The latest detailed guide to Strelitzia (bird of paradise) growing methods and precautions
Strelitzia (bird of paradise) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Strelitziaceae family. It has no stem, its leaf tips are very pointed, and its leaves are shaped like a broad lance. Its homeland is southern Africa. Recently, editor Shuaishuai has received feedback from many flower lovers saying that Strelitzia is not easy to grow, and some even do not know how to grow it and ended up killing the flowers o(╥﹏╥)o. Today, the editor has written an article for everyone about Strelitzia growing methods and precautions, as well as its flowering time. Let's take a look together~
Strelitzia growing methods
1. Temperature management: Strelitzia is naturally fond of warm, humid, semi-shaded environments. The most suitable temperature is between 12-25 degrees, and in winter it is best kept above 5 degrees. For the soil, choose loose, deep humus soil.
2. Watering management: In summer, when watering Strelitzia, you must water only when the soil is dry and water thoroughly. Watering should be sufficient and just right. In spring and summer, you also need to spray water on the flowerpot or leaves to maintain the relative humidity of the surrounding environment and create a cool environment, which is more conducive to the growth and development of Strelitzia. In late autumn, you should slightly control the amount of watering and appropriately reduce it. In winter, water less, and it is better for the potting soil to be on the dry side, since water evaporates less in winter.
3. Fertilization management: During the growing period, Strelitzia requires a thin fertilizer solution once every half month. If grown at home, you can water it with rice-washing water or water that has soaked soybeans. During the period from flower stem formation to full bloom, you can add 0.5% superphosphate to the fertilizer solution, which can make the flowers bloom more vividly.
4. Potting soil management: The roots of Strelitzia are very thick and belong to the fleshy root type. You can mix and prepare it according to 5 parts leaf mold or peat soil + 3 parts garden soil + 1 part decomposed manure + 1 part coarse sand. If the prepared soil has poor permeability and too much water is given, it can easily cause root rot. The root system of Strelitzia develops very quickly and its growth rate is astonishing, so it needs to be repotted in time.
5. Sowing and planting: Strelitzia generally does not set seeds, but if artificial pollination is used, it can set seeds. The seeds only need three months to mature. After collecting the seeds, they should be sown immediately. At a seed temperature between 25-30, they can germinate in 2-3 weeks, and seedlings grown from seed can only flower after three years.
6. Home cultivation: It is usually propagated by division, which can be done in both spring and autumn. Steps: Turn the seedling pot upside down and cut it open from the root crown with a knife. The cut surface needs to be coated with plant ash to prevent rot. Each plant should retain 2-3 buds, and it can bloom in the same year.
Precautions for growing Strelitzia:
Strelitzia likes warm and humid environments with plenty of sunlight and moist air, and it is not cold-tolerant. If the potting soil has too much standing water for a long time, it will cause root rot. Apart from summer, when watering needs to be sufficient, at other times the amount of watering should be appropriately reduced. When the indoor temperature is low in winter, watering should be controlled. In summer, also pay attention to keeping the air humidity around the flowerpot moist, spray more water when you have time, and avoid direct sunlight or exposure to strong sun, so as not to scorch the leaves.
Flowering time of Strelitzia
The flowering period of Strelitzia is relatively long, usually in June and July each year, with a flowering period of about 100 days. Seedlings grown from seed will only bloom after 4-5 years.
The above is the editor's introduction today about Strelitzia growing methods, precautions, and flowering time. I wonder whether it has solved your confusion and problems? I hope it can help you! If you want to learn more, please pay more attention to this site!