Cultivation and maintenance methods of Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise)

Strelitzia reginae ( bird of paradise ) is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Many people call it sunflower. Strelitzia reginae ( bird of paradise ) has many colors. It has a variety of shapes and is very easy to manage. It is suitable for growing as a potted plant at home. Let's take a look at the cultivation and maintenance methods of Strelitzia reginae ( bird of paradise ) in Ali .

Cultivation and maintenance methods of Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise)

Strelitzia reginae is a plant native to South Africa, also known as bird of paradise and bird of bliss. Its scientific name is named in honor of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. It looks like a crane looking up into the distance, with oblong lanceolate leaves, peculiar flower shape and bright colors, hence the name Strelitzia reginae.

Strelitzia Introduction:

Strelitzia reginae, a plant of the family Strelitziaceae, is native to South Africa. The flower stem is higher than the leaves, the inflorescence is horizontally elongated, the outer petals are orange-yellow, the inner petals are bright blue, and the stigma is pure white, resembling a crane looking up into the distance. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate. Because of its peculiar shape and bright color, it can be kept in water for up to 20 days in summer and up to 50 days in winter, so it is known as the "king of fresh cut flowers". The leaves are large and beautiful, and the flowers are peculiar in shape. Potted Strelitzia reginae is suitable for the environment layout of conference rooms and halls, with a sense of freshness and elegance. Planting them in the courtyards of the south adds a lot of natural interest.

Strelitzia growth habits:

Perennial herb, stemless. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 25-45 cm long, about 10 cm wide, with an acute apex, a rounded or wedge-shaped base, and wavy lower edges; the petioles are slender. It likes warm and humid climates, is afraid of frost and snow, and is a light-loving plant. It needs plenty of sunlight in winter and a little shade in strong light in summer. The soil should be loose, fertile, and well-drained. The winter temperature is 5℃. It is commonly propagated by sowing and division. Seedlings will bloom after 4 to 5 years of cultivation.

How to grow Strelitzia reginae:

1. Temperature management: Bird of Paradise likes warm, humid, semi-shady environment, and the suitable temperature is 12℃ to 25℃. The room temperature should be kept above 5℃ in winter. It is suitable for growing in loose and deep humus soil. The natural flowering period is autumn and winter. If the temperature, light, fertilizer and water are suitable, it can bloom in all seasons, and each flower can bloom continuously for more than a month.

2. Watering management: Generally speaking, watering should be done when the soil is dry and when it is wet. Watering should be sufficient in summer. In spring and summer, water should be sprayed on the leaves and on the ground around the flower pots to increase the air humidity and create a cool environment, which is conducive to its growth and development. Watering should be reduced after late autumn, and watering should be controlled in winter to keep the soil in the pots dry.

3. Fertilization management: Strelitzia reginae requires thin fertilizer and water every half month during its growth period. For home cultivation, it is best to irrigate with fermented rice water or soybean soaking liquid. 0.5% superphosphate can be added to the fertilizer liquid from the formation of flower stems to the peak flowering period, which will make the flower color more colorful.

4. Pot soil management: Strelitzia has thick fleshy roots, so you can mix 5 parts of leaf mold or peat soil, 3 parts of garden soil, 1 part of decomposed manure soil, and 1 part of coarse sand. If the prepared culture soil has poor permeability and is watered too much, it is very easy to cause root rot. Strelitzia has a well-developed root system and grows quickly, so it needs to be repotted in time.

5. Seeding and planting: Bird of Paradise flowers usually do not produce seeds, but they can produce seeds if artificial pollination is performed. The seeds can mature in three months and should be sown immediately after collection. The seeds will germinate in 2 to 3 weeks at a temperature of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the seedlings will bloom after three years.

6. Family breeding: Generally, division is used for propagation, which can be carried out in spring and autumn. The method is to turn the seedling pot upside down, cut it from the root neck with a knife, and apply plant ash on the incision to prevent mildew. For division propagation, each plant is required to retain 2 to 3 buds, and it can bloom in the same year.

Things to note when growing Strelitzia reginae:

Strelitzia reginae likes a warm and humid climate, an environment with plenty of sunlight and humid air. It is afraid of strong sunlight and is not cold-resistant. It has fleshy roots and is afraid of both waterlogging and drought. If the soil in the pot is waterlogged for a long time, it is easy to cause root rot. Therefore, watering should be alternating between dry and wet. Except for sufficient watering in summer and flowering period, the amount of watering should be appropriately reduced in early spring, and watering should be controlled even more when the room temperature is low in winter.

In summer, you should spray water on the leaves and the surrounding ground 1 to 2 times a day to increase the air humidity and reduce the temperature. It should be properly shaded to avoid direct sunlight, otherwise it will burn the leaves. The suitable growth temperature is 18-24℃. When it exceeds 32℃, spray water to cool it down.