The bird of paradise flower - incredibly exotic-looking, colorful flowers are its undeniable argument. It doesn't take much to keep this perennial happy, which you may have made a great deal of effort to bring back from your Madeira or Canary Islands vacation. But what actually plays a main role and what can be avoided?
How do you properly care for the bird of paradise flower?
The bird of paradise flower requires abundant watering in summer, fertilization from April to August and protection from frost. It should be repotted every three years but not pruned. Incorrect care can lead to illness.
What is worth knowing about watering?
Please note the following points:
- water abundantly in summer
- water larger specimens more heavily
- Keep substrate moist
- water when the top layer of soil has dried out
- water almost daily when it is hot
- use warm, low-lime water
- Avoid waterlogging
At what intervals and with what should you fertilize?
The 'parrot flower', native to Madeira, should be fertilized at regular intervals from April to August. You can provide them with fertilizer every 7 to 14 days. Compost (€10.00 on Amazon), liquid fertilizer and fertilizer sticks are suitable for fertilizing. But be careful: do not fertilize too much, otherwise the flowers may fail.
How do you overwinter the bird of paradise flower?
This plant is extremely sensitive to frost. Even temperatures below 10 °C can harm it. Therefore, you should overwinter them. This happens in a bright, 10 to 15 °C cool location. Alternatively, you can overwinter your bird of paradise flower in the warm living room as long as there is enough light there.
When should you repot this plant and how?
When repotting the bird of paradise flower, sensitivity is required:
- has fleshy but sensitive roots
- Roots can break if not handled properly
- repot every 3 years
- ideal time: after flowering
- Use potting soil or potting soil
Does this plant need to be pruned?
It is not necessary to cut the Strelitzia reginae. On the contrary, pruning actually has a detrimental effect on the plant and its he alth. Old leaves should be torn out with a jerk. You should also remove wilted flowers! But the plant should never be cut back radically!
Under what circumstances can illness occur?
Incorrect care can result in curling of the leaves (dryness), root rot (wetness), failure to bloom and fungal diseases such as gray mold.
Tip
The flowers also last as cut flowers in the vase for one to two weeks.