They will need year-round light even inside. Native to Africa, strelitzia can grow up to 1.3 metres tall and spread up to two to three metres wide when aged, and has similar foliage to that of banana leaves. They also work well in massed plantings outside or as specimen plants in warm climates, where their flowers rise above the foliage for an impressive display. Surprisingly, the bird of paradise is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. Also, plants grown outdoors in desert climates should be planted in a partial shade situation. Give it plenty of sun and feed it on schedule. It does better in reduced indoor light than Reginae that grows best outdoors. Divide infrequently because crowded clumps produce the most blooms. I can grow 7-8 feet tall and will add beautiful full, green look to your home. The flowers usually appear between April and November, but may not appear until the plant is 4 to 5 years old. It blooms most profusely when in full sun, but indoor plants should be slightly away from southern windows to avoid burning. If you take care of some basic nurturing principles, this exotic, not winter-hardy plant will thrive magnificently. Air purifying. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) craves heat, growing best in temperatures over 50 F. Winter hardy in Zones 10 to 12, bird of paradise adapts readily to containers. 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. The Bird of Paradise plant is also poisonous to cats and dogs if eaten, so steer clear of this one if your pet has a habit of chewing on your plants. I know that this is supposed to be an easy plant to grow. Looking for some advice on how to choose the perfect location for a plant outside? The distinctive bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae or Strelizia nicolai) is one of the best known of all the tropical flowers and is a cousin to the banana. Remove the affected parts of the plant and give your plant regular airing. Use a high-quality potting mix to fill your pot and choose a pot at least 40cm wide pot with holes for drainage. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". Strelitzia like moisture during hot weather. Mildly toxic if ingested . If underwatered, the leaves farthest from the center will turn yellow. Now it is extremely hot and we have not had rain since last september. You will get one (1) Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia reginae starter plant (These 6-8"+ plants come in 2.5" x 2.5" x 3.5" deep pots). Hi guys! Outdoor Culture. Give the plant a feed once a fortnight during spring and summer, but don’t feed it during winter. Not enough sunlight and moisture means the flowers may not bloom, Over-watering is bad for this plant, only water when needed. If you repot it, you will disrupt the bloom cycle. If you provide good care and repot regularly, it can easily grow to well over 7 feet. The biggest drawbacks are their size—they grow to 5 to 6 feet tall—and the fact that the plants need three to five years before they flower. Keep the soil continually moist throughout the year. The plant takes up systemic pesticide and distributes it throughout the plant from roots to leaves and flowers. The soil should be rich, well-draining, moist – not waterlogged—and watered regularly. 99 The best time to transplant strelitzia outdoors is during late spring or early summer. Strelitzia reginae is a native to the eastern coastlines of southern Africa, where it grows wild in patches that are sometimes miles across. If the plants are grown in pots, those 7, 8or 9-in. After a few queries about how to move or remove a Strelitzia, I decided that it was high time to remove a small specimen so I could study the root structure.A S. nicolai plant had seeded itself a few years ago next to an unsightly telephone pole on my lawn. Caring for the large Stelitzia Nicolai is much easier than you might think! I live in what I believe would be comparable to a zone 13. Strelitzia prefer light, free-draining soil with an extra bit of fertilizer or compost every three months during growing season. Bird of paradise grows 4' … Looks beautiful 5 Pucci82000 I got this a month ago … The leaves burst wide and give your home an appealing tone when growing under suitable conditions—which we’ll figuratively discuss in this care guide. Use rich, well-drained potting mix for potted plants. Bird of paradise is also susceptible to Botrytis cinerea (gray mold). 1. They rarely perform well as houseplants, as … Here is our guide to growing a Bird of Paradise plant. It is sometimes referred to as the Crane plant due to the flowers looking like the feathers on the head of a crane. Throughout the rest of the United States, it enjoys widespread popularity as … In colder regions, many gardeners tuck it into a pot they can shift outdoors during the summer. Also known by the name of Strelitzia Nicolai, the white bird of paradise is a perfect ornament that will send out a vertical presence in your house. Strelitzia require a little bit of extra care if you want it to look lush and gorgeous all year round – and if you want the flowers to bloom then you’ll need to be extra diligent. You can grow this plant in a garden or near a poolside. A good position is in a room with windows facing east or west. Strelitzia nicolai hails from hot and humid tropical regions where it often grows in full sun. The horticultural gurus at Yates suggest giving an indoor strelitzia a solid start to life indoors. The houseplant is potted with a so-called semi hydroponics; the soil contains clay granules that absorb water, providing the plant with a continuous water level. There are five main species and varieties, although only Strelitzia Reginae and Strelitzia Nicolai are treated as houseplants. S. reginae is very well known, and arguably the most common species (picture above). There are three strelitzia species: reginae, juncea and nicolai, and all are used to make a dramatic impact in the garden, as hardy foliage plants or to create a tropical-look garden indoors and outdoors. These plants grow with upright leaves emerging directly from the soil; there is no trunk. Be careful not to over-water, and reduce watering during the cooler months. Difficulties: At low humidity, it suffers from a spider mite, a scabbard, a mealybug may appear. It can also be grown from seed, but division is easier, as it can take months for the seeds to germinate. For temperatures, the Strelitzia reginaelikes it warm in the 70 to 90-degree range. It is a trunk forming, clustering tree to 6m high with banana-like shiny green leathery leaves, having an obtuse base arranged in two ranks. Strelitzia nicolai. wide are suitable. Bird of paradise is easy to propagate by dividing the underground rhizome when you repot it. However, if you want to grow flowers on the plant then you need to plant it outdoors. The plant is not toxic to human beings if ingested. Make sure that you can maintain as much root as possible when transplanting. Often referred to as banana plant, since the leaves do have a very similar shape to those of a banana tree, Strelitzia is a much hardier choice to be kept as an indoor houseplant. Strelitzia reginae, also known as bird of paradise plant, is so named for its intense orange and blue blooms that resemble the head of an exotic bird. It can be moved outside in the summer, and in warmer climes, it thrives for half the year outside. Easy to care for and looks beautiful Zoe1001 Bought this a few weeks ago and plant is very low maintenance. Strelitzia Nicolai XXL: this large plant will need care as frequently as your average cactus! The bird of paradise plant (Strelitzia reginae) is a tropical favorite known for its flamboyant birdlike blooms. 19cm; 35cm Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant white bird of paradise) is an ornamental house plant. Strelitzia bird of paradise needs rich soil that is well draining. Read on to learn how to take care of birds of paradise in the garden. From Douentza Garden in Wexford, Ireland. Systemic pesticide is also effective. It rewards a minimum of care with lush blossom splendure. It thrives best in partial shade to full sun. General care Strelitzia reginae is not hardy and requires a minimum winter night temperature of 10-12°C (50-54°F) They also prefer a humid atmosphere, which is why they tend to thrive and flower well in conservatories and glasshouses. This is not a cold-tolerant plant, and it recovers slowly from frost damage. But, our winters are warmer. My botanical name is Strelitzia nicolai but I am more commonly known as White Bird of Paradise. If you see them, use insecticidal soap for control, but be sure to apply it to the undersides of the leaves. Most common disease are fungus-based, and root rot. The flowers appear after few years of growth. For this re 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. Height – 3 to 6 ½ feet (1 to 2 meters) Exposure – full sun, part sun Soil – … Separate a shoot with at least three leaves. Avoid rooms with only a north-facing window. Pet/baby safe. Usually requires re-potting every 3 years. Strelitzia prefer warm temperatures and sheltered areas that don’t get cold. It’s uncanny how much this flower resembles a tropical bird, isn’t it? However, it requires shielding in direct midday summer sun, which can burn the leaves of younger plants. If Strelitzia is grown in a bed of soil, care must be taken that it is well drained. A 5- to 6-foot plant usually thrives in a 14-inch pot. While it should not be waterlogged, expect to water it daily in the spring and summer as it loses moisture through its big leaves. Watch the video below. Monitor the plant for aphids, scale, and mites. The bird of paradise strelitzia is poisonous to dogs, cats and most other household pets when eaten, so you want to be sure that they are not able to nibble at the plant. The plant can lose flowers if … The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals and a … A South African native, the plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. Bird of paradise is a rapidly-growing plant that needs to reach a certain size before it will bloom. If overwatered, the plant will develop crunchy brown leaves. Yours is probably Strelitzia alba or White Bird of Paradise. Name – Strelitzia reginae Family – Strelitziaceae Type – perennial. There are five Strelitzia species, but only two are commonly grown as indoor plants: Strelitzia reginae (the orange bird of paradise) and Strelitzia nicolai (the white bird of paradise). Wild banana; white bird of paradise. Feed the plant with compost early in spring before new growth begins, and then fertilize every week or so during the growing season. To bring the plant to bloom once it is four to five years old, keep it pot-bound. Note: The plant is mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and people, but it takes eating quite a bit of it to have an effect. It’s an evergreen variety and is a tropical plant. The bird of paradise flower is an evergreen perennial; this means that the plant usually keeps its green foliage throughout the year, but it also means that the plant dies when it frosts and temperatures drop, and then it will reemerge through spring.. Bird of paradise is one of the flashiest flowers you will ever see! Feed it in the springtime with slow-release pellets or weekly during the growing season with liquid fertilizer. If the pot is big enough It can grow to 2 m / 6.6 ft tall, with large, tough banana like leaves 25–70cm / 9.8–28in long. This plant needs bright light, including some direct sunlight, to bloom well. Strelitzia is a superb plant that comes from the tropics, boasting simply magnificent flowers and nicely dense leafage. When soil is completely dry, water enough to saturate the soil then not again until completely dried out. Nursery pot size. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores. Early spring is the best time to repot those plants which need this attention. Evergreen perennial, indoor. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. The large leaves range from 12 and 18 inches long, and they can shred when exposed to windy conditions or when brushed in a busy hallway. 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. I have a large flat deep green oval leaves similar to banana trees. You might be more familiar with this plants flower than with its foliage. A bird of paradise that is 3 to 4 feet tall grows well in a 10-inch pot. The trick to successful growth indoors is providing lots of bright light with some direct sun, regular watering, and warmth. Plenty of bright indirect light will keep the Strelitzia reginae happy with plenty of blooms. Bird of paradise typically flowers in the late winter or early spring, but under optimal conditions, it flowers at other times. Despite the fact that the plant may thrive when planted outdoor, growing it inside is achievable when you follow the correct white bird of paradise plant care instruction. Features of care: For better flowering, the plant needs a rest period in winter in a well-lit room at a low temperature. Yes. Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as Bird of Paradise, is more recognizable for its bright orange flowers than it is for its broad leaves. Costa Farms White Bird of Paradise Strelitzia nicolai, Indoor Plant in Décor Planter, 28-Inches Tall, Fresh from Our Farm 4.3 out of 5 stars 593 $55.99 $ 55 . 99% of the Bird of Paradise I see for sale in Toronto are the 'Giant White' (Strelitzia nicolai) variety which aren't particularly house-friendly because they grow up to 30ft and can't be pruned to contain its size.I mean just look at the size of the specimen at Cloud Gardens! Repot it every spring into a somewhat larger pot. Keep the plant in a sunny, brightly-lit spot, Water when the surface of the soil feels dry. Bird of paradise prefers high humidity. Flowers and leaves with this condition will develop dark spots followed by a layer of gray mold. Plant type. In this video I'm repotting my White Bird of Paradise plant (Strelitzia Nicolai) and share helpful tips as I go along. The same requirements for light apply to indoor plants too. How to care for bird of paradise plants (Strelitzia): Strelitzia plants need bright light and some direct sunlight when grown indoors or outdoors. The one below is in a 14-inch pot and it is staying there! The Bird of Paradise plant, or strelitzia, is a large and gorgeous foliage plant that looks just as majestic indoors in a pot, as it does outside in the garden. Dark spots on foxes arise from the excess moisture in the soil. 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. How to tell the difference between strelitzia species, 5 ways to add colour to your garden in winter, The essential guide to Australian native plants. You might want to keep a spray bottle handy to mist it if your home is dry. Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price! Plant height (including pot) 90-100cm; 130-140cm . Cathy Askia is a Master Gardener and member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board with over 30 years of home gardening experience. Keep the plant in a warm and sunny position, away from draughts. Also known as crane flower, bird of paradise (Strelitzia spp.) This plant is a heavy feeder. I am native to South Africa but I was grown in Florida and am so happy to be going to my new home. Once it reaches maturity, you will want it to be pot-bound so it will bloom. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching its leaves. S. reginae and S. nicolai are beautiful plants that can be successfully grown inside. This video is about repotting a very pot-bound Strelitzia reginae, bird of paradise plant. Keep humidity levels high, temperatures above 60°F (15°C), and fertilize monthly during the growing season. For the best chance of survival, grow the plant in a container that can be moved outside in warm summer months and brought back inside for winter. Bird-of-paradise or crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) is a native of South Africa and is closely related to the banana. Keep the air temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This plant is famous for its round palm-like leaves and its brightly-coloured architectural flowers that bloom to look like tropical birds – earning the strelitzia the household name of ‘Bird of Paradise’ plant. Nickname. But, mine is looking bad and down to three leaves. Summary of Strelitzia facts. How to Grow and Care for Chinese Money Plant, How to Grow and Care for the Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plants, 5 Different Species of Bird of Paradise Plants. Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. The Bird of Paradise plant, or strelitzia, is a large and gorgeous foliage plant that looks just as majestic indoors in a pot, as it does outside in the garden.This plant is famous for its round palm-like leaves and its brightly-coloured architectural flowers that bloom to look like tropical birds – earning the strelitzia the household name of ‘Bird of Paradise’ plant. The care factors for growing the white bird of paradise plant whether indoors or outdoors are similar. The distinctive bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae or Strelizia nicolai) is one of the best known of all the tropical flowers and is a cousin to the banana.Surprisingly, the bird of paradise is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. 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