With their putting leaves and petals, bird-of-paradise vegetation carry a bit one thing unique to any home or backyard. Their origami-esque tropical flowers actually do resemble a chook in flight, they usually are available a wide range of colours from sundown hues to creamy white. They might appear to be the type of high-maintenance prizes greatest left to skilled gardeners, however bird-of-paradise vegetation are surprisingly simple to look after. They’re fairly adaptable in your yard if it isn’t too sizzling, they usually make chill houseplants since they’ll thrive wherever indoors.
If you are out there for a showstopping addition to your plant assortment, look no additional. Ahead, we’re breaking down every part it is advisable to find out about bird-of-paradise vegetation, from the totally different shade varieties to the exact plant care routine it is advisable to comply with to maintain it thriving.
What Is a Bird-of-Paradise Plant?
Scientifically named the Strelitzia, bird-of-paradise is a perennial native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Africa. The widespread title is usually attributed to 5 totally different species: S. reginae, S. juncea, S. nicolai, S. caudata, and S. alba. While the primary two are the commonest (and best to develop) houseplants, all 5 are identified for the signature flowers that bloom from their stem.
Birds-of-paradise (sure, that is the plural kind) are poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses. Their stiff, upright leaves aren’t essentially the most attractive to nibble, however you probably have a curious pet bear in mind that bird-of-paradise vegetation must be evaded animals and might be dangerous if ingested.
Do Homegrown Bird-of-Paradise Plants Produce Flowers?
Yes! Bird-of-paradise vegetation do not should be at home within the tropics to provide their namesake spiky blooms. However, they do want consistency when it comes to each daylight and water to flower. Plus, they’ve to succeed in maturity earlier than they will flower commonly. That is 5 – 6 years previous for a brand new plant.
Types of Bird-of-Paradise Plants
Birds-of-paradise are available three varieties, with the primary distinction being the colour of their flowers. Mandela’s Gold bird-of-paradise vegetation produce shiny yellow blooms with blue accents. An orange bird-of-paradise reveals sundown hues like orange and crimson with plum-colored accents. The most typical bird-of-paradise houseplant is the white selection, which blooms in a ravishing cream hue.
How to Care for a Bird-of-Paradise Plant
As we talked about earlier, bird-of-paradise vegetation are surprisingly hardy and versatile contemplating that they are tropical vegetation. Given the best quantities of solar and water, they’ll thrive virtually wherever.
Indoors vs. Outdoors
If you like in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, your bird-of-paradise plant will thrive outside. However, in hotter climates like in southern Florida, Texas, and elements of Louisiana, it could truly be too sizzling for the tropical plant; it may scald within the warmth and never flower. But bird-of-paradise vegetation can develop completely properly indoors when the outside situations aren’t best. They develop tall—upward of 5 toes in some instances—and their leaves like to unfold out, so be certain your plant has loads of room to stretch out.
Water, Soil, and Fertilizer
Despite wanting fairly finicky, the bird-of-paradise plant has a low-maintenance care routine. It’s drought tolerant and immune to most pests, so this plant is an effective step up from newbie vegetation. The best soil is fertile and properly draining. Add fertilizer sparingly through the winter months to assist promote development. During the rising season, fertilize the soil each three to 4 months.
A brand new bird-of-paradise plant wants frequent irrigation through the first six months to get established and keep wholesome, in accordance with the University of Florida’s Gardening Solutions. “Your newly planted chook of paradise will want frequent rainfall or irrigation for six months to assist with institution,” it explains. “Once established, frequent watering is barely wanted through the heat rising season. Irrigation is barely crucial within the winter if the soil is dry.”
Between waterings, you’ll want to permit a bird-of-paradise to dry out utterly. You can verify this by inserting a finger about an inch into the soil to verify for moisture. Water totally, and permit the plant to empty out any extra water.
Temperature, Humidity, and Sunlight
Due to their tropical nature, bird-of-paradise vegetation love shiny, oblique daylight. Place your plant in an east- or west-facing window and keep away from north-facing home windows the place the direct mild could also be inadequate. You’ll wish to maintain the house heat however not sizzling; suppose between 65 and 75 levels, aka just about room temperature. If you discover your plant’s leaves getting crispy or drooping regardless that you simply watered it, it most likely wants a burst of humidity (just like a fern).
Pests and Common Problems
A bird-of-paradise planted outside may have extra pest issues than a houseplant, however they’re completely manageable with the best upkeep care. We advocate spraying neem oil in your vegetation as soon as a month to discourage pests whether or not they’re indoors or out. Deer and rabbits do not like bird-of-paradise vegetation, so you will not have to fret about them.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you may have a difficulty together with your bird-of-paradise plant, learn on. We discovered solutions to the commonest issues.
How Long Do Bird-of-Paradise Plants Live?
Decades! Bird-of-paradise vegetation are identified for residing upward of fifty years with the right care and in the best rising situations. While it takes the plant quite a lot of years (5 to 6 most often) to succeed in maturity and truly begin producing flowers, after that age bird-of-paradise blooms yearly.
Why Isn’t My Bird-of-Paradise Blooming?
The most typical causes of a bird-of-paradise plant not flowering are an excessive amount of shade and improper watering. It’s additionally essential to keep in mind that you probably have a seedling or comparatively younger bird-of-paradise, it will not flower till it reaches maturity at 5 – 6 years previous on common.
How Do I Prune My Bird-of-Paradise Plant?
Remove any useless leaves or spent flower stalks to maintain your vegetation wanting neat and forestall fungal issues. This consists of trimming them again or uprooting useless stalks utterly to maintain your bird-of-paradise wholesome and joyful.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful’s search engine optimisation Editor. She has lined every part from curated decor round-ups and purchasing guides, to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, for publications equivalent to ELLE Decor, Domino, and Architectural Digest’s Clever.
