🦜 GROWING GUIDE – Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

🦜 Bird of paradise (Strelitzia)

Spectacular orange and blue blooms in the shape of a tropical bird.

The Strelitzia is an iconic tropical plant with extraordinary flowers resembling birds in flight.

☀️ Light

Full sun to bright indirect light. Minimum 4-6 hours of direct light per day to promote flowering.

💧 Watering

Water regularly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter.

🌡️ Temperature

Ideal temperature: 18-25°C. Minimum: 5°C for short periods. Strelitzia reginae tolerates light frost. Can be overwintered in a cool, bright location.

🌱 Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer. Use a fertilizer rich in potassium to promote flowering.

🪴 Repotting

Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Strelitzia prefers to be slightly root-bound to flower well. Use a large, heavy pot to stabilize the plant.

✂️ Size

Remove dead or damaged leaves from the base. Cut off faded flowers. No pruning is necessary.

🐛 Common problems

  • No flowers: Plant too young (5-7 years old) or lack of light
  • Torn leaves: That's normal, it's an adaptation to the wind
  • Scale insects: Treat with insecticidal soap

🦜 Flowering

Blooms after 5-7 years. Spectacular orange and blue bird-shaped flowers. Blooms mainly in winter and spring. Each flower lasts for several weeks.

Tropico-Québec tip: Be patient! The bird of paradise takes several years to bloom, but the spectacle is worth the wait.