Bird of Paradise Facts

The bird of paradise flower looks like a colorful bird.

The bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) also known as the crane flower is native to the southern coast of Africa. This plant grows in subtropical regions and other varieties, including the giant bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) are found in Hawaii.

Size

The bird-of-paradise is 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Each smooth, green leaf is about 6 inches wide and 18 inches long.

Flowers

When the plant flowers it sends up a 5 feet tall stalk with between one and three flower buds. As the flower opens the blue petals and orange sepals resemble a birds head.

Care

Bird-of-paradise plants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil with high organic matter. Plants can be planted in full or part sun, but will grow taller and have longer flower stalks when planted in shadier areas.

Diseases and Pests

Bird-of-paradise plants are susceptible to mealybugs, whiteflies and aphid which can be controlled by insecticide. Bird-of-paradise can also be affected by bacterial wilt and root rot.

Propagation

Bird-of-paradise can be propagated by seed or by division of clumps. Seeds should be scarified with a nail file and soaked in sulfuric acid for five minutes and then rinsed with fresh water. Seeds can take two to three months to germinate. To divide clumps, dig up the root ball in spring or summer and divide into sections with four to five shoots.

References

• University of Florida: IFAS Extension: Bird-of-Paradise
• University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service: Bird-of-Paradise