How to grow a bird of paradise? Remember 5 key growing methods and 3 key precautions

The bird of paradise (Strelitzia) is native to South Africa and is also known as the crane flower or bird of paradise; its scientific name was chosen to honor Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. It resembles a crane standing tall and gazing into the distance, with long ovate-lanceolate leaves and unusual, brilliantly colored flowers, which is why it is called the bird of paradise. So what are the growing methods and precautions for the bird of paradise?

I. Growing methods for the bird of paradise

1. Propagation

Division is generally used, and it can be done in both spring and autumn. The method is to turn the pot upside down and cut from the root crown with a knife, then apply plant ash to the cut to prevent rot. For division propagation, each division should retain 2 to 3 buds, and it can bloom in the same year.

Of course, it can also be grown from seed. The bird of paradise usually does not set seed, but if hand-pollinated, it can produce seed. The seeds mature in three months and should be sown immediately after collection. Under temperature conditions of 25 to 30, the seeds germinate in 2 to 3 weeks, and seedlings grown from seed bloom only after three years.

2. Temperature

The bird of paradise is not cold-tolerant. Its most suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C, and growth stops below 8°C. When the winter temperature is not lower than 4°C, it can be placed in a spot facing south with its back to the north and with light, watered sparingly, and overwintered outdoors. In the north, the plant should be moved indoors or into a plastic greenhouse to overwinter.

3. Light

The bird of paradise likes light. If light is insufficient, it easily leads to poor plant growth and affects flowering, so attention must be paid to light.

4. Potting soil

The bird of paradise has thick fleshy roots, so 5 parts leaf mold or peat soil, 3 parts garden soil, 1 part decomposed manure soil, and 1 part coarse sand can be mixed evenly. If the prepared growing medium has poor permeability and too much water is given, it easily causes root rot. The bird of paradise has a well-developed root system and grows quickly, so it needs to be repotted in time.

5. Fertilizing

During the growing period, the bird of paradise requires a dilute fertilizer solution once every half month. For home growing, it is best to water with fermented rice-washing water or soybean soaking liquid. From flower stem formation to full bloom, 0.5% superphosphate can be added to the fertilizer solution, which will make the flower colors bloom more brilliantly.

II. Precautions for growing the bird of paradise

1. Light varies by season

In spring and autumn, the pot should be placed in a sunny spot for growing, while in winter it should receive more sunlight, otherwise it will directly affect leaf growth and flower color. But in summer, because the sunlight is too strong, the plant should be placed under a shade shed for care, to prevent the leaves from being scorched by the fierce sun and affecting their ornamental value.

2. In autumn and winter, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers

In autumn and winter, fertilization for the bird of paradise is mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Applying potassium dihydrogen phosphate mixed with water to the roots can make the plant grow robustly and produce more and larger flowers.

3. Repot frequently

The bird of paradise is a large potted ornamental flower with fast growth and a well-developed root system. Generally, seedlings should be repotted and have their soil changed once a year, while after the plant has taken shape, it should be repotted and have its soil changed once every 2-3 years, with division done in spring.

Overall, the bird of paradise has a relatively long flowering period, generally blooming in June and July each year, with a flowering period of more than 100 days. Seed-grown plants generally bloom only after 4-5 years. The flowers in the same inflorescence open one after another in overlapping succession. Each small flower takes about 3 days to open and can last 10-15 days, and the total ornamental time of each flower spike is about 30-40 days. A larger, well-growing plant can have multiple inflorescences and many flowers opening at the same time. During the year, the bird of paradise blooms most in summer and autumn, and less in winter.