The bird of paradise flower is one of the most striking and unusual blooms in the plant kingdom. But did you know there are actually multiple bird of paradise species? One tropical variety called Strelitzia juncea bears elegant flowers on a much smaller scale than the iconic orange and blue bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae).
Read on to learn all about the narrow-leaved bird of paradise and how to care for this architectural plant.
Overview of Strelitzia Juncea
Strelitzia juncea, also known as narrow-leaved bird of paradise or rush-leaved bird of paradise is a flowering plant native to South Africa.
This tender perennial grows 3-4 feet tall and features long, rush-like leaves. It produces unique beak-shaped orange and purplish-blue flowers that give it the bird of paradise common name.
Unlike the giant bird of paradise species that can reach up to 20 feet tall Strelitzia juncea is a smaller variety well-suited for containers. Its vibrant blooms and tropical foliage make it an eye-catching accent plant.
Key Features of Strelitzia Juncea
Here are some of the defining features of the narrow-leaved bird of paradise:
- Clumping perennial growing 3-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide
- Long, narrow gray-green leaves up to 20 inches long by 1 inch wide
- Large orange and bluish flower bracts resembling a crane’s head
- Blooms spring through fall in optimal conditions
- Native to South Africa but grown as a houseplant or in gardens worldwide
With its architectural foliage and stunning flowers, it’s easy to see why this plant is prized by gardeners even though it can be tricky to grow outside the tropics.
How to Grow and Care for Strelitzia Juncea
Strelitzia juncea requires warm temperatures and bright light to thrive. Here are some key tips for growing this bird of paradise variety:
- Grow in zones 10-11 or indoors as a houseplant
- Provide bright, direct light indoors or full sun outside
- Maintain temperatures above 60°F
- Water deeply when soil dries out but avoid standing water
- Mist leaves frequently to boost humidity
- Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer
- Prune spent flowers and old leaves to encourage new growth
Getting the conditions right is key to getting this tropical plant to bloom. It also helps speed up growth and intensify the foliage colors.
Tips for Getting Strelitzia Juncea to Bloom
Encouraging the narrow-leaved bird of paradise to flower takes some patience. Here are a few tips:
- Ensure the plant gets bright light for at least 6 hours per day
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings but don’t let it get bone dry
- Mist the leaves daily or place on a pebble tray to provide ample humidity
- Keep temperature consistently warm, around 65-75°F
- Feed with a high phosphorus plant food to stimulate blooming
- Give the plant a winter rest period with reduced watering
Meeting its cultural requirements is the best way to prompt a bird of paradise houseplant to flower. Be prepared to wait up to a year or more to see the first unique blooms.
Where to Plant Strelitzia Juncea
Because of its tropical origins, Strelitzia juncea is usually grown as a container plant that can be moved indoors. It also thrives planted in the landscape in frost-free climates. Ideal placement includes:
- Containers on patios, decks, and porches
- Houseplant or conservatory specimen
- Tropical gardens in zones 10-11
- Borders along pools, walkways, and entryways
- Mixed exotic plantings combined with palms and cycads
The architectural shape and bright colors of this bird of paradise look amazing against a neutral backdrop. Use it as a bold focal point in the garden or home.
Common Pests and Problems
Strelitzia juncea suffers few serious problems when grown properly. Potential issues to watch for include:
- Mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects
- Root rot from overwatering
- Leaf spot fungal disease
- Sunburn on leaves from too much direct sun
- Failure to bloom due to incorrect conditions
Fortunately this plant has relatively low maintenance needs when given suitable care. Be sure to bring it indoors before cold weather arrives.
Varieties of Strelitzia Juncea
There are a few different cultivars of narrow-leaved bird of paradise to choose from:
- ‘Bubba’ – Dwarf variety growing just 1-2 feet tall
- ‘Kirstenbosch’ – Large yellow-orange flowers on a compact plant
- ‘Prince Andrew’ – Broad blue flower bracts on a medium-sized plant
- ‘Moonshine’ – Silver-gray leaves with white and blue flower bracts
Select a variety suited to your climate and space constraints. The smaller cultivars work perfectly for indoor growing.
The unique blooms and tropical vibe of Strelitzia juncea provide an exotic touch. Though challenging to grow in cooler climates, this architectural plant is worth the effort for any tropical plant fan.
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Leafless Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia juncea or Leafless Bird of Paradise is the strangest and most unique of the Strelitzia family. When the plant is fully grown, it stops making normal leaf structures and only makes pointed petioles that do all the work for photosynthesis. It grows in clumps that can be divided for propagation. This type has orange flowers several times a year. When birds sit on the flower to drink the nectar, the petals open up and cover their feet in pollen. Cold hardy to 25°F and requiring little water, this species will thrive in full sun or partial shade.
What makes our plants so unique? We use our native soil, which we mix with a special amendment, and we’re on the cliffs of Santa Barbara, which gets over 280 days of sunshine a year. Our plants are routinely watered, fertilized, and trimmed. We always help our plants stay healthy when they need it, and we don’t use sprays to do it.
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Strelitzia juncea or Leafless Bird of Paradise is the strangest and most unique of the Strelitzia family. When the plant is fully grown, it stops making normal leaf structures and only makes pointed petioles that do all the work for photosynthesis. It grows in clumps that can be divided for propagation. This type has orange flowers several times a year. When birds sit on the flower to drink the nectar, the petals open up and cover their feet in pollen. Cold hardy to 25°F and requiring little water, this species will thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Leafless Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia juncea
FAQ
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