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. 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 leaves 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. They 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.
Tips for Growing Healthy Bird of ParadiseWhat are the light requirements for bird of paradise? They need lots of light and will even do well with full sun if they have been introduced to it slowly. Provide sufficient light indoors during our short day, dark winter by locating them in the sunniest window and giving them supplemental artificial light.
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 waterings in the fall and winter.
Do they have any special temperature requirements? Average indoor temperatures are fine. Try to avoid temperatures below 50º.
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.
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 Schultz's Instant Plant Food or a water-soluble fertilizer such as Bachman's Excel-Gro™.
What type of soil do they prefer? A quality peat-based potting soil such as Bachman's Exceloam 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.
Will they need any grooming? Their large leaves tend to collect some dust. Simply wipe them off with a soft cloth. The leaves naturally have a flat, matte finish that you shouldn't try to wipe off.
Do not use any leafshine products.How are they propagated? As they 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.
Troubleshooting Problems with Bird of ParadiseWhy 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 such as Bachman's Mighty Bloom™.It may also be suffering from too little light. almost full sun is required for blooming.
What causes some of the leaves to dry out? If the 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 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 plant is being kept too wet and the soil drainage needs improvement. Be sure the plant is allowed to dry out a little between waterings 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.
Do Birds of Paradise have problems with insects? They 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. If either of these problems occurs, pick up a copy of Bachman's information sheet on how to deal with insect problems on indoor plants.
Additional Bachman's InformationPotting Indoor Plants
General Care for Indoor PlantsWatering Basics for Indoor Plants
Propagation of Indoor PlantsSigns of Trouble With Indoor Plants
Artificial Lights for Indoor PlantsRecommended ProductsQuality Indoor Plants from Bachman's
Containers and Saucers
Gardening Tools and Gloves
Bachman's Excel Gro Water-Soluble Fertilizer
Exceloam Potting Soil
