Birds of paradise are large, relatively easy to grow plants that lend a bold tropical flair to any
indoor space
. With proper care, a bird of paradise can grow to over six
feet tall
, even indoors. Its broad, arching leaves make a dramatic, graceful statement in your home.
How long does it take to grow birds of paradise?
Bird of Paradise Care. Strelitzia are beautiful plants that can be successfully grown inside; however, the biggest drawbacks are their size; they can grow 5 to 6 feet tall. These plants need 3 to 5 years to mature before they flower.
Can you grow bird of paradise from a cutting?
For an avid bird of paradise plant lover, yes, you can grow a bird of paradise from a cutting , but you want to ensure it comes from a division of the plant with its bulb or root, not the leaves.
Can you put bird of paradise outside?
It’s hardy to 25-30 degrees F. The Bird Of Paradise grows in USDA zones 10-12 & also in zone 9 with protection from prolonged freezes. You can grow it outdoors in the
warmer months
& move it indoors when the temps drop.
Do birds of paradise like full sun?
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 Those grown in shade have bigger blossoms but taller stalks. The plant produces flowers all year long in tropical climates.
How long does it take for bird of paradise to bloom?
Keep it snug. If kept in ideal conditions, a Bird of Paradise will take three to four years before they bloom. Once they do bloom, if you disturb the roots in any way, such as by repotting the plant, the plant may not bloom again for two to three years. It is best to let your Bird of Paradise stay in the same pot.
Are birds of paradise easy to care for?
Birds of paradise can grow well over 6 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide! They are relatively easy to care for , but the most important thing that they do need is sun exposure. The optimal growth for a bird of paradise is in a
pot indoors
, being moved outside for the summer months and then inside for the dormant season.
How long will a bird of paradise plant live?
Strelitzia reginae is slow growing and can take three to five years to bloom and can be propagated by dividing old clumps. Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) can live 50 to 150 years.
Where should I plant my bird of paradise?
Strelitzia bird of paradise needs rich soil that is well draining. It blooms most profusely when in full sun, but indoor plants should be slightly away from southern windows to avoid burning Also, plants grown outdoors in desert climates should be planted in a partial shade situation.
Will bird of paradise root in water?
Can you Propagate Bird of Paradise in Water? It is difficult to propagate Bird of Paradise in water as their leaves and stems themselves do not develop roots or rhizomes when cut However, before the propagation process, you may soak the seeds in
room temperature water
for at least three days to enhance germination.
Do birds of paradise like a lot of water?
In proper lighting conditions, the Bird of Paradise drinks plenty of water Although it does require a drying out period and is susceptible to root rot if the soil remains overly moist. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it is more susceptible to overwatering.
Can you grow bird of paradise indoors?
If you’ve fallen in love with bird of paradise plants but live in a cold climate, you can grow these tropical beauties indoors as houseplants Given enough sunlight and the right conditions, the plant will put on a vibrant display of flowers, lending an atmosphere of tropical bliss to the interior of your home.
Should you deadhead bird of paradise?
Why Should I Deadhead Bird of Paradise Flowers? According to the University of Hawaii, failure to properly deadhead bird of paradise flowers can result in a shrub that is completely covered in dead organic matter.
What month does bird of paradise bloom?
By the end of September of October, you will see the first buds appear, and by mid-December , you should have your first bloom. This can be achieved with both the Orange and Giant White Bird of Paradise – we’ve successfully gotten both to bloom, in a pot, indoors, during the winter.
Will bird of paradise survive winter?
Bird of paradise is hardy to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 C). As a native of South Africa and closely related to bananas, this tropical wonder is prone to freeze damage even in the warm zones where it is routinely planted. These tropical plants can withstand some cold, but freezes can damage the thin broad leaves.
How do I get my bird of paradise to bloom?
One of the most common reasons bird of paradise blooms fail to flower is insufficient light. These plants require at least four to six hours of full sun (or bright light indoors) in order to bloom sufficiently They should also be kept evenly moist throughout summer but need to dry out between watering.
How often should I water bird of paradise?
Water every 1-2 weeks , allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Pro tip: Birds of Paradise can benefit from filtered water or water left out overnight before using.
Are birds of paradise slow growing?
Bird of paradise has leathery leaves. The common bird of paradise is a slow-growing , clump-forming plant with fleshy roots.
How often do birds of paradise get new leaves?
The speed of Bird of Paradise growth in good conditions can be seen with roughly one new leaf each month during the growing seasons. Visually this may not seem much, but the thick roots beneath the soil surface are truly monstrous and will fill a pot in no time, making this quite a fast growing plant.
Do birds of paradise bloom all year?
Bird Of Paradise Bloom Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) unfurls boldly tinted blooms that resemble birds in flight. A healthy, mature plant can produce up to 36 flowers spikes each year. In ideal conditions, plants can bloom year-round.
How fast does a giant bird of paradise grow?
Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) grows at a moderate rate, its curving, hyperbolic trunks increasing in length about 2 feet per year and eventually reaching 30 feet or more in height.
Can you plant two birds of paradise in pots?
Bird of paradise plants can live in the same pot for many, many years They love to be pot-bound, and repotting them too often may inhibit blooming.
Can cinnamon be used as rooting hormone?
Cinnamon as a rooting agent is as useful as willow water or hormone rooting powder A single application to the stem when you plant the cutting will stimulate root growth in almost every plant variety. Give your cuttings a quick start with the help of cinnamon powder.
How do you divide giant bird of paradise?
When you are dividing a plant there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. the first is you need to make sure the plant is large enough to cope with being split , splitting a plant that is too small can kill it. The second thing is to make sure the part you split off has a good root system on it.
Does bird of paradise like to be root bound?
The bird of paradise should be somewhat root-bound since constricted roots encourage the plant to bloom.
What temperature can birds of paradise survive?
Bird-of-paradise makes an attractive landscape plant throughout Florida although it requires cold protection in the northern part of the state. The plant will tolerate temperatures as low as 24°F for a short time; however, freezing temperatures will damage developing flower buds and flowers.
How do you look after a bird of paradise?
The Bird of Paradise prefers average to warm temperatures and high humidity If growing indoors, give your plant a good misting to increase humidity. Keep your plant away from drafts of hot and cold air which can harm it. Fertilise your Bird of Paradise once a month during spring and summer with a liquid fertiliser.
Can I plant a bird of paradise in the shade?
How to plant and grow bird of paradise. Bird of paradise likes full sun , but it’s not unusual to see them performing well in shadier spots. The best position for flowering is in full sun. In shadier spots flower will be fewer, but larger.
What is the best fertilizer for bird of paradise?
For best growth and flowering, bird-of-paradise requires fertilization. Organic fertilizers (such as sewage sludge, manure, or blood meal), granular landscape fertilizers, or controlled-release materials such as Osmocote® or Nutricote® can be used.
How much sun does a bird of paradise need?
Insufficient sunlight is the top reason that a bird of paradise inside doesn’t bloom. Place your plant in a site that gets at least six hours a day of sun a day , including hours of direct sunlight. However, if your living room gets very hot midday sun, indirect light during that period will do better.
How often should I fertilize my bird of paradise?
Your Bird of Paradise prefers average indoor temperatures of 65–80 degrees. Feed once a month during the spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants, such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20).
Will bird of paradise open when cut?
As a cut flower, strelitzia flowers will nor open (fan out) by themselves Soak the flower heads in warm water for 20 minutes to soften the sheath. Then carefully open the sheath, working your thumbs under the petals and gently lifting them up and fanning them out, one petal after another.
What does an overwatered bird of paradise look like?
If you see yellowing wilted leaves , it could be that your plant is overwatered. Check the roots to make sure there is no root rot. If the roots are damaged, you will need to repot your plant (see below). If the roots are fine, simply let the plant dry out before watering again.
When should I repot my bird of paradise?
Repotting bird of paradise plants The best time to repot your bird of paradise is in spring, around March or April However, due to the sensitivity of its roots, only repot when absolutely necessary – when you can see roots beginning to grow out of the bottom of the pot.
Why is my bird of paradise leaves curling inward?
New plants need plenty of water at establishment or their newer leaves will curl in protest. Chilly temperatures tend to make the leaves curl inward as protection. Poor soil and improper soil pH will also present as curling leaves on bird of paradise.
How deep are birds of paradise roots?
Bird of Paradise plants has a tuberous root system that grows into a tight ball, reaching up to two feet deep Specifically, the plant produces rhizomes that grow out horizontally from the root system and produce new plants close to the ‘mother’ plant.
What does a bird of paradise rhizome look like?
A bird of paradise rhizome looks like swollen horizontal tuber with roots and fans of leaves attached Before dividing the rhizomes, put on gloves and safety goggles, then disinfect a sharp knife with rubbing alcohol or Lysol by wiping with a disinfectant-soaked rag or dipping the blade into the solution.
Citations
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-bird-of-paradise-plant-strelitzia-reginae/
https://www.greenthumb.com/how-to-grow-birds-of-paradise/
https://www.happysprout.com/inspiration/grow-a-bird-of-paradise-from-a-cutting/
How to Grow Bird of Paradise: a Stunning Easy-Care Perennial