Good drainage is key to the health of bird of paradise. Since birds of paradise are tropical plants, it’s no surprise that they enjoy bright sunlight. By Shala Munroe The bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a colorful tropical plant that grows best in warm, humid conditions, but it's surprisingly hardy in lower temperature ranges. Put container plants outside in summer but bring them indoors when fall arrives. White Bird of Paradise needs plenty of room to grow and develop. Bird Of Paradise Plant Care In Southern California this plant, with its bright, bold and easily recognizable flowers, is ubiquitous. Mealybugs, scale and spider mites are the most common problems with bird of paradise plants. This plant likes to be crowded. The plants can be heavily damaged when temperatures dip below 24 Fahrenheit (-4 C.). Bird of Paradise Care. The only exception is if it’s very hot, such as in a sun room; in that case, bright, indirect light is best. Indigo Plant Varieties: Learn About Different Indigo Plants, Bird Of Paradise Pruning Tips: How To Trim A Bird Of Paradise Plant, Indoor Maidenhair Fern Care – Growing A Maidenhair Fern As A Houseplant, Growing Indoor Calla Lilies – Care For Calla Lilies In The Home, Jade Plant Look Wrinkled – Reasons For Wrinkled Jade Leaves, Types Of Bark Mulch: Tips For Using Wood Mulch In Gardens, What Is An Osiria Rose: Tips For Gardening With Osiria Roses, Plants That Grow In Cold Weather: Spring Planting Cold Season Crops, Crepe Myrtle Root System: Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive, Dream Garden Improvement - Back To Nature, Propagating Houseplants 101: Tips For Propagating Plants, Sprengeri Fern Plant: Growing Houseplants As Family Heirlooms. Strelitzia reginae, also known as crane flower, is native to South Africa and derives its name from the unusual flowers, which resemble brightly colored birds in flight. Answer: Growing good bird of paradise displays takes a long-term investment of time. Bird of paradise care is not difficult, but the plants do need certain cultural conditions. The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) boasts a stunning display of large tropical leaves that in the wilds of southern Africa can reach up to 20' tall!In human spaces, they're more likely to stand anywhere from 3’- 8’ tall, but still rank among most houseplant fans' favorites due to the remarkable size of their rich foliage. Keep this in mind when choosing the best spot for this plant in your garden or home. In warm climates, the plant grows and flowers best in partial shade. Some say blossoms of the bird of paradise plant resemble the heads of tropical birds, but others say they look like brightly colored birds in full flight. The uniquely shaped flowers are said to look like a bird in flight, and make long-lasting cut flowers. With a little care, even cool region gardeners can enjoy the eye-popping blooms and tropical foliage of this plant. Bird of paradise grows best in rich, moist soil that has been amended with plenty of compost so that it drains well. Most need a minimum of three years of good care to come into bloom. I can grow 7-8 feet tall and will add beautiful full, green look to your home. There are shrubs and then there’s the Mexican Bird of Paradise shrub. Gardeners are particularly interested in the brilliantly hued flowers, each with three bright orange bracts and three indigo petals. The waxy, gray-green leaves get some 18 inches (45.5 cm.) What you need to know about bird of paradise Name: bird of paradise, strelitzia , crane flower, bird’s tongue flower (Strelitzia reginae) Plant type: evergreen, forms a trunkless clump Height: to around 1.2m tall by 2–3m wide with age Foliage: similar to a small banana leaf but on a stem, very rigid, green to grey-blue. long and resemble banana leaves. Place your indoor bird of paradise in a spot where it will get the most light. The bird of paradise plant is very popular in outdoor landscape decorating because it requires a large space in order to mature in its maximum size. One of the most spectacular and impactful flowering plants for tropical to semi-tropical zones is Strelitzia bird of paradise. Tight quarters. Repot it every spring into a somewhat larger pot. Growing bird of paradise outside is only possible if you live in USDA zones 9 through 12. Most flowers grow on outer sections of the clumps. You can prune it to make it a shrub or let it grow into a small tree. I have a large flat deep green oval leaves similar to banana trees. They are also known as lobster-claw―because they look like them, false bird-of-paradise―because they resemble the flowers known as the bird of paradise, and wild plantain. Leaf Curl On Bird Of Paradise Plants: Why Do Bird Of Paradise Leaves Curl? Divide in-ground plants every 5 years. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. During the growing season, optimal temperatures are 65-70 Fahrenheit (18-21 C.) during the day and 50 F. (10 C.) at night. Artificial Silk Bird of Paradise Palm Tree Potted Plant Fake Tropical Palm Tree for Indoor Outdoor, Home Garden Office Decor,2 Pack 4.3 out of 5 stars 216 $119.99 $ 119 . Plant in a good potting soil that drains well. Bird of Paradise can be sensitive to hard tap water. Use a horticultural oil spray or systemic insecticide. Sunbirds, primarily the Cape Weaver, are the birds that pollinate the plants. To avoid wet feet, allow the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Bird of paradise can also be propagated from seed; however, blooming will not begin for at least five years. A mature bird-of-paradise may have a very extensive root and rhizome system, and it can be strong enough to crack shallow walls and sidewalks. If you want bird of paradise flowers, continue reading for tips on growing these unique beauties. Water under the leaves or when the foliage can dry before nightfall. Plant Care 101: Bird of Paradise | Strelizia Nicolai - YouTube Note: Dogs also enjoy nibbling on these plants, but the seeds are toxic, causing abdominal pain and vomiting so beware of this if you have pets. If you are looking for numerous flowers and shorter stems on your bird of paradise plants, try growing bird of paradise outside in full sun. Leaves of a white bird of paradise can become chewed up from wind damage, making the plant unattractive. Sign up for our newsletter. However, keeping the bird of paradise plant indoor has become more popular in the last 30 years, and the care for it is most essential. In pots, skip repotting and let stems multiply. I believe it is getting better, but I'm still not pleased with how it's growing. It is relatively hardy and adapts to a wide spectrum of light conditions from direct sun to … However, northern gardeners don’t despair. Welcome To Bird Of Paradise Landscaping. Bird of paradise plants are pollinated by birds, not insects. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a striking tropical plant known for its eye-catching orange and blue flowers. The plant needs warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to produce the characteristic blooms. If you're planting bird of paradise outdoors, till the soil in your planting bed to a depth of 12 inches (30.5 cm). Grow bird of paradise plants in well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny or partially sunny location. Bird of paradise is a tropical plant, thriving with high humidity. Bird of paradise flowers need a lot of food to develop. A 5- to 6-foot plant usually thrives in a 14-inch pot. Feed the plant in early spring every 2 weeks and once per month in summer with a soluble plant food. My botanical name is Strelitzia nicolai but I am more commonly known as White Bird of Paradise. When it arrived some of the leaves was already browning at the end. It blooms most profusely when in full sun, but indoor plants should be slightly away from southern windows to avoid burning. I am a new plant lover and want to learn how to care and understand my bird of paradise. The care factors for growing the white bird of paradise plant whether indoors or outdoors are similar. Avoid overwatering, which can cause several root rots. Remove spent flowers as they appear. Container and in-ground plants have the same pest and disease issues. Bird of Paradise. Reduce watering by half in winter. Wipe or hose off the leaves to remove dust. Outdoors, bird of paradise grows well in either full sun, with six to eight hours of direct sunlight, or in partial shade. The Bird of Paradise is considered the queen of the indoor plant world. Our expert team provides outstanding landscaping services. During the winter months, the plant will go semi-dormant, and less frequent watering is required. Strelitzia bird of paradise needs rich soil that is well draining. Outdoor bird of paradise plants need sufficient water to keep their soil moist all summer long, but less in the winter months. Do not plant bird of paradise too deeply in the pot. Also, plants grown outdoors in desert climates should be planted in a partial shade situation. Some say the blossoms of the bird of paradise plant resemble the heads of tropical birds, but others say they look like brightly colored birds in full flight. What Are The Different Types Of Bird Of Paradise Plants, Feeding Bird Of Paradise Plants – How To Fertilize Bird Of Paradise Plants, Bird Of Paradise As A Houseplant – Keeping A Bird Of Paradise Inside, Indoor Maidenhair Fern Care – Growing A Maidenhair Fern As A Houseplant, Growing Indoor Calla Lilies – Care For Calla Lilies In The Home, Jade Plant Look Wrinkled – Reasons For Wrinkled Jade Leaves, Exotic Showstoppers: Beautiful Succulents, Plants With Colorful Foliage: Adding Indoor Color With Foliage Plants For The Home, Dream Garden Improvement - Back To Nature, Propagating Houseplants 101: Tips For Propagating Plants, Sprengeri Fern Plant: Growing Houseplants As Family Heirlooms. There are several species of Strelizia, many of which are monster plants, so check the mature size and leave plenty of room for it to grow. You can grow this plant in a garden or near a poolside. The best bird of paradise growing conditions include fertile soil rich in organic content that drains well. The plant produces flowers all year long in tropical climates. Bird of paradise can also be propagated from seed; however, blooming will not begin for at least five years. In colder zones, the plant may survive but developing flower buds may be damaged. When the birds land on it, the petals open and the birds’ feet are covered with pollen which fertilizes the next flower that the bird lands on. Read more articles about Bird Of Paradise. The spathe provides a sturdy perch for the sunbirds. The flowers appear after few years of growth. This large, upright plant adds a rich, tropical flair to your space as its glossy, banana-shaped leaves fan out. The plant can be grown in a container. Read on to learn how to take care of birds of paradise in the garden. When it is time to repot, about every 3 years in spring, only increase the pot size if the roots are extremely cramped. Bird of Paradise Plant Care: In Southern California this plant, with its bright, bold and easily recognizable flowers, is ubiquitous. To increase humidity, run a humidifier, mist your plant every other day, or place it on a saucer of pebbles with a little water added. When the clump has five or more stalks, dig it up in the spring and separate the root into one-stalk sections. Heliconias are known for their bright and vibrant colors, and are every gardener’s favorite choice when it comes to landscaping! Bird of paradise can be grown indoors in areas where the temperature drops below 50 degrees F. Plant in a container and bring inside during the winter months. They are hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11, but cooler regions can use them in containers outdoors in summer and move them inside as cooler temps arrive. Humidity: Normal room humidity will … Remove any broken or dead leaves as they occur. The plant makes an attractive addition to the backyard garden in these zones and can be used as the focal point in a floral planting. Step 1. Feeding. The banana-like, evergreen leaves create a lush backdrop. Bark mulch, grass clippings, straw, pine needles, wood chips and leaves can all be used as mulch for birds of paradise. Regardless, ideal bird of paradise growing conditions both indoors and out remain the same: bright light, well-drained soil, and adequate water through the growing season. Our landscaping company is based out of Loveland, serving all of Northern Colorado and our local front range cities. Table of Contents [ show] Because it's a clumping plant that grows multiple stems, you can cut down some of the stalks without hurting the plant. Try using filtered water or leaving water out overnight before using. The most common diseases are fungus based. In outdoor settings, plant bird-of-paradise at least 6 feet from a building foundation or ornamental structure. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It’s found growing alongside sidewalks and the streets, by the sea, poolside, in parking strips, in container plantings as well as in lots and lots of gardens. In these growing zones, you can propagate outdoor bird of paradise plants by division. Strelitzia prefer warm temperatures and sheltered areas that don’t get cold. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Divide in-ground plants every 5 years. Read on to learn how to take care of birds of paradise in the garden. The growing conditions for bird of paradise, particularly the temperature range, are very specific. Organize your planting to allow sufficient flowering room by spacing your outdoor bird of paradise plants about 6 feet (2 m.) apart. Most need a … Try to place it in an area protected from strong winds. Read more articles about Bird Of Paradise. In the landscape it forms a thick shrub. I am native to South Africa but I was grown in Florida and am so happy to be going to my new home. Bird of paradise plants won’t tolerate oversaturated soil, so you’ll need to take care with your watering. It is these blossoms that give the plant its common name. Remove spent flowers as they appear. How to Grow and Care for Bird of Paradise in Containers. How to care for a Bird of Paradise outside. While it resembles a miniature tree growing as high as 15 feet and with a similar width, this is a delightful shrub with yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) a flowering broadleaf evergreen shrub native to tropical and subtropical climates.Unlike many tropical plants, it has a good tolerance for drought, making it a favorite for desert landscapes. Remove any broken or dead leaves as they occur. Intro: The bird of paradise plant, also called crane flowers, is a large tropical plant native to South Africa that an easy plant to care for that is low-maintenance. In colder areas, the bird of paradise flower can be overwintered indoors during cooler months and moved out into the balcony garden for the summer. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The garden experts at Bunnings suggest popping you strelitzia in a suitably warm and sunny position, and don’t forget to keep it watered in summer. Those grown in shade have bigger blossoms but taller stalks. It’s found growing alongside sidewalks and the streets, by the sea, poolside, in … Sign up for our newsletter. Regardless, ideal bird of paradise growing conditions both indoors and out remain the same: bright light, well-drained soil and adequate water through the growing season. Water until the soil is saturated and then not again until it is dry to the touch. A bird of paradise that is 3 to 4 feet tall grows well in a 10-inch pot. Potted bird-of-paradise plants may crack the pots when they are root-bound. In sunny locations, bird of paradise grows shorter stems and produces smaller flowers. A mature clump can be 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall and wide. The Bird of Paradise got its name from the flowers that are produced from many varieties resembling the plumage of a bird called the Bird of Paradise. propagate outdoor bird of paradise plants. 99 It is said that some root exposure promotes flowers. Also, a pot bound plant will produce more blooms. However, if you want to grow flowers on the plant then you need to plant it outdoors. Bird of paradise is a rapidly-growing plant that needs to reach a certain size before it will bloom. Professional Landscaping in Northern Colorado. Each should be replanted at the same depth as the original clump. 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