Among thousands of plants and flowers out there, a bird of paradise is still stunning with its uniqueness.
At first, this flower sounds like the name of an animal species but it appears to be a wonderful blossom.
The name is not coming as of it, but there is a meaning. Moreover, you will see its beauty even if you see the flower through the picture.
That is why this beautiful flower has many attractive qualities to be one of your favorites both outdoors and indoors.
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Introduction of Bird of Paradise Flower
Bird of paradise or Strelitzia reginae is an ornamental plant from Strelitziaceae that is native to South Africa.
Further, its scientific name is given by a director of the royal garden, Sir Joseph Banks.
Its name is also taken from its appearance. This flowering plant resembles birds of paradise which are showy forest birds.
Additionally, it has three blue petals and three orange petals that are fused into a bud.
When the flower blooms, each petal will debut and it will shape mirrors like a tropical bird in flight.
Also known as crane flower, this flowery plant is usually grown outdoors in warm climates. The height is 39.3 to 59 inches and has leathery, erect, concave, oblong, and stiff leaves.
Besides, the leaves have a green color with a red midrib.
The main flower bract has a shape like a boat in green with red borders. It also has fruit like a capsule with numerous seeds.
Meaning and Symbolism of Bird of Paradise
In general, these so-called beautiful paradise plants have a symbol of freedom and heaven. Besides, it has various meanings and symbolism.
With its bright color, this flower has various beautiful meanings including affection, thoughtfulness, and faithfulness which is perfect for a romantic gift.
In Hawaii, locals call it the Little Globe which represents magnificence.
Furthermore, in some cultures, this variety is used as an official flower for a ninth wedding anniversary.
The bird of paradise also has a good perspective on life representation. That is why many people eagerly plant this beautiful flower at home.
The Species of Bird of Paradise Plants
Not only there is one kind of this plant, but there are also some other species of bird of paradise flower that you can grow in the garden.
Each of them has a different color but a comparable shape.
If you are interested in growing a flowery plant that generates beautiful blooms for the decoration of an event or a gift, the following species must be of interest.
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Strelitzia Caudata
Strelitzia Caudata or also known as mountain wild banana grows in the wild of Southern Africa.
It can grow up to 6 meters tall and has the flair of a traveler’s palm which is a related species of the same family of a banana plant.
For the flowers, the color white tufted and black beaked flowers.
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Strelitzia Juncea
A narrow leaf bird of paradise, Strelitzia Juncea looks similar to the species of S. Reginae. It was firstly found in 1974 after mistakenly being S. Reginae.
Moreover, it has red-like leaves and blue flowers.
With a height of 1.8 meters, this plant has a lovely cut flower. Thus, Strelitzia Juncea makes a perfect choice to grow indoors.
You can set them outdoors during the summer and bring them back when the temperature drops.
Then, enjoy the blooms during that warm season. The beautiful green foliage will accompany you during the cold season too.
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Strelitzia Alba
A tree-like plant, Strelitzia Alba can grow up to 30 feet and even taller. It blooms from July to December.
You can find this species in the wild coastal areas.
Its flowers have white color and the leaves look like banana foliage. The combination looks unique and special from other species.
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Strelitzia Reginae
Strelitzia Reginae is the most beautiful species of the bird of paradise. It has orange flowers which are a constant part of the landscape in Southern California.
Besides its outstanding color, the height of five to six feet makes this plant easier to spot.
Although this flower can bloom on and off all year, the S. Reginae is easier to suffer when it hits below freezing.
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Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Nicolai is like the previous Alba that resembles a banana plant. Its height can reach 6 meters. Likewise, this variety is huge but smaller than its cousin.
Due to its big shape, this bird of paradise is also usually called a giant white bird of paradise. It has white flowers with a combination of gray and dark blue beaks.
Also, it is perfect for the outdoor landscape and even for the borders. This plant is highly useful as a natural fence between your neighbors and the road.
How to Take Care Bird of Paradise
Its shape and symbolism might attract some people to have this flower in their homes. The good news is that it is not too complicated to plant the bird of paradise at home.
However, it needs certain cultural conditions that should be concerned. Having the rich soil in a well-draining condition is very essential.
Moreover, the temperature is the main point in taking care of this flower.
In the growing season, you should set the temperature at 18 to 21 degrees Celsius during the day.
Meanwhile, it should be 10 degrees Celsius at night.
If the flowers get the wrong level of warmness, they will be heavily damaged. Therefore, do not put it in the temperature under -4 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, consider the following recommendation for planting this beautiful bird of paradise at home.
Plant in the Containers or Pot
Since the birds of paradise need good soil that is well, you can plant them in a good container. Then, water the flower until the soil is well saturated too.
Please make sure that you did not plant the flower too deep in the pot or container since it will not promote the flowers.
It is so recommended to use a pot since the plant will produce more blooms.
Repotting is necessary around every 3 years in spring once the roots have become extremely cramped.
Further, in early spring, start feeding the flower every 14 days. Meanwhile, you only need to feed it once a month during summer.
A portion of soluble plant food is the recommended one for the bird paradise since it needs a lot of food to grow.
The Bird of Paradise Care
Taking care of the bird of paradise flower is not that tricky. You have to divide the flowers every 5 years.
Then, eradicate the dead and broken leaves and the spent flowers whenever they occur.
Furthermore, you have been aware of the disease issues for planting both in containers or in-ground.
The most common issues are scale, mealybugs, and spider mites.
In that case, you need to use a systemic insecticide or horticultural oil spray. Also, hose and wipe off the dust on the leaves.
It is important to avoid overwatering as well since this may lead to several root rots.
Moreover, water the plant before nightfall under the leaves. It will help to avoid fungus-based disease.
Importantly, you have to be careful of dogs and other pets. The problem does not come from the plants but the seeds are toxic.
It causes vomiting and abdominal pain. Thus, you should beware since your pet usually likes to nibble.
Planting Requirements
Besides good temperature, the bird of paradise also needs good lighting at the right time.
Therefore, in the morning, you have to make sure that the flower gets full sunlight and some shade in the afternoon.
For nutrients, this flower has already got the nutrients in the leaves in the wild. Meanwhile, in the landscape, it will need ones from organic compost.
You can also use some mulch by simulating the soil humus layer that decomposes quickly.
The Recommended Bird of Paradise for Indoor
The most recommended birds of paradise to plant at home are S. Junae, S. Reginae, and S. Nicolae.
However, if you look for an indoor plant, you can choose S. Junae or S. Reginae. Their height will not be more than 6 feet which are perfect for a houseplant.
You can get the orange-flowered one that is around 3 to 5 feet tall only. It has long leathery foliage which resembles a banana tree.
Likewise, it has blue petals and orange sepals that are so similar to exotic birds.
On the other hand, you can also choose the dwarf orange bird of paradise from the S. Reginae species.
The height is quite small, that is 1 to 2 feet only. However, make sure that it will get indirect sunlight and plant in the pot with moist soil.
If the orange flowers are not your cup of tea, you have to choose the white bird of paradise.
It will bloom the purple-blue tongue and crown from its blossoms. The leaves are so beautiful as they resemble banana foliage as well.
Finally, which bird of paradise that you like the most? Before taking care of them, find out what species it is. Hence, you will know the right treatments for each variety.