Strelitzia Reginae - Bird of Paradise - 30-40 cm

Pot Size 12cm, height including pot 30-40cm.

Can grow to a height of 90-150cm.

Caring for a Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) can be a rewarding experience, as it produces stunning, exotic flowers and has striking foliage. Here’s a guide to keep your Bird of Paradise thriving:

• Bright, Indirect Light: Bird of Paradise plants love bright, indirect light. They will tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much direct sun can scorch their leaves.
• Avoid Low Light: If grown in too little light, the plant may become leggy and may not produce flowers.
• Ideal Placement: Near a window with lots of natural light or under grow lights if you're growing it indoors.
• Watering Schedule: Water the Bird of Paradise thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure the water drains out of the pot to prevent root rot.
• Frequency: During the growing season (spring and summer), it may need watering about once a week. In the fall and winter (when it's dormant), reduce the watering frequency.
• Humidity: While Bird of Paradise prefers humidity, it is fairly adaptable. If you live in a dry climate, you may want to increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing the plant on a humidity tray.
• Well-Draining Soil: Bird of Paradise needs a well-draining, loamy potting mix. A general-purpose houseplant mix or a mix specifically formulated for tropical plants works well. Consider adding perlite to improve drainage.
• Repotting: Repot your Bird of Paradise every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide the plant with more space as it grows. Make sure the pot has drainage holes.

• Warm Environment: Bird of Paradise plants prefer warm temperatures between 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C).
• Avoid Cold Drafts: They are sensitive to cold and should be kept away from cold drafts, air conditioners, and heaters.
• No Frost: Ensure the plant is kept in an area where temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C), as it can be damaged by frost.

• Remove Dead Leaves: Remove any yellow or brown leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance. You can prune dead or damaged foliage with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

• Cleaning: Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust. This helps the plant breathe better and look healthier.
• Vertical Growth: As Bird of Paradise grows tall, it may need support. You can help it grow upright by placing a stake in the pot if the plant starts leaning too much.
• Mature Plants: For mature plants, providing a larger pot gives the roots more room to grow and encourages better flowering.
• Keep an eye out for pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. If you spot any pests, treat the plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap.
• Regularly check the undersides of the leaves for pests and webs.
• Yellowing Leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or poor drainage. Make sure the plant is not sitting in water and the pot has proper drainage.
• No Flowers: Bird of Paradise needs plenty of light and the right growing conditions to bloom. If it’s not flowering, check if the plant is getting enough light, or try moving it to a slightly larger pot to encourage growth.
• Leaf Browning: Brown tips on the leaves can indicate low humidity, over-fertilizing, or salt buildup in the soil. Try to improve humidity and reduce fertilizing if needed.
• Patience Required: Bird of Paradise plants can take a few years to start flowering. Mature plants usually start flowering after 3-4 years.
• Encourage Blooms: Ensure the plant has ample sunlight and space for its roots to grow. Proper care will help trigger blooms in the right conditions.