How to Grow Strelitzia

Care for the strelitzia plant so that it remains healthy and produces attractive blooms.

The genus strelitzia is comprised of a variety of tropical plants, the most common being strelitzia regininae, otherwise known as crane flower or bird of paradise. Originating from South Africa, the attractive tender perennial grows in clumps of 3 to 5 feet tall and serve as a striking focal point in the landscape. Other varieties in the genus include white bird of paradise (Strelitzia alba), giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicholai) and Juncea bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae var. juncea). Depending on personal preference, grow the plant in a container indoors or in the garden.

Things You'll Need

• Container (optional)
• Potting soil, peat and perlite (optional)
• Watering can
• Organic mulch
• Houseplant fertilizer
• Pruning scissors
• Insecticidal soap
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Plant the strelitzia in well-draining, fertile soil and in full sun or partial shade. Amend the soil pH before planting, if necessary, to ensure that it falls between 5.5 and 7.5. If planting in a container, fill a pot with commercial potting soil or equal amounts potting soil, peat and perlite, and place it near a south-facing window indoors.

2. Water the plant to a depth of 2 to 4 inches during the first six months or until it is established. Although moderately drought tolerant, a regular watering schedule during the first few months ensures the soil remains evenly moist and establishes an extensive root system. Afterward, allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry lightly between watering during summer. Reduce watering during the winter months when light is reduced, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry before irrigating.

3. Spread a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch, such as pine needles, leaves, wood chips and bark, around the base of the strelitzia plant to retain moisture, reduce weeds and enhance the appearance of the planting site. Alternatively, use inorganic mulches such as crushed stone or gravel. Space the mulch 4 inches from the stem to reduce chances of rot.

4. Feed the strelitzia plant with 1 lb. of slow-release fertilizer formulated for houseplants or an organic alternative such as manure, sewage sludge or blood meal every two weeks during spring and once a week during the summer. Do not sprinkle the fertilizer on the crown or foliage of the plant. Stop fertilizing the plant in fall and winter.

5. Remove spent flowers and snip off dried or dead leaves to maintain appearance. Remove fallen leaves or plant debris around the soil to reduce chances of disease.

6. Inspect the strelitzia plant for pests such as mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies. Mix 2 tbsp. dish soap in 1 gallon water and spray over the pest infestations. Examine the plant the next day and repeat the application, if necessary. The soapy solution dehydrates the pests.

Tips & Warnings

• Strelitzia are tropical plants cold hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 9.

• Indoor strelitzia plants prefer consistent daytime temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity at 60 percent.

• Keep the size of the mature strelitzia plant in mind when selecting the most suitable planting site for it. While the bird of paradise (strelitzia reginae) grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, white bird f paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai) grows 25 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide.

References

• Plant Care: Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Bird-of-Paradise; Sydney Park Brown, et a.l; 2009
• Hawaii Cooperative Extension; Bird-of-Paradise; David Hensley, et al.; November 1998
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Bird of Paradise; Chuck Burgess; 2004
• Forest Service Department of Agriculture; White Bird-of-Paradise; Edward F. Gilman, et al.; October 1994

Resources

• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Clean Up Pests With Soap; Daniel F. Culbert; Feb 21, 2001