Care of the bird of paradise plant in a pot

One of the tropical plants prettiest is the bird of paradise plant. At first it was known for its flower, which was part of some bouquets, giving even more showiness to that striking flower. But then it became known that we could grow it as a plant. Do you know what the care of the bird of paradise plant in a pot is?

If we have already piqued your curiosity, either because the plant has impacted you or because you have it at home and the last thing you want is for it to die, then we will give you the details of its care.

How is the bird of paradise plant

The bird of paradise plant, scientifically named Queen Strelitziait’s originally from South Africa, but it has spread to many more parts of the world, such as Latin America or the Mediterranean coast. Physically, it is a plant that can easily reach 2 meters.

But the most striking thing about this plant is not its height but the flower it produces in summer. This has several colors, such as orange, violet and blue. And best of all, it’s shaped like a bird’s head, that’s why it’s so beautiful. This flower stays completely beautiful for two weeks (in a vase, cut), much longer if left on the plant.

It is very attractive to insects due to its sweet smell (which lasts even when you cut it). Therefore, if you want to have an attractive garden with some insects, nothing like this plant.

Caring for the bird of paradise plant in a pot

This exotic plant is very resistant. In fact, you can place it in windy places and it will resist. But if you want the bird of paradise plant in a pot, you just have to pay attention to the following care.

Lighting

If you are going to have a potted bird of paradise plant you have to place it in a very sunny place. It needs direct sunlight at least 4 hours a day.

In summer, because the temperature is too high, you should put it in a semi-shaded area so that its leaves do not burn. And in winter, depending on the temperature, you will have to place it indoors if it gets too low.

Temperature

Speaking of temperature, you should know that this plant needs a temperature that does not fall or rise between 12 and 25 degrees.

In fact, if it drops below 10 degrees the plant suffers. And the same if we talk about temperatures of more than 30 degrees. In those cases, it is better to have the pot inside the house where you can better control the temperature.

Earth

You will need, to keep it healthy in a pot, that the soil has a somewhat acidic pH. And furthermore, let the earth be rich in magnesium, calcium and potassium. Why? Because that mixture will help it to have a greater flowering. For example, you have No products found. of Compo Sana at a good price.

Do not forget to add some drainage such as perlite, vermiculite, akadama… so that it maintains the humidity in the plant and, at the same time, protects it from lack of watering or excess.

Flower pot

Since we are going to have the paradise plant in a pot, it is convenient to know what type of pot we should provide it.

The first thing is that these plants They have very strong roots and also grow fast. Therefore, it is recommended to place it in a large pot with which it can develop its roots (deep).

Transplant

Due to everything we have told you before, the potted bird of paradise plant has to be transplanted at least once a year. At that time you not only have to change the soil but also check the roots in case they could have some rotten or in poor condition (if so, you could cut them).

Normally, it is the first five years that this transplant will require, always at the beginning of spring. Later, you can continue placing it in the same pot but, instead of transplanting it, removing about 3 cm of soil and adding a new one will be more than enough. The maximum of your pot will be about 30cm in diameter.

Irrigation and humidity

About irrigation we must tell you that it is a very delicate plant. A lot.

It is not convenient for the roots to rot and one of the common mistakes with this plant is to water it too much. It is true that you need to keep the soil moist at all times, but between irrigations it is better to wait for it to dry out to avoid waterlogging problems.

To give you an idea, and depending on your climate, you could water it:

• In winter1-2 times a week. If there is a lot of humidity, even every two weeks.
• In summer4-5 times a week. If it is very hot and dry, you may need to water it even twice a day.

Aside from watering, you should think about humidity. Remember that it is a tropical plant and, as such, humidity is more important to it than irrigation.

How to provide it? It can be done in two ways: by placing the pot on a plate with pebbles and water (in this way the pot does not touch the water but is nourished by moisture); or putting a humidifier so that the environment is always humid.

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if you throw him some manure or homemade compost It will not reject you, quite the opposite. It loves organic matter fertilizers and you can add them every 20 days.

Of course, always throw them before their flowering time.

Pruning

The bird of paradise plant it won’t need much pruningbut it is true that, when the flower withers, it is better to cut it and remove the dead parts because that way it will regenerate faster and, in addition, you will ensure that it does not get sick.

Reproduction

The multiplication of the bird of paradise plant can be in two different ways: by seeds or by division of the plant.

Seeds

You will find the seeds in the flower, but you will have to search a little. Find a light green lump on the stem. It is a small pod where these are stored.

Once you locate it, wait until it opens on its own. There there will be black seeds and, around these, an orange layer. You can pick them but you must let them dry for five days.

Then, you just have to plant them, yes, maximum 3 seeds per pot. After 3-4 months you should have the first shoots.

Get your seeds here!.

plant division

You can do this at the time of transplant. It consists of separating the plant by the natural division that they themselves make. Be careful because the next step will be to untangle the roots. The most advisable thing is not to cut them, but to have patience to separate them.

You will only have to place each plant in a pot and wait for them to continue developing.

Do you have any questions about the care of the bird of paradise plant in a pot? Ask us!