How to Grow Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia Germination Information

Strelitzia is the botanical name for Bird of Paradise
How to Sow Strelitzia:

• Sow fresh seeds indoors at 75-95°
• Seeds will germinate as early as 30 days and intermittently from 6 months up to a year
• To improve germination, remove the orange fluff and soak the seeds in warm water for 3-4 days
• Change the water daily
• It is not recommended to sow the seeds outdoors

How to Grow Strelitzia:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Soil: Grow in a rich, sterile potting soil with excellent drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist, but in late fall and winter allow the soil to dry out between waterings

Additional Care: For conservatory culture: site in full sun to part shade, provide high humidity and 55° nights, and fertilize twice monthly during active growth in spring and summer. Divide when they grow too large for the container

Appearance and Use:

A large (from 3-6 feet tall), clumping plant that is grown outdoors in warm climates, but also makes a suitable specimen for house and conservatory culture. The flowers cut well for fresh use. The 12-24 inch long, tropical-looking, banana-like, spear-shaped leaves have prominent pale or red midribs. Long, sturdy stalks bear the exotic, bird head-like, orange and blue flowers throughout winter and spring

About Strelitzia:
Pronunciation:  stre-lit’se-å
Lifecycle:  Potted Plant*
Origination: Strelitziaceae, native to South Africa
Common Name: Bird of Paradise

*Grown as a pot plant, however it will overwinter in Zones 10 and 11