The bird of paradise flower is a tropical plant native to South Africa. It is a member of the family Strelitziaceae and is known for its brightly coloured, exotic-looking flowers. The flowers are typically shades of orange and blue and resemble a bird’s head. The plant gets its name because its flowers resemble the brightly coloured plumage of birds of paradise. You must take proper care to grow this plant in your home garden. This post will shed some light on the growth and care tips related to the flowering plant. 

Growing Bird of Paradise Plant

Although native to the subtropical coastlines of South Africa, bird of paradise thrives in the milder climes of USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12. Full light is ideal for your plants, so position them there. However, subtropical environments are still suitable for plant growth. The properties of the plants change depending on the intensity of the light they are exposed to. Those that thrive in direct sunlight have smaller flowers on shorter branches. Plants that get just partial sunlight to grow larger and produce more blooms. Because bird of paradise blooms profusely off the plant, a minimum distance of six feet is recommended. As a result, the blooms will have plenty of areas to grow. 

Potting and Repotting the Plant

To produce flowers, this rapidly expanding plant must first achieve a certain height. A plant that will eventually reach three to four feet in height may be successfully grown in a container just 10 inches in diameter. A five to six-foot plant may thrive in a fourteen-inch container. The bird of paradise is a plant that has to be repotted every spring into a larger container. If you want your plant to blossom after it reaches maturity, you should make it pot-bound. 

Climate and Soil Need

The soil conditions don’t matter much for a bird of paradise. The plant, however, thrives on loamy and organically rich soils. Soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and with good drainage is ideal. It can survive temperatures as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius for a short period. All these things make it one of the best plants online in Australia. 

Mulching and Watering

Yellowing and eventual death of the bird of paradise’s leaves indicate that it has received either too much or too little water. Mature plants may withstand more wind but must be watered when the top few inches of soil dry up. Roots decay when soil becomes waterlogged. Because of the abundance of precipitation, you don’t have to worry about watering the plants throughout the winter. Mulch the base of your plant with a depth of two to three inches. That way, water is retained, micronutrients are provided, and weeds are kept at bay. Keep mulch away from the base of the plant. Leave a 2–3-inch diameter space around the stem undressed to prevent damage. Pine needles, wood chips, and leaves are all examples of organic mulch that may be used. 

Fertilising

The bird of paradise does not need any extra fertiliser to grow well in your garden. You may add more fertiliser if you want your plants to bloom and flourish even better. Worm compost, aged manure, and blood meal are high-quality organic fertilisers. Carefully follow the package’s application directions. The fertiliser should be applied every three months as the plants develop. Container gardening allows for liquid fertiliser applications every two weeks. 

Final Words

Birds of paradise, as you can see from this article, need little in the way of attention or maintenance. It’s low-maintenance compared to other houseplants. It just needs good grooming in the spring, after the harsh winter, to look as good as new. Another advantage is that there aren’t very many bugs that like to consume this plant. However, whiteflies, mealybugs, and aphids may be present. Therefore, it’s best to inspect it.