Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise are one of the most colorful flowers in the world. The name Bird of Paradise comes from the spectacular flower shape which resembles a birds beak and head plumage.

Birds of Paradise Joyfulness
Birds of Paradise, also known as Crane flowers are one of the most beautiful Exotic Flowers. Birds of Paradise are native to South Africa. Birds of Paradise bloom from September through May. The flowers of the Birds of Paradise resemble a brightly colored bird in flight and so the name Birds of Paradise.

Facts About Birds of Paradise :

· Birds of Paradise are the mid-sized staples of tropical bouquets.
· Birds of Paradise need to be bound together, or supported in some way in larger vases and may bruise smaller flowers.
· Birds of Paradise are often thought of as the symbol of tropical flowers.
· Birds of Paradise are a medium-sized exotic blooms that instantly evoke palm trees, but do not last longer than a week.
· The name Birds of Paradise comes from the spectacular flower shape, which resembles a birds beak and head plumage.
· Because of the banana shaped leaves and other plant characteristics Birds of Paradise was classified in the banana family Musaceae.

Some More Popular Species of Birds of Paradise :

· Strelitzia alba/syn. S. augusta - White Birds of Paradise
· Strelitzia caudata/Swaziland Strelitzia - African desert banana
· Strelitzia nicolai - White, or Giant Birds of Paradise; Wild banana
· Strelitzia reginae/S. parvifolia - Strelitzia, Birds of Paradise, or Crane lily

Growing Birds of Paradise :

· The soil around Birds of Paradise plant needs to be kept moist all spring and summer but should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering in the fall and winter.
· Try to avoid temperatures below 50 degrees. Birds of Paradise need indoor temperatures.
· Feed your Birds of Paradise every other week during spring and summer with a liquid such as Schultz's Instant Plant Food or a water-soluble fertilizer such as Bachman's Excel-Gro, and a quality peat-based potting soil.
· Cut back to once a month in fall and winter.
· A quality peat-based potting soil such as Bachman's Exceloam is perfect for the Birds of Paradise plant.
· When Birds of Paradise plants are young and actively growing, repot them every spring so that they have plenty of room.
· As the Birds of Paradise mature (and have bloomed for a year or two), they can be carefully divided. Remember that this will keep the plant from blooming again for several years! Birds of Paradise are also propagated from seed.

Birds of Paradise Plant Care :

· The Bird of Paradise does require a good amount of sunlight.
· Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system for the Birds of Paradise.
· Watering can be reduced after establishment.
· Feed Birds of Paradise plants with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
· Floral preservative for Birds of Paradise is recommended and is available commercially.