Strelitzia is a genus of South African origin belonging to the Cannaceae or Canna Family.
Bird of Paradise is very popular in floral arrangements but within the U.S.A., are seldom grown outside of California.

 

Giant White Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia nicolai
can grow to 30 ft. or more. The specimen above was photographed at the Canals of Venice near Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California in June, 2002.

 

 



Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae
does not grow nearly as tall as its cousin, S. nicolaie shown at left but does grow as high as 5 to 7 ft. It has very colorful flowers resembling birds in flight and are frequently used in floral displays.

Bird of Paradise is easily grown from seed offered by the GreenDealer Exotic Seeds selection of Tropical Rainforest Plants, Tropical Houseplants, and Tropial Greenhouse Plants.

The specimen above was photographed in one of the urban parks in the older neighborhood of
San José, Costa Rica in June, 1999.


Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise shown above to the left) and
Strelitzia reginae (shown above to the right),

Bird of Paradise can be grown under glass or in Greenhouses in tubs or outdoors in climate zones 10-11. Large leathery leaves fan out, usually in an ordery fashion from east to west, providing optimum sunlight for photosenthesis to occur. Propagation is by seed started in moist soil with bottom heat. Young plants grow from roots at the base on either side of parent plant. Do not overwater Bird of Paradise plants nor let them stand in water or wet soil. Root rot is avoided by letting plant dry out a bit between watering and good drainage must be provided.

Winter hardy in the tropical zones 10 - 11, or grow as houseplant or greenhouse specimen elsewhere.

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