Paradise on earth
"Bird-of-paradise flower"... A plant couldn't wish for a more beautiful name. And the Strelitzia reginae certainly doesn't lack beauty. The uniquely shaped, brightly colored flowers provide a beautiful contrast with the deep green leaves. Even the seeds are decorated with a colorful tuft. In this blog some fun facts about the Bird-of-paradise flower and my personal experience with growing this amazing houseplant.
Dependent on a bird
It's not just the appearance that makes the Bird-of-paradise flower so attractive. The plant also has a rich cultural significance. The species symbolizes freedom, joy, beauty, and pride. Strelitzias are native to the Cape of South Africa. This biodiversity hotspot harbors 20% of all plant species throughout Africa. A true paradise on earth!
Interestingly, it's also birds that ensure the cross-pollination of the Bird-of-paradise flower. Attracted by sweet nectar, they carry pollen (which sticks to their feet) from one flower to another. How amazing is that!
The Bird-of-paradise flower is particularly suitable for growing yourself, as it is a very easy houseplant. You can forget to water it once and it is close to immune to diseases and pests. The best part is that you can easily (just with a bit of patience...) get the plant to bloom after 3 to 5 years. The silver bullet: place it outside in full sun during the summer months.
Patience is rewarded
A small personal anecdote: in 2015, I sowed 20 Strelitzia Mandela's Gold seeds from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden (South Africa). A large part eventually germinated over a period of several years. The seedlings were grown in 3D-printed pots. However, the predecessors of our current letterbox pots were not resistant to the enormous growth power of the Bird-of-paradise flower's roots. They simply broke the bottom of the pots.
The largest specimen now reaches almost to our ceiling. The plants that are outside for a few months in the summer bloom abundantly every winter. In the absence of birds for cross-pollination, the pollen is transferred from one flower to another with a brush. The seeds are then ripe in August and can be planted right after. We need a little more patience, and we can also grow Strelitzia Mandela's Gold in large numbers.
A present with a future!
As mentioned, you have to wait a few years for the first flower, but after that, you are rewarded every year! Are you up for the challenge? They are now available for purchase at Bloompost.nl. Interested in 20 or more? Then please contact us. On our sales page, you will find information about customization options. Give a flower-in-the-making. What you nurture will flourish.
