Strelitzia

Strelitzia, more commonly referred to as bird of paradise plants, includes five species of perennial plants native to South Africa.  Emerging from a blue-green boat-shaped spathe are three plumes of richly colored or white sepals, along with three bright blue petals.  The bird of paradise plants get their moniker from the specific bird they resemble; the perspective envisioned is a bird-of-paradise in flight, with the plant's colorful petals representing the feathers of open wings.  Even when not in bloom, bird of paradise plants make excellent ornamental pieces due to their large, blue-grey, paddle-like leaves and elegant stems.  Though they usually bloom in the early winter or late spring, bird of paradise plants have been known to bloom throughout the year.  Blooming does not generally occur until the plant has matured for several years and may be less frequent when grown indoors.  When choosing the species of bird of paradise plant to add to your home or garden, it is important to consider the amount of space available for them, as they may grow to be 6-33 ft / 2-10 m tall.  

To promote healthy blooms, the bird of paradise plants need bright, diffused sunlight for at least six hours a day.  When growing indoors, place them in the light of a window that faces either east or west.  When growing outdoors, place them in a spot that is shielded from the direct midday sunlight, as it may scorch the younger plants.  Rich, well-draining potting mix or compost mix is ideal for the encouragement of healthy root and rhizome development.  Maintaining moist soil is crucial when growing bird of paradise plants.  Watering daily during the spring and summer months will help keep the soil moist, as a significant amount of moisture will evaporate from its large leaves.  An indicator that you are overwatering is a uniform browning of leaves, as well as a crunchy texture.  When the outer leaves begin to yellow, the opposite is true, and a higher frequency of watering should restore your bird of paradise plant to good health.  Bird of paradise plants should be fed with compost at the beginning of spring, and then with fertilizer once weekly during the growing season.  Old and damaged parts of the plant can be removed freely.  If the plant is growing too large, cut the leaves back using clean implements in early spring, as the plant will handle trimming best while dormant. 

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3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Strelitzia

Strelitzia

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