Bird of paradise, or Strelitzia reginae, is a beautiful plant with orange and blue flowers that sparkle like iridescence and look like an exotic bird peeking out from the big leaves in the fall, winter, and spring. This flower is often linked to tropical places like Hawaii, but the plant is actually from South Africa. In the eastern Cape, it grows wild with other shrubs along riverbanks and in clearings in the coastal bush. Birds use it as a nectar source. The climate there is mild, with rain distributed throughout the year. It has been exported throughout the world to subtropical climates. It’s grown as a flower in Southern California and Florida in the US, and it’s even the official flower of the city of Los Angeles. It is also commonly used as a cut flower in the florist trade. This genus has five species. It was named for Queen Charlotte, who was married to George III and was also the Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Germany. They are all perennial subtropical plants native to southern Africa. In addition to the ordinary common bird of paradise, there is a variety of S. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa, released a plant called “Mandela’s Gold” in 1996. It has yellow sepals and is a reginae. Although S. reginae is the most common, white or giant bird of paradise (S. nicolai and S. alba) are also available in the horticultural trade. These species can grow to 30 feet tall and do not bloom until the plants are quite mature. But the big, 18–24-inch wide, 3–4-foot long leaves that look like banana trees are pretty enough on their own to make this a great plant for adding a tropical look to your home’s interior. (The common names white and giant are often used for these two species because they look so much alike.) nicolai usually has blue petals. ) S. . caudata looks a lot like these two species, but it is much shorter (about 6½ feet) and not often found. There is also another species, S. juncea (sometimes considered a variety of S. reginae) that looks like a rush and has leaves that grow from the base of the plant and stay in a round, spear-like shape This plant has flowers similar to but slightly smaller than S. reginae. It is rarely available to the home gardener. The common bird of paradise is a slow-growing, clump-forming plant with fleshy roots. The plant’s leaves grow from a crown at the base, going up one after the other (from the base directly across from each other), making each clump a bit flatter. The leaves are borne on a long stalk that sometimes reaches up to 2 feet in length. The oblong leaf blades are stiff and leathery, concave and grayish- or bluish-green with a pale midrib. The hard, beak-shaped sheath that the flower comes out of is called the spathe. It grows perpendicular to the stem and looks like the head of a bird. The flowers emerge one at a time from the spathe. Each flower consist of 3 orange sepals and 3 blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form an arrow-like nectary. The flowers’ petals open so that birds can get pollen on their feet when they sit down to drink the nectar. The older flowers dry up after a while. You can carefully cut these off as new flowers grow to keep the bloom looking new, or you can leave them on the flower stalk to dry out. Occasionally a second spathe will be produced from the primary one, giving a double tier of flowers. If you want to bring a little of the tropics into your home, bird of paradise is easy to care for. It does best when moved outside in the summer, but be careful to get it used to the brighter light first or it could get sunburned. During the winter, it needs a sunny spot inside. One of the most common reasons mature Strelitzia do not bloom well is insufficient light. They require nearly full sun in the summer and as much light as possible in winter to bloom. Make sure to bring the plant inside before the first frost, though it can handle a short period of time below 28oF. Keep the soil moist in the summer, but allow the pot to dry out between waterings when indoors. These plants need a lot of food, so use a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks in the summer and once a month in the winter if you plant them in soilless medium. If you plant them in real soil, it may need less fertilizer. Plants bloom more when they are in pots, so don’t be afraid to repot your plant when it is about 3 feet tall; just make sure to change the top soil every year or so. Also, do not plant too deeply. Exposure of the top of the roots supposedly encourages flowering. Early spring is the best time when repotting is necessary (i. e. the roots have cracked open the pot). Plant in any well-draining soil or soilless potting mix in a large pot or tub. Strelitzia does not have many pest problems but mealybugs, scale and spider mites may infest the plants. A soft cloth is all you need to wipe off the big leaves. Do not use any leaf shine products, as they could damage the natural matte finish. Houseplant insecticides can also be used. Bird of paradise can be propagated from seeds or division. It could take up to eight weeks for the seeds to sprout, and the plant won’t bloom for another four to seven years. For best results, sow fresh seed in the spring. Allow the hard seeds to soak for 24 hours. Then, remove the bright orange hairs that are attached to the seed and plant them 1 inch deep in wet potting mix. Keep the seeds warm (85ºF). Transplant when the seedlings have 2-3 leaves. Grow plants in less light than they will have when they are fully grown, and don’t stop the roots from growing. This will slow the plant’s growth as a whole. You can divide plants that have been blooming for a few years, but the plant might not bloom again for a few years afterward. You can also take off young suckers from the parent plant. – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin.
The unique, vibrant flowers of bird of paradise are unlike any other. They emerge from stout, beak-shaped bracts that protecting the developing buds Learning to identify bird of paradise flower buds is key to understanding the growth stages of this spectacular plant
Overview of Bird of Paradise Plants
Bird of paradise refers to tropical plants in the genus Strelitzia, named for their flowers that resemble colorful tropical birds in flight. Most popular are S. reginae and S. nicolai. The former has orange and blue blooms on dense bushy plants reaching 3 to 5 feet tall. S. nicolai bears white flowers on larger tree-like specimens up to 30 feet tall.
Native to South Africa, these exotic beauties require warm conditions year-round. They are icons of tropical and subtropical gardens, where their unique buds and flowers bring drama. Indoors, they make excellent container plants given sufficient light.
The Structure of Bird of Paradise Flower Buds
The flower buds of bird of paradise plants are protected by boat-shaped bracts called spathes. These rigid modified leaves act like a beak sheltering the delicate reproductive parts as they develop. Spathes can reach 4 to 10 inches long depending on the species.
Inside this protective casing, the actual flowers emerge on a central spike called the spadix. The spadix holds both male and female flowers, with the females located at the base and males toward the tip.
As the buds mature, the top portion of the spathe will split open. The spadix will elongate and arched, displaying its vivid blooms. This occurs once the plant has reached maturity, usually taking at least 3 years from seed.
Identifying Immature Bird of Paradise Buds
So how can you tell when those strange structures on your bird of paradise are flower buds in the making? Here are some signs that blooms are on the way:
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Thick, rounded or pointed spathes emerging from the center of the plant. These will enlarge steadily over time.
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The base of the spathe swells as buds develop inside. It may split slightly revealing the spadix within.
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Spathes reach 4 inches or longer. Mature ones can extend up to 10 inches depending on the species.
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Upright, thick stalks support the spathes above the foliage. These will elongate further as buds mature.
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Spathes are firmly attached to the plant and resistant to gravity’s pull. Immature buds won’t droop or wilt.
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Signs of healthy, vigorous growth. This includes new leaves and sturdy stems.
While it takes patience for bird of paradise buds to fully mature and flower, you’ll start to see promising developments long before they bloom. Monitoring these structures will keep you apprised of their progress.
Optimal Conditions for Bud Formation
To encourage bird of paradise plants to form flower buds most readily, provide these optimal care conditions:
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Bright Light – At least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily, or intense indoor lighting. Insufficient light is a common cause of no blooms.
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** Warmth** – Daytime temperatures of 65-85°F and 60-70°F at night. Cool conditions inhibit flowering.
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Space – Allow room for growth. Pot-bound containers can promote buds in mature plants.
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Watering – Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated in summer. Reduce in winter.
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Nutrition – Feed every 2-3 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer.
Meeting these cultural requirements will set the stage for prolific bud production and the signature blooms that follow.
Caring for Bird of Paradise Through Bud Development
It takes patience and proper care for those intriguing bird of paradise spathes to mature into full blooms. Here are some tips:
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Avoid repotting or dividing once flower buds are visible. This will disrupt development.
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Stake tall spathes if needed to prevent breakage in windy spots. Use soft ties to prevent damage.
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Water regularly so soil remains evenly moist. Reduce frequency once buds are set.
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Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth periods in spring through summer.
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Wipe leaves occasionally with damp cloth to keep foliage clean for energy production.
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Watch for pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scales which can slow growth.
With attentive care and ideal conditions, you’ll be rewarded with the unique blossoms bird of paradise plants are so prized for.
What to Expect as Bird of Paradise Buds Mature
The transformation of bird of paradise buds from curious spathes to full, colorful blooms is a wonder to observe. Here’s the amazing process:
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Spathes continue elongating, reaching 8 inches or longer. They’ll stand prominently above the foliage.
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The base of the spathe enlarges and may split open slightly at the seam.
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The top of the spathe will separate into two halves followed by the lower portion, revealing the spadix within.
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The spadix extends in length, hoisting the flowers upward. Vibrant colors begin to show.
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Flowers nearest the spadix tip open first, followed by those at the base over a 1-2 week period.
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Mature blooms reveal their full glory – sweeping orange and blue with protruding stamens.
Be sure to watch closely so you don’t miss this incredible transition once buds reach maturity on your bird of paradise!
Troubleshooting Lack of Bird of Paradise Buds
If your bird of paradise isn’t producing any flower buds, evaluate these factors:
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Age – Plants need to mature, typically 3-5 years, before blooming commences. Be patient with younger plants.
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Light – Insufficient sunlight is one of the most common culprits. Move plants or provide artificial light to encourage buds.
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Watering – Over or under-watering can inhibit blooms. Strive for evenly moist soil in summer.
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Fertilizing – Nutrient deficiencies can prevent buds. Use a balanced soluble fertilizer every few weeks in spring/summer.
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Pests – Look for signs of mites, mealybugs, aphids and scales which can weaken plants and limit flowering.
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Pruning – Extreme pruning or dividing can delay buds while plants recover. Avoid once buds are visible.
Getting culture conditions right is key for coaxing bird of paradise plants to form fascinating flower buds and put on their grandest floral show.
Amazing Bird of Paradise Buds Precede Unique Blooms
Those unusual structures that seem to suddenly appear on bird of paradise are the prelude to an incredible display of tropical flowers. Learning when spathes and spadix indicate blooms are imminent is part of understanding these exotic plants. With proper care, the patience required will be rewarded many times over by vivid blossoms and elegant forms that never cease to delight.
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FAQ
How do you know when a bird of paradise is going to bloom?
How long does it take for bird of paradise Bud to open?
Should you deadhead bird of paradise flowers?
What does a bird of paradise flower stalk look like?
What does a bird of paradise plant look like?
But, the plant also produces orange and blue flowers with two erect pointed petals and five stamens. The flowers are unique, resembling a brightly colored bird in flight. Hence they are known as the bird of paradise. Their unique-looking blooms make the plant different from other houseplants.
How do you make a bird of paradise flower?
How to make bird of paradise flower can be tricky unless the proper growing conditions are met. One of the most common reasons bird of paradise blooms fail to flower is insufficient light. These plants require at least four to six hours of full sun (or bright light indoors) in order to bloom sufficiently.
Can You prune a bird of paradise plant after they wilt?
Yes, you can prune the flower of your bird of paradise plant after they turn brown and wilted. Also, remove the flower stalks. Pruning is a great way to make your bird of paradise plant bloom again. Pruning the dead flowers will encourage reblooming and protect the plant from pests and diseases .
What is a bird of paradise flower?
Today’s star is the Bird of Paradise! Bird of Paradise, also known as Crane flower, Crane lily or Wild Banana, is native to southern Africa. Each flower is multi-colored and features blue, white, orange and yellow. As always, Floralife has some practical Bird of Paradise care and handling tips for the grower, the wholesaler and the retailer.
How long do birds of paradise flowers last?
The blooms of the bird of paradise plant can last for around 2 to 3 weeks before dropping their petals and dying. The flowers can last for two weeks after you cut them freshly from the plant. After that period, the flowers will wither and die. Are flowers of bird of paradise plants toxic to pets?
Why is my bird of paradise plant not blooming?
Improper care is why your bird of paradise plant fails to bloom. The likelihood of blooms depends on your plant’s growing conditions, care, and planting zone. Not understanding the plant’s growth requirements will not encourage them to bloom.