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The flower that resembles a bird is commonly called the bird of paradise flower. This unique flower gets its name from its bird-like appearance, featuring colorful petals that resemble a bird in flight. There are over 40 species of the bird of paradise flower, which is native to the rainforests of South Africa. When it blooms, this exotic flower showcases brightly colored sepals and petals that look like the plumage of a bird, giving it an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind look.
Description of the Bird of Paradise Flower
The bird of paradise flower, also known by its scientific name Strelitzia, is a large upright plant that can grow over 6 feet tall. Its large leaves resemble banana leaves in size and shape. The flowers emerge from a beak-like bract that sticks up vertically from between the leaves. The flower petals fan out horizontally and vertically, looking like the spread wings and fanned tail of a bird. The flower typically has three bright orange sepals and three bright blue petals, creating a striking color contrast. Some species have different color variations, like white, yellow, pink or red. When grouped together, the flowers almost look like a flock of tropical birds perched together.
Origins of the Name
The bird of paradise flower gets its unusual name from 18th century British botanists. When they first encountered the exotic flower in South Africa, its bird-like shape reminded them of the bird of paradise, an elusive brightly colored bird found in New Guinea and nearby islands. The bird was named by Europeans who thought it was so beautiful it must be from paradise. The similarly beautiful and unusual flower was thereafter named after the exotic bird. The naming of the flower and bird highlight the European habit of naming foreign plants and animals after mythical and biblical figures during the Age of Exploration.
Symbolic Meaning
In floriography, or the symbolic meanings associated with flowers, the bird of paradise flower represents freedom, joyfulness, magnificence, excitement, and paradise. The bright, eye-catching blooms evoke a sense of optimism and cheer. Their tropical origins associate them with faraway paradises and exotic adventures. For these reasons, the flowers frequently symbolize wonder, magnificence, and freedom of expression. They are popular in bouquets for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries when people want to express excitement, joy, and celebration.
Growing Conditions
The bird of paradise flower thrives in warm tropical climates and is suitable for USDA growing zones 10-12. They require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plants prefer rich, well-draining soil and moderate moisture. Established plants have some drought resistance. Temperatures should stay above 60 F for the plant to flower properly. When grown indoors, bird of paradise plants need humid conditions and plenty of light. Mist the plant regularly to emulate tropical humidity. Provide a trellis or stake for support once the plant reaches 3 feet tall.
Growing Factor | Requirements |
---|---|
Sunlight | At least 4 hours of direct sun per day |
Soil | Well-draining, rich potting mix |
Water | Moderate, allow soil to partly dry out between waterings |
Temperature | Above 60 F, can withstand heat |
Humidity | Average to high humidity |
How to Plant Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise can be grown from seeds or plant divisions for propagation. For faster flowering, it’s best to purchase a young plant or division. Here are some tips for planting bird of paradise:
From a Nursery Plant
Choose a healthy plant in a 3-5 gallon pot size. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the pot. Place the root ball in the hole and fill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch around the base.
From a Division
Divide large, overgrown plants in the spring. Cut a 3-5 inch division with roots from the main plant. Plant the division in well-draining soil. Water when dry until established.
From Seed
Sow fresh seeds in moist potting mix. Seeds can take up to a year to germinate. Place in indirect sunlight and keep warm. Thin seedlings when they sprout.
Caring for New Plants
Keep newly planted birds of paradise well-watered until their root systems are established. Stake taller plants for stabilization. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season. Protect outdoor plants from frost and freezing temperatures.
When Does Bird of Paradise Bloom?
Bird of paradise plants flower during the summer and fall months. They produce a flower stalk that yields multiple blooms over several weeks or months. The timing of the flower stalk emergence depends on the particular species and variety. Blooming also depends on optimal growing conditions like sunlight, temperature, and humidity. Under ideal conditions, the flowers can bloom throughout summer and fall. Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia reginae are two commonly grown species that flower during summer.
Factors that Stimulate Flowering
Several key factors promote bird of paradise flowering:
- Sufficient sunlight – at least 4 hours of direct sun per day
- Day length – long days trigger flowering in summer
- Mature plant size – 3+ years old, filling its container
- Optimal temperatures – above 60 F
- Moderate fertilization – to fuel growth and blooms
- Adequate humidity – 40-50% relative humidity
Providing optimal growing conditions will encourage bird of paradise plants to send up their vibrant, tropical-looking flower stalks during the summer through early fall.
How to Care for Bird of Paradise Plants
Caring for bird of paradise plants involves providing optimal sunlight, water, humidity, temperature, soil, and nutrition. Here are some key care guidelines:
Sunlight
Place the plant in a sunny location with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south or west facing window is ideal for indoor plants. Outdoor plants need a full sun location protected from intense afternoon sun.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry. Increase watering frequency in summer. Reduce watering in winter but don’t allow prolonged wilting or dry soil.
Humidity
Mist plant leaves or use a pebble tray to boost humidity around indoor plants. Grow outdoors in tropical climates with natural humidity.
Temperature
Indoors, keep temps above 60 F for healthy growth and flowering. Outdoor plants thrive with summer heat and need indoor protection when temps dip below freezing.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Re-pot every 2-3 years in early spring.
Fertilizer
Feed every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow release pellets.
Support
Use plant stakes or trellises to support the tall, heavy flower stalks.
Pruning
Remove dead leaves and spent flower stalks. Cut back overgrown plants after flowering.
How to Propagate Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise plants can be propagated from seed, plant division, or tissue culture. Here are some tips for propagation:
From Seeds
Collect fresh seeds and sow in moist potting mix. Germination is often poor and slow. Keep warm, 70-80 F, and in indirect light.
Through Division
In spring, divide congested plants by cutting sections with roots. Re-plant divisions in pots using potting mix.
By Tissue Culture
Laboratory propagation from plant tissues yields many identical clones. This method is often used commercially.
Using Offsets
Detach offsets or pups growing around the base or roots of mature plants. Pot up offsets in a suitable growing mix.
The easiest propagation method is by plant division in the spring. Offsets can also be divided and potted up.Seed propagation is challenging and tissue culture is done commercially.
Typical Pest or Disease Problems
Bird of paradise plants are generally vigorous growers when cared for properly. However, they can occasionally suffer from the following problems:
Mealybugs
Cottony insects that leave sticky sap on foliage. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.
Scales
Hard bodied insects that attach to leaves and stems. Rinse off with water or use alcohol dipped cotton swabs to remove.
Aphids
Soft bodied insects that cluster on new growth and buds. Blast off with water or apply neem oil.
Fungal leaf spots
Angular brown spots on foliage caused by fungi. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves.
Bacterial leaf spot
Water-soaked spots that spread rapidly in warm, wet weather. Prune affected parts and apply copper fungicide.
Root rot
Fungal infection caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings and improve drainage.
Routine pruning, inspection for pests, and proper care can help prevent most problems. Quarantine new plants and treat any infections promptly.
Toxicity
Bird of paradise plants are non-toxic and entirely safe around children and pets according to the ASPCA. The flowers and leaves can be handled without risk of skin irritation or ingestion toxicity. There are no poisonous lookalikes to bird of paradise that could be mistakenly ingested. As a popular tropical ornamental, it can be grown without concern of toxicity.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the spectacular bird of paradise flower:
- Bird of paradise is the official flower of Los Angeles, California.
- In Hawaii, bird of paradise plants grow up to 20 feet tall.
- The orange sepals of the flower are actually modified leaves called bracts.
- The greyish cup-like structure is called a spathe, which encloses the true flower.
- Pollination is carried out by sunbirds, which resemble hummingbirds.
- The flower design allows access for the sunbirds while excluding other pollinators.
- In South Africa, bird of paradise plants are used to make fiber and traditional medicine.
- Spanish and Portuguese explorers thought the flower looked like the beak of a bird.
- Some species are called crane flowers in South Africa.
- Bird of paradise can live up to 40 years when grown in ideal tropical conditions.
The unusual shape and bright colors make the bird of paradise flower one of the most uniquely attractive blooms. Although exotic, it can thrive as a dramatic houseplant or outdoor ornamental in warm climates. With proper care, these eye-catching flowers can brighten gardens and homes for decades to come.
Conclusion
The bird of paradise flower is an absolutely stunning tropical plant known for its vibrant, colorful blooms that resemble an exotic bird in flight. Though native to South Africa, bird of paradise plants can thrive as dramatic houseplants or garden accents in warm climates with the proper care, including ample sunlight, moderate water, humidity, well-draining soil, and protection from frost. Their big, banana-like leaves and vivid orange and blue flower stalks make a bold statement. Hardy and resilient when grown under optimal conditions, the spectacular bird of paradise flower provides unique, long-lasting beauty indoors and out. With its royal history and graceful, bird-like blooms, it’s easy to see why the bird of paradise flower remains one of the most beloved exotic flowers today.