Strelitzia Reginae – Bird of Paradise Plant.
Native to the Eastern coastlines of Southern Africa where Strelitzia can grow in vast numbers. The strong, upright flower stems, with the dramatic crested flowers are a great natural food source for birds and insects.
Easy care, and the ideal centre piece plant for a conservatory.
Although not frost hardy it can be enjoyed all Summer in the garden, or on the patio.
Keep it pot bound and you may well find that plants of approx. 5-6 years old will flower, this will also restrict the size of the plant if you want to keep it more manageable.
These are wonderful plants, so follow these tips to enjoy:
Summer care.
Strelitzia love to bask in warm temperatures, but are best kept slightly away from full Summer sun through glass, as the flowers can become scorched.
Strelitzia are thirsty and hungry when they are actively growing. Keep the plant well-watered during the hottest times of the year, just allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Fertilise twice a month with a balanced liquid houseplant feed as per instructions.
Average to warm temperatures, 20-28c is ideal.
Happy with general levels of humidity during Spring and Summer, although will benefit from regular misting during Winter in centrally heated dry air conditions.
Strelitzia leaves split naturally, to reduce the amount of damage that occasional strong winds can do, and to allow light to reach the lower leaves of the plant. Therefore mature plants have a certain shabby chic appearance.
You can move your Strelitzia outdoors as soon as night time temperatures are above 13c. Introduce it gradually so it can adjust. Best kept in a slightly sheltered spot with 3-4 hours of direct Sun. Bring back in once temperatures start to drop below 13c again.
The ideal plant for that often tricky hot and cool conservatory.
Minimum Temp: 13c
Aftercare:
During cooler months growth will be slower so reduce the amount and frequency of water. Allow to dry slightly more, and don`t be too hasty if it seems to take a lot longer between waterings.
Do not fertilise.
Repot once the roots have completely filled the pot, approx. every 2-3 years is a good rule of thumb.
Warnings:
Strelitzia are classified as toxic to pets.
Best practice is to keep out of reach of pets and children.
