Bird of paradise (Strelitzia)
The Strelitzia (bird of paradise) is one of the best-known species of evergreen tropical herbaceous plants. The banana-shaped leaves that sit on top of long stems and the blossoms that resemble the heads of tropical birds
Planting & Care
Light:Â This plant needs bright light, even including some direct sunlight, to bloom well.Â
Soil:Â Use rich, well-drained potting mix.
Water:Â Keep the soil continually moist throughout the year. You don’t want it to be waterlogged, but you can expect to need to water it daily in the spring and summer as it loses moisture through its big leaves.Â
Temperature:Â Keep the air temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This is not a cold-tolerant plant, and it recovers slowly from frost damage.
Fertilizer:Â Feed in the springtime with slow-release pellets or weekly during growing season with liquid fertilizer. This plant is a heavy feeder.
Pruning: Prune spent flowers and flower stalks in the early spring. Â
