Bird of Paradise

Q. How to take care of a bird-of-paradise plant?

A. Strelitzia reginea is the species best for growing indoors. Patience is a virtue here as plants take between 4-6 years to mature before flowering which occurs in the spring and sometimes later in the summer indoors.

They love lots of moisture in the air so place on pebble and water filled-saucers to increase humidity especially in the dry winter indoors due to a heating system. In the winter the temp can be 55-60F but much warmer in the spring and summer.

Gradually pot up to a 10" pot and it will grow to 3-4 feet in height. Give it lots of sun but do shelter it from the intense direct summer sun or the foliage will burn. It does not like growing in lots of shade.

Grow in a loose fertile soil with perlite and vermiculite added. Water well but allow to dry also well before rewatering. Misting the leaves is a good way to increase the humidity but not when the sun is shining directly on them!

Feed them lightly with a house plant food once a month.

Repot every couple years and divide the plant if you wish into several new ones but remember that the plant likes to be on the crowded and root-bound side in order to bloom.

Q. I have had a bird of paradise plant for about 5 years now and it hasn't flowered. Do you know when they flower and/or how to get them to flower? I have mine in the front window which receives some afternoon sun.

A. First of all Strelitzia regina [from South Africa this is the best species for indoor gardening] need to be 4-6 years old before they are mature enough to bloom. They also require a large growing area for its roots. Mature plants grow to 4' inside and should be in a 10" pot.

Give it as much light as possible but shade from the harsh summer sun. 'Some afternoon sun' may be insufficient. Water thoroughly. then leave to dry well until an inch down into the medium is dry to the touch. Daily misting of the foliage is very beneficial to growth and blooming. Never let the night temperature drop below 60F.

Next time you repot which should be every two years make sure you use a well-drained soil mix enriched with organic material. This encourages flowering too.

Q. Can a Bird of Paradise be split and should it? In Hawaii I noticed they let them grow in to large clumps. Any information is appreciated.

Another reader writes~ What care should I give to a Bird of Paradise? The one I have or I should say had has died.

A. Yes you certainly can and should divide these plants or allow to keep growing in clumps. I find that the flowering diminishes if left undivided but once you divide the clumps they take a few years to get back to full flowering.

The roots are very thick and fleshy so be very careful but the plant is quite tough. Separate the roots coming from each division and carefully cut between the two sections with a clean sharp knife. Dust the cuts with a rooting hormone as Rootone.

Cut off any of the roots that may have been badly damaged. Repot each section in a sterile pot.