Bird of Paradise plants add an exotic touch to gardens and houses. Proper care for a crane flower ensures that it can be grown as a garden plant or for ornamental use.
Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower, Wild Banana or Giant Bird of Paradise are all names for a genus of plans known as Strelitzia. Strelitzia is a tropical plant with spectacular flowers reminiscent of an exotic bird. Plumage is another word used to describe Strelitzia as the flowers resemble a bird’s beak with spiked head plumage. Bird of Paradise is an evergreen plant with leaves similar to the banana plant only much smaller. Nevertheless the leaves can grow to be 30 inches long and the stems of Strelitzia Reginae can be up to 60 inches from ground to base of flower.
Areas to Grow the Bird of Paradise Plant
Strelitzia is native to South Africa and South America. These are tropical and humid areas and the plant will thrive in such areas. In the United States it can be grown outdoors in Zones 8 and 9 but in other parts it is best grown as a potted plant that can be brought indoors for the fall and winter months. With proper care and diligence it can be grown in much colder environments both as an indoor potted plant and in glass houses. Indeed the Strelitzia Nicolai tolerates mild frost. This species likes to be grown in a rich soil in sun or partial shade. Good drainage is essential.
Bird of Paradise Plant Species
Other species of Strelitzia are
Strelitzia Alba, the white Bird of Paradise. This is a large tree-like Bird of Paradise and is not suitable for the small garden as it can reach up to 20ft.
Strelitzia Caudata, the African desert banana. This Strelitzia is difficult to find and difficult to grow. It is also a very large specimen.
Strelitzia Reginae, Bird of paradise, or Crane lily is a much more manageable plant but patience is needed as it can take up to six years before it will bloom. It can grow up to 5ft. tall and it requires full sun but not intense summer sun and, finally
Strelitzia Juncea. This is a slow grower and differs from all other Strelitzia in that the leaves over time will disappear and become a reed or a rush like a waterside plant of the Juncaceae family. This species, like Strelitzia Nicolai will tolerate a slight frost.
Strelitzia Problems
Propagation of Strelitzia is mainly done by suckering. This can be very invasive and it is unwise to plant a Strelitzia too close to a house. The invasive suckering process can easily knock down low garden walls especially if the foundation is slight to begin with. In some cases the charming spectacular Bird of Paradise is even considered a pest and it is hacked and pruned away with impunity. A BOP (Bird of Paradise) grown in a glasshouse bed can overpower everything else within reach in a short space of time.
Caring for the Bird of Paradise Plant
Keep the soil moist during the growing season, spring through summer.
Give the plant as much sunshine as possible.
Keep the plant at 50 degrees or above, i.e. indoor temperatures.
Prune the plant regularly keeping a wary eye for suckers.
After the first bloom the mature plant can be divided to increase the stock. However; the new plants will not bloom for a few years afterward.
Potted plants require a good general fertilizer every year.
Ornamental Use of Bird of Paradise Plant
For use as a cut flower specimen the Bird of Paradise is unsurpassed. A single stem complete with a single leaf placed in a tall slender glass vase will afford timeless, classical elegance to any home. Select a stem which is about to bloom, two-thirds fill the vase with white stones – colored stones will detract from the vibrancy of the flower and the bloom will last for about three weeks. Change the water once a week for freshness.
The copyright of the article Caring for the Bird of Paradise Plant in Plants & Bulbs is owned by Laurence O'Sullivan. Permission to republish Caring for the Bird of Paradise Plant in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I live in San Diego CA. I received a piece of my neighbors BOP after she
decieded to move it. The cutting has been replanted in my yard for about 2
years now. It has always produced a bushle of birds for me both in the
fall and spring. The other half that my neighbor kept hardly blooms a all.
Anyways, this year it produced "double" birds. There are 2
birds facing oposing direction out of the same stock. I do nothing to care
for the plan other than a drip system, no pampering with food. Is this
common? I don't think I've ever seen this before.
Oct 5, 2009 4:24 PM
Guest :
i have 3 stalks which were cut for my wife as a fresh flower arrangement.
how do i harvest a seed from them? i have read about the time involved with
prepping the seed and the length of time from seed to flower, but havnt
read anything on harvesting seeds. also, has anyone tried rooting cut
stalks in a rooting medium?
Oct 6, 2009 1:31 AM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
San Diego BoP Plants: Having two BoP flowers on the same stock is indeed a
rare sight. I live in Southeast Asia and have been growing BoP plants for
many years and this has yet to happen to my humble BoP plants. However; I
have seen photos of two flowers on the one stock, facing the same
direction, but I have never been certain of their authenticity. Now with
your information I know this is possible and will forever keep an eye out
for this rare beauty. You say you do nothing special to your ‘Birds’ but
whatever little you do keep it up. You must be the envy of your
neighbors.
Oct 6, 2009 1:56 AM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
BoP seeds from a cut flower: It is not a good idea to try to harvest seed
from a cut BoP stalk. Seeds are produced once the flowering has ended and
while the flower head remains on the stalk. Once the seeds are ready for
harvesting the pods will pop open and scatter the seeds. This scattering
can be controlled of course and it is unlikely to take place with a cut
flower. The best way forward is to purchase seed from a supplier, a pack
of five seeds will cost only a few dollars. Soak the seeds in lukewarm
water for a few hours and sow, shallowly, in a sand based medium. Keep
moist and after a few weeks germination will take place. Also I have never
managed to root BoP plants from stalks dipped in rooting powder.
Oct 6, 2009 10:39 PM
Guest :
We transplanted our BOP 3 years ago it is crmabed in amongst other plants
& is protected harsh wind and frost in a sunny spot but only grows a
few leaves then they die off,I've been told it's sulking,is there something
i can do.It has been fertilized 7 epson salt added...
Oct 7, 2009 11:57 AM
Guest :
I have a massive potted BOP that blooms around Xmas (@ 12) and again in the
summer (@ 2). It has been repotted into bigger pots a number of occasions
but I now must split it as it is simply too big. How do I best split this
plant to ensure I do not damage it or worse, kill it. I live in Canada - it
is kept indoors for most of the year although it does spend our 2 summer
months outside. Any advice will be welcome. Thank you.
Oct 8, 2009 9:37 AM
Guest :
I have a BOP which is only about 2ft tall, but it has now started to grow
this very very thin, very light green (almost white) shoot from it. Any
ideas what this could be? I know it is not another leaf, as I have one of
them growing currently and they look nothing alike.
Oct 11, 2009 8:08 AM
Guest :
HELP!...My BOP is dying slowly. After watering with fertilizer, weeks later
the leaves started to brown. I cut them and only have approx 8 leaves left.
How can I restore my beautiful house plant to its orginal state?
Oct 11, 2009 5:39 PM
Guest :
Have had a BOP for about a year now. In a window, so gets sun. The leaves
are splitting and curling? Any suggestions?
Oct 12, 2009 8:59 AM
Guest :
My BoP is blooming beautiful but i have noticed a white fungus on the
undersides of the leaveas. I dont know what it is or how to treat it. Can
you help? I live in central florida.
Oct 13, 2009 4:51 AM
Guest :
I purchased 4 BoP plants yesterday in 3 gal pots that they are bursting out
of. I live in Dover, FL, and from the comments that I have read here, it is
okay to transplant them now. What are the best steps to take to plant them
in our sandy soil and if I do not disturb the root systems, will it still
take 3-5 years to bloom? There are a few dead blooms on them now which I
will trim, but, I know that they are of blooming age.
Oct 13, 2009 12:17 PM
Guest :
QUESTION: I have 3 Giant BOP in a 3 foot high planter outdoors in So.
California. They have grown to over 12-13 ft and are not very attractive
anymore with alot of brown, curled and frayed leaves at the top that can't
be reached for trimming. Can these plants be cut down or back - will they
grow new shoots from the center???
Oct 14, 2009 7:58 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
Sulking BoP: Plants do not sulk, they temporarily suffer a setback once
transplanted but if they are still not doing well after 3 years they are
simply in the wrong place. BoP plants like cramped roots, not foliage.
Decide which is more important, the BoP or its neighbors. The lesser
favorites will have to go. Even though it is common to see BoP plants
growing in clusters this is okay as the foliage is loose and free flowing
and ensures good air circulation but this clustering with other plants will
always be a problem. I dedicate an individual space to BoP plants and they
bloom endlessly
Oct 14, 2009 8:06 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
3 Giant BOP: There is absolutely no problem in cutting back BoP plants,
either for pruning purposes or just to tidy the plant and enhance the
aesthetics. Selective pruning is something I employ regularly and this way
you will always have new shoots developing. Cut away perhaps one third of
the stalks, right down to the butt and slightly below the soil if possible.
New shoots will appear very quickly and once established some more
unsightly stalks can be cut away. Within a few months you will have a
brand new attractive BoP to enjoy.
Oct 14, 2009 8:19 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
Splitting a BOP Plant: Dividing a BoP plant will
not harm it, in fact it will give it renewed vigor. Prune away any damaged
leaves and stalks, the less you have to move the better. Remove the plant
from the pot, divide the rhizome with a spade or sharp knife and replant it
into new pots. From a very large BoP at least three or four new plants
will be expected. With a least one of the new planting cut the stalks
right down to ground level thereby creating brand new and more manageable
plants for your enjoyment BoP plants should be enjoyed.
Oct 14, 2009 8:26 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
2ft. tall BOP: A white shoot growing through a BoP plant might simply be a
wayward rhizome. Just leave it be for a while and see what develops. It
may the result of an outside seedling germinating. If it is intrusive and
undesirable cut it away but my first thought would be ‘just to go with it
and see where it takes you’.
Oct 14, 2009 8:47 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
HELP for your BOP: Leaves turning brown is a water problem.
Ensure good drainage as BoP plants will not tolerate water logged roots.
Cut away any damaged leaves right down to the butt and start again. BoP
plants are vigorous and will bounce back.
Oct 14, 2009 8:52 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
BoP with curling leaves: If the drainage is not sufficient the leaves will
turn brown, curl and generally do no good. The second reason a BoP plant
may have leaf curling problems is if it is infested with insects. Search
underneath the leaves and spray with a general insecticide if necessary.
Alternatively wash each leaf with neem oil, this will rid the leaf and
stalk of any insects and larvae.
Oct 14, 2009 8:58 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
My BoP is blooming beautiful: If the problem is present everywhere spray
the entire plant with a systemic fungicide. If it is locally contained
wash the leaves with neem oil. If the problem persists it may be necessary
to prune the plant and to fumigate the soil. Take local advice on this
procedure.
Oct 14, 2009 9:06 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
4 BoP plants: Transplant only when absolutely necessary, BoP plants thrive
in cramped conditions. Also if the plants have not bloomed so far
transplanting them may delay flowering. Once a BoP has flowered it can be
transplanted and the new plant will bloom without having to wait 4 years.
However, if you decide to transplant, now is a good time of year to do it.
Fertilize after planting and cut away any dead/dying stalks right down to
the soil.
Aug 18, 2008
