickly and must get to a certain size before it can bloom. In a 10-inch pot, a bird of paradise that is three to four feet tall thrives. In a 14-inch pot, a 5- to 6-foot plant often grows well. Every spring, repot it into a pot that is one size larger.

Allow it to be pot-bound once it reaches maturity so that it will bloom. When it has reached maturity or blossomed at least once, you can divide it, but you should only do so occasionally because dense clumps bear the most blooms. The blooming cycle is broken by repotting.

Keep an eye out for whiteflies, scale, and aphids on the plant [3]. If you spot them, use insecticidal soap on the undersides of the leaves to control them. Also effective is a systemic pesticide. The plant will spread a systemic pesticide from the roots to the leaves and blooms if you use it. Additionally sensitive to Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) [4], bird of paradise. Dark patches will appear on affected flowers and leaves, followed by a covering of gray mold. Remove the plant's impacted areas and give them time to air out.

Are birds of paradise easy to care for?

Strelitzia is a low-maintenance plant, but it does need regular feeding and watering. It's one of the less difficult to maintain tropical or subtropical species with relatively few pest issues.

What is the growth rate of bird of paradise?

Slow-growing strelitzia can take up to five years to reach maturity and bloom.

What distinguishes the birds of paradise plants Caesalpinia from Strelitzia?

Despite sharing the name "birds of paradise," these two plants are substantially dissimilar. Warm, humid environments are ideal for strelitzia. Caesalpinia, on the other hand, prefers arid, hot environments since it does not enjoy humidity.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Birds of paradise | Papua New Guinea - State Library of NSW

2. Bird Of Paradise - Arizona State University.

3. Managing Pests in Gardens: Bird of paradise, Giant bird of paradise—Strelitzia spp - University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

4. Botrytis cinerea: the cause of grey mould disease - National Institutes of Health