Birthday
HydrangeasThis article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. Strelitzia is an evergreen from South Africa whose flowers resemble the crested head of a tropical bird — hence the common name, bird of paradise. The genus honours Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III and patron of Kew Gardens. South Africa’s 50-cent coin shows a strelitzia, and the bird of paradise is the official flower of Los Angeles.
About the plant
Strelitzia belongs to the Strelitziaceae, a family related to bananas. Indoor species have no trunk: leathery grey-green leaves 30–50 cm long on long stalks grow from a thick rhizome and look like banana leaves. The tree-like species develop a palm-like trunk over time.
The inflorescence rises on a sturdy stalk from a leaf axil. A stiff, boat-shaped spathe (the “beak”) opens gradually, releasing 4–8 flowers one after another. In S. reginae the outer sepals are orange and the inner petals bright blue, fused into an “arrow”. In the wild, sunbirds pollinate the flowers: when a bird perches on the arrow, pollen sticks to its feet.
As a cut flower strelitzia lasts 2–3 weeks, which makes it a florists’ favourite for exotic bouquets and interior arrangements. If a spathe hasn’t fully opened, you can gently ease the next flower out with a finger.
Strelitzia species
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is the main houseplant species: 1–1.5 m tall with leaves up to 50 cm and orange-and-blue flowers. With good care it blooms several times a year, each inflorescence lasting 2–4 weeks. The cultivar Mandela’s Gold, bred at Kirstenbosch botanical garden, has golden-yellow sepals.
Giant white bird of paradise (S. nicolai) grows 6–10 m tall and was named after Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich of Russia. Its white flowers with a dark blue arrow emerge from a deep maroon spathe. Indoors it is grown as a large foliage plant and rarely flowers.
White strelitzia (S. alba, syn. S. augusta) is also tree-like, up to 10 m, with pure white flowers, and grows wild only in the southern Cape.
Mountain strelitzia (S. caudata) is a tree up to 6 m from the mountains of southern Africa and Eswatini, with white flowers and a lilac-blue arrow.
Rush-leaved strelitzia (S. juncea) is the oddest: instead of leaf blades it keeps straight, bare 1–2 m leaf stalks. Flowers are like those of S. reginae. It tolerates drought and brief cold and is rare in the wild.
Indoor care
| Factor | Spring — autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Lots of bright light, 2–4 hours of morning or evening sun is fine. South or west window; balcony in summer. | Brightest spot; grow light for 10–12 hours on short days. |
| Temperature | 20–27 °C | 12–16 °C, not below 10 °C |
| Watering | Generous, when the top 2–3 cm is dry | Moderate, every 10–14 days |
| Humidity | Mist in hot weather, wipe leaves | Keep away from radiators |
| Feeding | Every 2 weeks with a flowering-plant fertiliser | None |
| Repotting | Young plants yearly in spring, mature every 2–3 years | — |
Light and temperature
Strelitzia comes from sunny South Africa, and lack of light is the main reason it won’t flower indoors. A south or west window is best; acclimatise it to direct sun gradually to avoid scorch. In summer move it to a balcony or garden, sheltered from strong wind that shreds the leaves. In winter it needs 12–16 °C — that is when flower spikes are initiated.
Watering and humidity
The thick, fleshy roots store water, so overwatering is more dangerous than underwatering. In spring and summer water generously when the top layer is dry and empty the saucer. Water less in winter. Use settled, room-temperature water, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and mist in hot weather.
Soil and pot
Use a rich, free-draining mix — equal parts loam, leaf mould, peat and sand, or all-purpose compost with perlite — over a drainage layer. Choose a tall, heavy pot: the roots grow deep and a mature plant is top-heavy. A slightly snug pot encourages flowering; an oversized one encourages leaves.
Repotting
The roots are brittle, so repot by moving the whole root ball into a bigger pot, in spring after flowering. If roots are diseased, clean them, cut out rotten parts and dust the cuts with crushed charcoal.
Why won’t my bird of paradise bloom?
- It’s too young. Seed-grown plants flower in their 4th–5th year or later; divisions after 2–3 years.
- Not enough light. The most common cause. Move it to your brightest window and outdoors in summer.
- Warm winter. Without 2–3 months at 12–16 °C and reduced watering, buds don’t form.
- Pot too big or too much nitrogen — the plant makes leaves instead.
- Moving it while a flower spike is forming can make the bud abort.
If everything is right and it still won’t bloom, try a “shock”: keep it at about 12 °C with little water for a month, then bring it back into warmth and start a flowering fertiliser.
Propagation
Division
The quickest method. After flowering, take a mature plant (5–6 years or older) out of its pot and cut off a side shoot with 2–3 leaves and its own roots. Dust the cuts with charcoal, pot the division in a 15–20 cm pot and keep it warm (about 22 °C) with moderate watering for 2–3 weeks. It may bloom in 2–3 years.
Seed
- Use fresh seed — it loses viability quickly. Remove the orange tuft.
- Soak for 1–3 days in warm water (about 35 °C), changing it daily. Lightly sanding the seed coat helps.
- Sow 1–1.5 cm deep in a light peat–sand mix and cover with film.
- Keep at 22–25 °C in bright light and air daily. Seedlings appear in 1–3 months, sometimes later.
- At the 2–3 leaf stage, pot seedlings individually without damaging the taproot.
Pests and problems
| Problem | Cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Split or yellowing leaves | Splitting along the veins is natural, especially in wind. Yellowing means overwatering, cold or hunger. |
| Curling leaves | Drought, dry air or a sudden move. |
| Root rot | Standing water and cold soil. Repot, remove rotten roots, water less. |
| Scale, mealybugs | Sticky residue, bumps, white fluff. Wipe with soapy water, use a systemic insecticide. |
| Spider mites, thrips | Pale speckles and webbing in dry air. Shower, miticide or insecticide repeated after 7–10 days. |
Bird of paradise in bouquets
Cut strelitzia is one of the longest-lasting exotic flowers — 2–3 weeks in a vase. Recut the stem at an angle every 2–3 days and change the water. It pairs well with anthurium, orchids, calla lilies, monstera and palm leaves; 3–5 stems make a striking mono bouquet. Order exotic arrangements in our orchids and exotic flowers section.
FAQ
How long does a bird of paradise live?
With good care 10–15 years or more; the clump grows and produces more flower spikes with age.
How long does it flower?
Each inflorescence lasts 2–4 weeks as flowers emerge from the spathe one by one. A mature plant may bloom several times a year, mostly in spring and autumn.
Why do the leaves split?
It’s normal: like banana leaves, the blades tear easily along the veins. Less wind and enough humidity mean fewer splits.
Can I keep it in a bedroom?
Yes, it has no strong scent. It just needs plenty of light and room for its large leaves.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
