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Birds of Paradise

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The Bird of Paradise (Strelizia spp.) is a flamboyant, colourful and exotic looking plant that has striking bird-like orange, yellow or white flowers and narrow paddle shaped leaves. Native to Africa, it grows well in Australia and makes a perfect indoor plant in a brightly lit room.

How to grow birds of paradise in a garden

  1. Choose a sunny to partly shaded spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. 
  2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes
  4. Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw ensuring to keep it away from the leaf bases. 
  5. Feed with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser every 8 weeks from spring until mid autumn.  

     
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How to grow birds of paradise in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 400mm wide (or larger, depending on the size of your plant). Position in well-lit spot. 
  2. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Speciality Potting Mix Plants and Ferns. 
  3. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  4. Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
  5. Help protect your plants against fungus gnats by applying a layer of Yates Gnat Barrier to the top of the mix. 
  6. Water when the potting mix feels dry. Gently dig around in the top few centimetres of potting mix with your finger. If potting mix sticks to your finger and feels moist, watering can be delayed. If it feels dry and dusty, it’s time to re-water.
  7. Feed the plant fortnightly during spring and summer with Yates Thrive Indoor Plants & Ferns Liquid Plant Food. If you prefer a set-and-forget option, use Yates Thrive Plant Food Spikes Plants & Ferns. Simply insert the required amount of spikes into the potting mix and water in well - it feeds for up to two months. 

Growing tips

  • Not enough sunlight or moisture may hinder the development of the flowers.

  • Dust the leaves regularly with a soft cloth. Dust can clog up the pores of the leaves and make it difficult for the leaves to function.

  • The Bird of Paradise is poisonous if eaten by animals such as dogs, cats & horses.

  • May take 4-5 years before its first flower, but it’s definitely worth persevering!  

  • There are 3 main species:

    • Strelitzia reginae

    • Strelitzia nicolai

    • Strelitzia juncea

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