Growing guide
Bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae
In brief
Strelitzia reginae wants plenty of light, regular water in spring and summer, and a dry, frost-free winter. It flowers only once mature, usually between five and ten years of age. A slightly snug pot helps it bloom.
Light
It needs plenty of direct light. Outdoors, in mild climates, it does well in full sun. Indoors it belongs by the brightest window. While in flower, a little shade in the hottest hours preserves the colours.
Water
In spring and summer keep the compost moist but never soggy: on hot days it may need water every day. Reduce from autumn, and in winter let the compost dry well between waterings.
Feeding
From spring to late summer, a liquid feed every two weeks.
Pot and repotting
A newly arrived plant should not be repotted for a year or two: keeping it slightly pot-bound encourages flowering. When the roots fill the pot, repot in spring, after flowering, into a pot only slightly larger, with free-draining compost. Each spring the top five centimetres of compost can be replaced.
Winter
It is frost-tender. It can stay outdoors all year only where winters are mild; elsewhere it needs a bright, sheltered place. For growing indoors, the Royal Horticultural Society advises keeping it above 10–12 °C.
When it flowers
A bird of paradise normally flowers between five and ten years of age. Young plants, such as those in 14 or 18 cm pots, need time: abundant light, a snug pot and regular feeding in summer are the conditions that bring it to flower.
Brown, split or curled leaves
Brown edges and tips usually point to unsuitable conditions: air that is too dry, or irregular watering or feeding. Regular watering helps and, indoors, misting the leaves. Split leaves are almost always the work of wind: outdoors, a sheltered spot is best. Damaged leaves are cut at the base with clean secateurs.
Pests
Check regularly for scale insects, red spider mite and mealybug, especially on plants grown indoors.
Propagation
The simplest method is dividing mature clumps in early spring: each section must have healthy leaves and roots. Growing from seed is possible but slow: the plant may take five years or more to flower.
Pets
According to the ASPCA, Strelitzia reginae is toxic to dogs, cats and horses: the fruit and seeds, if ingested, can cause mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.
Sources
Royal Horticultural Society, How to grow strelitzia
ASPCA, Bird of Paradise Flower