How to grow potted Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise) and points to note: it needs plenty of light

Growing Techniques Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Strelitzia reginae, also known as the bird of paradise, has large, elegant leaves and peculiar flowers shaped like a crane's head, looking simply beautiful. In daily life, many people choose Strelitzia reginae when growing flowers, but most of them do not know how to grow it. For this reason, the editor has carefully compiled the growing methods and points to note for potted Strelitzia reginae

1. How to grow Strelitzia reginae: understand its habits

Because of its flower shape and color, many flower lovers grow Strelitzia reginae, and after buying a potted Strelitzia reginae from a flower shop, they face one problem: how to grow Strelitzia reginae? For this, we must first understand the growth habits of Strelitzia reginae, and then be prepared in terms of light, water and fertilizer, and temperature. The specifics are all in the growing methods and points to note for Strelitzia reginae, so let's read on.

2. Growing methods and points to note for potted Strelitzia reginae

1. What soil does Strelitzia reginae like? Loose and fertile

How to grow Strelitzia reginae: soil is the foundation. Although the Strelitzia reginae bought from a flower shop comes with soil, it is not good enough, so we should choose new soil, using loose and fertile leaf mold, or soil mixed in a ratio of peat soil, garden soil, decomposed manure soil, and coarse sand of 5:3:1:1.

Choosing a flower pot: for potted Strelitzia reginae, it is best to use a tall pot, place more tiles at the bottom of the pot, and then spread a layer of a mixed substrate of ceramsite or broken tiles and culture soil to facilitate drainage.

Points to note: the soil must meet the requirements. If the prepared culture soil has poor permeability, once watered too much it can very easily cause root rot, leading to symptoms such as yellowing leaves and curled leaves in Strelitzia reginae.

2. Light: no less than 12 hours

In the growing methods for Strelitzia reginae, light is very important. It is understood that Strelitzia reginae likes light, and the daily light period must not be less than 12 hours, otherwise it will cause poor plant growth and affect flowering.

Points to note: in spring and autumn, we should place Strelitzia reginae in a sunny spot; in winter, the light period must be guaranteed, and fluorescent lamps can be used appropriately for supplemental light; the key point to note is summer, because the light is too strong, we should provide appropriate shading for Strelitzia reginae to prevent the leaves from being scorched by the fierce sun and affecting their ornamental value.

3. Watering: once a day in summer

During the growth process, Strelitzia reginae needs a large amount of water, but it is afraid of waterlogging, so be sure to pay attention when watering. During summer growth and the autumn-winter flowering period, water should be sufficient, generally watering once a day; after flowering in early spring, watering should be appropriately reduced.

Points to note: reduce watering in winter and keep the soil slightly dry; do not water too much, otherwise it will cause root rot and thus affect plant growth. In addition, in summer, besides watering, everyone should also use a spray bottle in the morning and evening to spray clear water on the leaf surface and the surrounding ground to increase air humidity.

4. Fertilizing: once every 2 weeks

How to grow Strelitzia reginae: fertilizing is also indispensable. It is understood that Strelitzia reginae likes fertilizer. Besides adding an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to the soil, during the growth period, about every 2 weeks, Strelitzia reginae should be given a liquid fertilizer of active humic acid, which will make the flower colors bloom more brilliantly.

Points to note: after the flowers of Strelitzia reginae fade, if you do not plan to keep seeds, the remaining flower stalks should be cut off in time to reduce nutrient consumption. Stop fertilizing after mid-October.

5. Temperature: must not be lower than 5°C

The growth of Strelitzia reginae is also greatly related to temperature. To make Strelitzia reginae grow well, it is best to adjust the time constantly: from March to October it should be 18-24°C, and from October to March of the following year it should be 13-18°C. Daytime 20-22°C and nighttime 10-13°C are more favorable for growth.

Points to note: Strelitzia reginae is not cold-tolerant, and the winter temperature must not be lower than 5°C. Once it is too low, the plant is easily damaged by freezing.

3. Points to note when growing Strelitzia reginae

In the growing methods for Strelitzia reginae above, several points needing attention have already been mentioned, and I believe everyone should have remembered them. However, besides what was mentioned above, there are two more points flower lovers need to note, namely pruning and repotting. The points to note when growing Strelitzia reginae are as follows:

1. Pruning

As a plant with very strong ornamental value, appropriate pruning is very important if you want Strelitzia reginae to look good. Everyone should promptly remove old leaves, diseased leaves, and useless flower and fruit branches to improve the quality of flower buds.

2. Repotting

Besides pruning, repotting is also something everyone needs to note. It is understood that Strelitzia reginae is a widely potted ornamental flower, grows quickly, and has a well-developed root system, so according to its growth rate, we must always be ready to repot. Generally, during the seedling stage, repot and change the soil once a year; after the plant has taken shape, repot and change the soil once every 2-3 years, and divide the plants in spring.

How to grow Strelitzia reginae: growing methods and points to note for Strelitzia reginae

Strelitzia reginae is suitable for decorating conference rooms and halls, giving a fresh and elegant feeling; when planted in the ground in courtyards in the south, it adds much natural charm. So how do you grow Strelitzia reginae well? Today the editor will introduce to you the growing methods for Strelitzia reginae.

Growing methods for Strelitzia reginae:

1. Seed pretreatment: remove the colored fuzz on the seeds (it is very easy to remove with a thumbnail), soak the seeds in warm water for 1-2 days, changing the water twice a day to facilitate germination.

2. Sowing: spread the moist medium in a container. Press the seeds into the container to a depth of about 0.7 cm, cover moderately, and place in a warm place at 24-30°C. Keep moist and avoid drying out completely. The container must be covered with plastic film to help maintain humidity.

3. Care after the seeds emerge: maintain sufficient light, avoid overwatering and strong light. Strengthen ventilation, and try to water in the morning so it dries by evening. Transplant the seedlings at the two-leaf stage; move the seedlings into 5 cm peat plug trays, and when the roots grow out through the holes, move them into 10 cm trays. Seeds can also be sown directly into plug trays, and when the plant root system fills the plug tray, transplant into a larger container.

4. Transplanting/potting: when the seedlings are 30-40 cm tall and have about 8 leaves, they can be planted out. During transplanting, damage to the fleshy roots must be prevented. The planting depth should be such that the rhizome is buried 2-3 cm below the soil surface. Shallow planting easily damages new buds; planting too deep affects bud sprouting and flower bud differentiation. After planting, water thoroughly, and then for about two consecutive weeks, persist in spraying water on the leaves every day to help the plant recover its growth. For potting, use a mixed soil of garden soil, peat, and sand, which must have good drainage; it is best to use a sterilized mixed soil. Soilless media can also be used.

5. Light regulation: Strelitzia reginae needs no less than 4 hours of direct light every day, and it is best to have bright light all day. Take some protective measures when the sunlight is strong. In winter, the main flowering period, sufficient sunlight helps increase flower yield. Light regulation emphasizes the management principle of "not shaded in winter, not sun-scorched in summer." Under shaded conditions, the leaves will look more beautiful, but the number of flowers will be relatively fewer.

6. Temperature control: temperature management of Strelitzia reginae is of great significance to flower production. Generally, Strelitzia reginae has hindered growth above 40°C, suffers freezing damage below 0°C, and grows well within the range of 18-30°C. It is best to ensure nighttime temperatures (13-18°C) and daytime temperatures (31-35°C). Within the suitable temperature range, every leaf axil of Strelitzia reginae can form flower buds. Therefore, controlling the cultivation temperature well is the key to increasing the yield of Strelitzia reginae.

7. Fertilizer and water management: ensure a sufficient and regular water supply. Except from September to February, when the plant needs to stay dry, the soil should be kept constantly moist at other times. Using a well-drained medium is the key to cultivation management. Strelitzia reginae is afraid of waterlogging at the cultivation site, because its fleshy roots can tolerate drought but are afraid of flooding.

The growth of Strelitzia reginae requires fertile, slightly acidic soil and heavy fertilization. It can be planted in sandy soil rich in humus, or made by mixing one part each of coarse sand, leaf mold, peat, and garden soil thoroughly. If the soil is relatively poor, put decomposed fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer into the planting hole when planting. After planting, apply a topdressing once every 7-10 days, using 0.05 kg of compound fertilizer per sq m; after entering flowering age, in the 2 months before the flower production season, supplement once a month with 0.02% potassium dihydrogen phosphate applied to the soil, or apply half that amount as a foliar topdressing.

How to grow Strelitzia reginae? Growing methods and points to note for Strelitzia reginae

[Common question] How to grow Strelitzia reginae? Growing methods and points to note for Strelitzia reginae

[Expert answer]

Growing methods for Strelitzia reginae:

Watering: how much to water Strelitzia reginae depends on seasonal changes, the plant's growth condition, and the actual degree of dryness or moisture of the soil. Generally speaking, watering should follow the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet"; in summer watering should be sufficient, and in spring and summer, water should also be frequently sprayed on the leaf surface and sprinkled on the ground around the flower pot to increase air humidity, create a cool environment, and benefit the growth and development of Strelitzia reginae. After late autumn, watering should be reduced; in winter, watering should be controlled to keep the pot soil on the drier side.

Sunlight: Strelitzia reginae should be given sufficient light in winter, spring, and autumn. In summer, attention should be paid to shading; it is best to place it under a shade shed or in the shade of a large tree, or it can be kept indoors in a well-ventilated place with bright scattered light.

Temperature: Strelitzia reginae likes warmth and fears cold. The suitable growth temperature is 18-24°C from March to October, and 13-18°C from October to March of the following year, and in winter it must not be lower than 8°C. In southern China it can be cultivated in the open ground, while in areas north of the Yangtze River basin it is cultivated in greenhouses. The suitable temperature for flower buds is 23-25°C, and during flower bud differentiation the temperature should be kept stable and rise slowly.

Soil and repotting: Strelitzia reginae has thick fleshy roots, so when preparing culture soil, choose fertile soil with good aeration. You can use a thoroughly mixed preparation of 5 parts leaf mold or peat soil, 3 parts garden soil, 1 part decomposed manure soil, and 1 part coarse sand. Strelitzia reginae has a well-developed root system and grows relatively quickly, so it needs timely repotting. Generally, during the seedling stage it should be repotted once a year. After flowering, mature plants can be repotted once every 1 year. When repotting mature Strelitzia reginae, choose a tall pot with ample space, which is beneficial for the root system to develop in all directions.

Fertilizer: Strelitzia reginae relatively likes fertilizer and needs a sufficient supply. During the growth and development period of Strelitzia reginae, it is suitable to apply a thin cake fertilizer water once every 2 weeks; from the formation of flower stems to the full flowering period, 0.5% superphosphate can be added to the fertilizer liquid, which will make the flower colors bloom more brilliantly. After the flowers of Strelitzia reginae fade, the remaining flower stalks should be cut off in time to reduce nutrient consumption. Stop fertilizing after mid-October.

Pruning: to improve the quality of flower buds, promptly remove old leaves, diseased leaves, and useless flower and fruit branches.

Points to note when growing:

1. Water: growing Strelitzia reginae requires moist air and well-drained soil.

2. Fertilizer: Strelitzia reginae likes fertilizer, and during the growth period it needs liquid fertilizer once every 15 days.

3. Soil: Strelitzia reginae requires loose, fertile loam.

4. Temperature: Strelitzia reginae likes warmth and is not cold-tolerant; in winter it must not be lower than 5°C.

5. Light: in summer it fears strong sunlight and exposure, while in winter it needs sufficient sunlight and good air circulation.

[Editor's comments] Strelitzia reginae is also called the bird of paradise; its flowers are like a crane and very peculiar, with high ornamental value. Its potted plants are widely used to decorate conference rooms, halls, offices, and other environments, giving people a fresh and elegant feeling. Many flower lovers are asking how to grow Strelitzia reginae? The editor of First Agricultural Economics shared with you above the growing methods and points to note for Strelitzia reginae, and hopes it is helpful to you.