Good companion plants for bird of paradise include low-growing,
drought-tolerant plants
, such as mondo grass, Carissa, Asiatic jasmine, bromeliads and juniper.
Where is the best place to put a bird of paradise plant?
Choose a location for your Bird of Paradise away from air vents and drafts where the plant will get at least four hours of southern, western, or eastern exposure.
Are birds of paradise good outdoor plants?
Growing Conditions for Bird of Paradise The plant needs warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to produce the characteristic blooms. 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.
How far apart do you plant birds of paradise?
Bird-of-paradise tends to produce more flowers along the outside of the plant. Thus, spacing the plants at least 6 feet apart will allow adequate space for flowering. The planting hole should be dug 2 to 3 times the diameter of the
root ball
. Make it as deep as the root ball is tall.
Does bird of paradise multiply?
While some plants can be reproduced from leaf and stem cuttings, a bird of paradise needs more than that to grow successfully In order to propagate a bird of paradise, you’ll need to cut a portion of the plant’s root; the stem or leaf alone won’t have enough of the tissue needed to produce a new plant.
How quickly does bird of paradise grow?
Bird of paradise can reach a height of 30 feet or more in 5-6 years with a moderate growth rate if the right conditions are met. The plant may take up to four years to flower if grown indoors. Typically, the height of an indoor bird of paradise is between 3 and 6 feet.
How often do birds of paradise need to be watered?
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 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 do you plant birds of paradise in the ground?
Plant purchased bird of paradise plants or divisions from friends or family in a full sun location in spring or early summer Bird of paradise thrives in a well-drained organic soil. Amend the soil with compost when planting and be sure to plant in an area that is well-drained.
Is bird of
paradise toxic
to dogs?
Bird of Paradise, (strelitzia nicolai) Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs This plant’s leaves and stems are mildly toxic in humans and only after ingesting a large amount of it. The ingestion of flowers and seeds can cause dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness in humans.
What does the bird of paradise symbolize?
The bird of paradise is known as the ultimate symbol of paradise and freedom Due to its
tropical nature
, this flower also symbolizes freedom and joy. Although birds of paradise are best known for their bright orange and blue colors, their flowers can also be white.
Do birds of paradise attract rats?
Bird seed is considered gourmet food to rats and mice and the #1 attractant to an area Plant climbing vines that grow up the side of your home to provide rats a “highway” to the roof. Store grass seed outside so that rats have easy access to a food source.
Are birds of paradise destructive?
Case in point, the gorgeous tropical giant Strelitzia nicholai, or giant bird of paradise, is a notorious felon in terms of hardscape and concrete destruction The giant bird is perfect for creating a tropical look around the pool.
How long do birds of paradise last?
Birds of paradise flowers last for about three weeks before dropping their petals and dying. Remove old or damaged plant matter. This is the best way to thin the leaves. Remove the leaves by pulling them off or use sharp cutting instruments.
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 wide does bird of paradise get?
Its unique flower, resembling a brightly colored bird in flight, is the source of the common name. Due to the shape of its leaves, it was once classified in the banana family, but now has its own, Strelitziaceae. The plant will grow to a height and width of about five feet.
How deep do bird of paradise roots go?
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.
Do birds of paradise attract bugs?
Mealybugs appear as white patches of fuzz on the leaves. Some other bugs that attack bird of paradise plants include caterpillars, snails, and grasshoppers , which all make their presence known with bite marks on the leaves. Leaf borers may be seen attacking flower bracts in late summer.
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.
Should I cut the brown leaves off my bird of paradise?
It is very important that you cut the brown leaves off your Bird of Paradise Cutting off brown leaves is important for keeping your plant healthy. But not only do the leaves provide shade to keep moisture in the plant, but they also carry essential nutrients from the soil to feed other parts of it.
Sources
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/bird-of-paradise/
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/all-about-bird-of-paradise-plant
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-an-exotic-flower-like-none-other.htm
https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/orange-bird-of-paradise.html
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/MG/MG10600.pdf