Gardening success with the Bird of Paradise Plant requires knowledge of Strelitzia problems. Because it is such a unique plant, Strelitzia has unique gardening problems.
A successful Bird of Paradise plant enhances any type of garden or patio and adds to a gardener’s reputation. Unfortunately a neglected Strelitzia has the opposite effect. In order to maintain a healthy Bird of Paradise plant it is necessary to be aware of the problems that are unique to this type of flower. A gardener should know how to prune and cut back the plant, the areas that it does best in, how to move it if necessary and how to protect it during the winter months.
Where to Grow a Bird of Paradise Plant
The most common problem with Bird of Paradise plants is not getting the site right in the first place. Given ample light and warmth it will flourish in glasshouses anywhere. However; successfully growing a Strelitzia outdoors is not such a mystery as long as its needs are met. Bird of Paradise does not like frost, it does not like water soaked roots, it tolerates drought and it likes heat and light. The ideal outdoor temperature for a Bird of Paradise is found in U.S. zones 8, 9 and 10. It will also grow in zone 7 but more care is needed. It is a tropical to sub-tropical plant.
Pruning a Strelitzia
Keeping a Bird of Paradise in check is not difficult but it is necessary as they are vigorous growers and can overwhelm a flower bed in a short space of time. If possible it is a good idea to position a Strelitzia in such a way that "spade pruning" may be employed. This method of pruning is carried out by slicing into the soil with a sharp spade. Decide on how far the plant is to be allowed to spread and when it has reached this size slice into the soil with the spade thereby cutting off any wayward rhizomes. This will in no way affect the growth and flowering of the plant. There is very little extra pruning needed. Cut away any faded blooms to prevent unwanted seedlings.
Wintering a Bird of Paradise Plant
Overwintering a Bird of Paradise can be successful if it can be moved indoors to a heated room or glasshouse. Give the plant as much light as possible. Allow the plant to dry out almost completely and maintain a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the plant is to remain outdoors and frost is suspected cover the base area with mulch.
Moving a Strelitzia
Moving a young Bird of Paradise plant is easy. Tidy the plant as much as possible by cutting away spent stalks and leaves, bundle the remaining leaves together and lift as much of the root system as possible in one go. Moving a mature plant is more laborious and may entail cutting away the leaves and stalks completely and then lifting the rhizomes for planting elsewhere. This is best done in the autumn. Feed the plant in the spring.
Bird of Paradise Gardening Diseases
Strelitzia is a robust plant and is rarely bothered by disease. Root rot can be a problem – so do not over-water. Mealy bugs or scale insects can infest a plant but these can be eradicated by cleaning the leaves with ‘rubbing alcohol’ or by spraying the entire plant with a systemic insecticide. Occasionally snails like to nibble a Strelitzia but none of these problems seem to have any real detrimental effect on this exotic charmer.
The Bird of Paradise Plant, like the Heliconia, adds presence and grace to any garden. It is an ideal plant to use as a focal point. Being aware of the problems associated with the Bird of Paradise plant ensures that Strelitzia will be always look in perfect condition.
The copyright of the article Problems with Growing a Bird Of Paradise Plant in Plants & Bulbs is owned by Laurence O'Sullivan. Permission to republish Problems with Growing a Bird Of Paradise Plant in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Help, I have a Giant BOP and it is in an enclosed entry way but gets a lot
of filtered light. We live in Palm Desert, CA and the summer is very hot
and dry. The problem I am having is that it is leanning way forward and the
stalks are not standing up wright. Is this a watering problem or is it just
trying to reach out for more sunlight? When I check the soil is has water
well drained soil at least three inches deep. What should I do? Do I steak
the stalks so they stay up wright?
Sep 20, 2009 10:43 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
Palm Desert BoP: Slightly confused here - is the BoP plant growing
in soil 3 inches deep? If so this is a problem, please confirm. If the
plant has ample soil depth in order for the plant to get its proper
nourishment the problem is simply a light seeking issue. If the supply of
filtered light must remain at the same level then your BoP will strain
towards it even against your best efforts. Staking will help the aesthetics
but the plant will still crave more light.
Sep 27, 2009 7:30 AM
Guest :
aRE BIRD OF pARADISE POISONIOUS? My new puppy is chewing my 40 year old
plant. thanx, m
Sep 28, 2009 3:59 AM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
BoP and puppies: It is always safest not to allow pets to chew plants.
Even non toxic plants can be sickening to the tender stomach of a young
puppy and knowing that the seeds of Bird of Paradise plants are toxic it is
strongly advised to teach a new puppy that this green, succulent delicacy
is definitely off the menu.
Sep 28, 2009 7:12 PM
Guest :
Hi, I am having a problem with my BOP. It is turning brown, one leaf at a
time. I cut the dead leaf away and another continues. I live in a hot dry
area- San Joaquin Valley, Ca. I water deeply once a week and keep it under
my patio.
Sep 30, 2009 2:20 PM
Guest :
I purchased a white bird of paradise houseplant recently. It is in my
sunroom and I've watered 1-2x week. However, since I brought it home, I
have noticed the leaves are sort-of curling and splitting. I'm thinking it
could be a water issue but I guess I need to find out how much water they
need. Being a tropical type plant, I was thinking it wouldn't need a lot.
I still have it in the plastic pot from Home Depot and just tucked that
inside a larger planter. What do I need to do for it to look it's best?
Sep 30, 2009 10:25 PM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
BoP in San Joaquin Valley: Leaves turning brown on a BoP plant is most
like a water problem. This a tropical plant and whereas it needs water it
does not like to have too much of it. Allow the plant to dry out between
watering and never leave it in waterlogged situation. If this plant is in
a pot the pot should not be too big, try to keep the roots a little bit
pot-bound, this will help with using all of the water it is given as a
large pot can hold too much water causing root problems which may also lead
to leaf problems. One final point, how much light is under the patio? BoP
plants love the light and the more the better.
Oct 6, 2009 2:08 AM
Laurence O'Sullivan :
White BoP: The main problem with BoP plants is
getting the watering correct in the first instance. BoP plants are
tropical beauties and they do require water but they will not tolerate
water logged conditions. 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 29, 2008
