Master these 4 tips for keeping a Strelitzia (bird of paradise) at home, and it will grow thick stems, large leaves, and be covered in blooms.
Strelitzia is an evergreen plant that stays green all year round. Its leaves are large, wide and thick, and its flower shape is unusual, like a crane raising its head to gaze into the distance, giving a feeling of freshness and elegance. It symbolizes the beauty of love, and also commemorates relatives far away. It is also the city flower of Los Angeles in the United States.
Many flower lovers like to place it in courtyards, flower beds, balconies and other places as a decorative accent. To care for a Strelitzia well, you only need to know these 4 tips well, and it will grow thick stems, large leaves, and be covered in blooms.
1. Light
Strelitzia loves light. Remember the principle of "no shade in winter, no direct sun in summer." It needs at least 4 hours of light every day, but it is not tolerant of strong sun and cannot take direct sunlight. In summer, take good shade measures, and it is best to move it to a bright place with scattered light so it can grow better.
2. Temperature
Strelitzia is relatively sensitive to temperature. The best growing temperature during the day is 18-30°C, and the best temperature at night is 13-18°C. Keeping the largest temperature difference can let the leaf sap inside the Strelitzia's leaves form flower buds. In summer, you can place a basin of water next to the Strelitzia to lower the temperature.
3. Watering
During the growing period, Strelitzia should be kept somewhat dry. Do not water it too frequently, and by no means let water accumulate in the pot and cause root rot. Water thoroughly only when there are signs of whitening and cracking at the edge of the potting soil. During its flowering period, keep the soil slightly moist, which can make its flowers bloom more vividly.
4. Fertilizing
Strelitzia loves fertilizer. During normal care, you can apply a diluted cake fertilizer solution once every ten days, or use homemade rice-washing water fertilizer solution from home if you have it, to provide nutrients. About every three months, bury some bone meal in the potting soil, which can make its leaves thicker and more emerald green, and it will shoot up rapidly.
That is all for the care of Strelitzia. If flower lovers have other additions, you can share them with everyone in the comment section below. If you want to learn more about flower growing, you can follow Huajianke!