Strelitzia Regina in the Northeast

The strelitzia or bird of paradise flower is not difficult of culture under glass and many florists grow one or two plants in odd corners of their greenhouses. Here they find that besides being relatively pest-free the plants are of great value for advertising purposes because of their odd and interesting flowers. The blooms may be had at almost any time of the year, though there is often a slack period in flowering during the summer.

Due to its extreme size, however, the strelitzia has rather limited use as a house plant. Its normal height in pots or tubs is about 4 feet, but plants growing directly in the ground in greenhouses often attain the height of 8 or 10 feet.

Strelitzia requires good sunlight and a night temperature of not over 60 degrees F. to thrive. A large sunny bay window is therefore about the only suitable location for it in the home. Growth and flowering are slower but very satisfactory even in a greenhouse.

The most important factors in growing bird of paradise flower are a fertile soil and abundant soil moisture. A soil composed of equal parts of well rotted manure or leafmold and compost is excellent. After plants are well established, a yearly top-dressing with cow manure and abundant moisture will keep them growing and flowering well. It is best to give them large pots or tubs to start with and disturb them as little as possible.

In the greenhouse, give strelitzia all the sun possible. Shade on the glass is not necessary in summer except in the hottest climates. If grown as a house plant, move it to the porch or lawn in summer, but never let it suffer for lack of moisture.

Propagation is usually by division of the crown. Freshly divided plants should be shaded until they begin making new roots. Divisions are large and so require a 7- or 8-inch container for the first potting. As soon as they are pot bound in this container they should be shifted directly to their permanent quarters – a 14- to 20-inch tub depending upon where they are to be grown. It is doubtful that there is any one time to divide strelitzias, but during the early summer or late spring has been a successful time for many growers.

Mealybug and scale are the principal pests. Neem oil, Malathion or other good thealybug sprays will keep these in check in the greenhouse. Hand sponging of the leaves may be substituted in the house.

by D Holley

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