Strelitzia reginae aka Bird Of Paradise
Taxonomy
Common names
Bird Of Paradise, Bird Of Paradise PlantHow to care for Bird Of Paradise
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Bird Of Paradise is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Bird Of Paradise should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Bird Of Paradise loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Bird Of Paradise prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Bird Of Paradise to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Bird Of Paradise is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Bird Of Paradise. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Bird Of Paradise should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Bird Of Paradise, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.
Region of origin
Bird Of Paradise’s native range is South Africa.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Bird Of Paradise with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia