Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a tropical plant with a dynamic flower that looks like the head of forest birds called birds-of-paradise. Native to South Africa, the plant flourishes in tropical and even subtropical environments.
This flower becomes part of the Strelitziaceae family and is typically called “crane flower” due to its stature. While it grows finest outdoors in warm, damp environments, it can be kept as a houseplant, including a pop of color to the room. That indicates even if you reside in a cold environment, you can still enjoy this beautiful plant.
Similar to its name, bird of paradise plants represent paradise, liberty, and delight. The evergreen seasonal holds different significances throughout various religious beliefs and cultures. For example, in ancient Egypt and Greek mythology, it represents fertility and renewal. In Hinduism, it embodies defense.
Today, lots of view bird of paradise plants as celebratory flowers or expressions of love. Its dynamic colors and special petals include character to the space it populates. There are various kinds of bird of paradise plants, some more vibrant than others. Most, nevertheless, boast beautiful, intense flowers that add to a tropical visual.
Keep checking out to find out more about what bird of paradise plants represent and some unique events they’re typically utilized for.
What is a Bird of Paradise Flower?
The tropical seasonal bird of paradise is an unique flower that flowers in tropical and subtropical environments, carrying out finest in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12 (and in some cases Zone 9 if provided the appropriate defense and care).
These plants are evergreen (significance they keep their leaves throughout the year) and choose heat and humidity. There are 5 types of bird of paradise flowers, however each passes the very same name. The plant
Appearance
Bird of paradise flowers look like the real bird-of-paradise, a types of birds that resides in the tropical forests of Australia and surrounding islands. Male bird-of-flowers have intense plumes that line their bodies.
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The bird of paradise plant boasts flowers that look much like the bird in flight (particularly its head, with part of the flowers looking like beaks). The flowers are normally intense in color with 3 dynamic petals emerging from big, boat-shaped bracts.
Related to the banana plant, another tropical plant, it can grow rather big, approximately 4 to 6 feet in height (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and approximately 5 feet in width (1.5 meters). However, there is a types called the huge bird of paradise, which can grow up to 30 feet tall. The plant can produce up to 36 flower spikes yearly.
Native Habitat
Bird of paradise plants are belonging to South Africa (particularly its subtropical seaside locations). As part of the Strelitziaceae family, this flower has actually been naturalized in North, Central, and South America. It is called the nationwide flower of Portugal.
Growing Tips
While bird of paradise flowers are fairly simple to grow and keep, they enjoy great deals of natural sunshine — particularly when grown inside. Even so, they can endure partial shade.
The flower flourishes in warm and damp environments and like a lot of water. However, it’s finest to let the soil dry almost entirely prior to watering once again, as they are prone to root rot (generally if grown in a pot). This indicates well-draining soil is best for them.
Bird of paradise flowers take years to develop and flower. In truth, you may require to grow your plant for approximately 4 years prior to you gain the intense, dynamic flowers that offer it its name. The flower chooses a temperature level variety of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything listed below 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit can eliminate the plant, so you shouldn’t leave it outside throughout cooler months or perhaps uncharacteristically cold summer season nights.
Using the best fertilizer can help bird of paradise plants prosper, as they need lots of nutrients to continue growing and ultimately flower. Most professionals suggest a natural fertilizer with a balanced 1–1–1 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio. Fertilize the plant every couple of months, and prune dead leaves and invested flowers as you discover them.
Can Bird of Paradise Be Grown Outside?
Yes, you can grow bird of paradise flowers outside. In truth, they choose the humidity and heat of outside tropical and subtropical environments. These plants grow incredibly well in direct sunshine, which is much easier to gain access to outdoors.
Bird of Paradise Meaning and Symbolism
Bird of paradise plants hold positive significances due to their intense, joyful coloring. Read on to learn more about the meaning of birds of paradise.
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Freedom and Independence
As discussed previously, bird of paradise flowers look like a bird in flight. This is why they’re typically connected with liberty and self-reliance. This plant advises us that, like birds, we are not restrained. We can constantly break complimentary to explore our unlimited opportunities.
Joy and Cheer
The dynamic colors of bird of paradise plants typically look like delight and joy. Boasting intense yellows, oranges, and reds when in complete flower, the flower provides a sense of cheer to whatever space it’s growing in.
Paradise and Bliss
Much like its name, bird of paradise plants represent paradise — whatever that may appear like to you. What’s your variation of happiness? Maybe it’s a rainy day inside with a mug of coffee, or possibly it’s a warm island trip with your partner. Whatever the case, this flower provides us a piece of paradise with its gorgeous-colored flowers.
Good Fortune and Abundance
Many cultures see bird of paradise plants as a sign of success and luck. Its intense flowers and strong look embody positivity and good luck coming your method.
Creativity and Artistry
Many artists are influenced by the appeal of bird of paradise plants, utilizing it as a muse for their illustrations, paintings, or other pieces of work. This is why the flower is typically connected with imagination and creative undertakings.
Love and Loyalty
As the main flower of the ninth wedding event anniversary, the bird of paradise represents deep romantic love and dedication. Many think the plant represents loyalty and commitment, making it the ideal arrangement for enthusiasts.
Excitement and Passion
It’s difficult not to feel fired up when you see the spectacular, unique bird of paradise plant. The flower exhibits positivity and can sustain any sort of enthusiasm or anticipation that lives within you. This makes it the ideal present for any type of event or profession turning point.
Fertility and Rebirth
In ancient Egypt, lots of saw birds of paradise as signs of fertility and renewal. Additionally, in Greek folklore, it’s said that Aphrodite, the goddess of love and appeal, brought to life her child from the petals of the bird of paradise plant.
Patience and Hope
This flower can represent perseverance due to the fact that of the length of time it requires to flower (approximately 4 years!) In other words, you need to practice perseverance and trust the procedure if you wish to profit of its beautiful, dynamic flowers. Nurturing the plant and offering it with a safe, warm environment to prosper in will reward you with lovely blooms.
Protection and Support
In Hinduism, this unique plant is said to safeguard receivers from fiends or damage. In truth, Vishnu, the Hindu god of conservation, changed into a bird of paradise to safeguard his spouse, Lakshmi. Lakshmi was called the goddess of wealth, fortune, fertility, and success
Spiritual Significance
Spiritually, birds of paradise represent paradise (paradise) on Earth. Many think the plant’s long stem represents spiritual ascension while the flower petals represent spiritual liberty. Some of the brighter-colored birds of paradise likewise look like recovery and strength.
Bird of Paradise Proper Occasions
Bird of paradise plants make the ideal presents or decoration for different occasions and events. Here are a few of the most widely-known appropriate events for the flower.
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Weddings
If you’re preparing a seaside wedding event or location wedding event in a tropical place, utilizing birds of paradise as decoration will offer you a unique and unique touch. Whether you utilize them as focal points or arrangements, these intense flowers will trigger delight on your wedding day.
Ninth Anniversary
As discussed previously, the bird of paradise plant is the main flower of the ninth wedding event anniversary. If you’ve been with your enthusiast for 9 years (even if you’re not wed), gifting them an arrangement of this beautiful blooming flower can advise them of your love and commitment.
Birthdays
A birthday is yet another turning point that should have positive attention. What much better method to commemorate than with birds of paradise? Not just will the plant radiate joy and happiness, however it will likewise function as a token of gratitude for the recipient. Buy an arrangement or houseplant for your liked one on their birthday to express your thankfulness and love for them.
Baby Shower
Because of its association with fertility and renewal, birds of paradise make excellent presents for child showers and anticipating mothers. The intense, celebratory flower will illegal enjoyment for the future and commemorate brand-new life, manifesting all the best and success for the family. You can utilize it as decoration for the occasion or purchase an arrangement for the brand-new mommy to put on her kitchen area counter at home — a dosage of anticipation.
Housewarmings
If a liked one just recently transferred to a brand-new home, present them a bird of paradise houseplant to cheer up their space. No matter what color you get, the beautiful flower will include a dosage of appeal and paradise to the home. Thankfully, the plant succeeds inside, so long as it gets enough sun and the temperature level doesn’t fall listed below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Career Success
Whether it’s a promo, job deal, or brand-new business pursuit, any kind of profession accomplishment or turning point should have to be commemorated. If a liked one just recently went up in their profession, you can express your pride in and joy for them by buying birds of paradise for their workplace or home.
Whether you’re purchasing a bird of paradise flower for your sis’s child shower, buddy’s housewarming celebration, or ninth anniversary with your partner, the spectacular and unique flower can make any day brighter. You don’t require an unique celebration to enjoy this plant’s dynamic flowers. Add a tropical touch to your space with an arrangement, potted plant, or seeds to grow in your garden. However, ensure to keep the plant far from kids and family pets, as it can be hazardous to people, cats, and dogs.
