It's not a particularly interesting growth pattern and the leaves aren't particularly spectacular either. The Strelitzia (also called parrot flower) is much more exciting with its flowers. They not only have an unusual shape, but also wonderfully bright colors!
When does the Strelitzia bloom and what colors do the flowers have?
The flowering period of the Strelitzia, also known as the parrot flower, is possible all year round, although it usually blooms in spring or summer. The unusually shaped flowers show bright colors that can vary depending on the species, such as orange-blue in the royal strelitzia.
When does the flowering period begin?
The flowering period of the Strelitzia begins at different times in this country. This houseplant can bloom all year round. However, the flowers usually appear in spring or summer. In their native land, these plants bloom between December and May.
Strelitzias that are not blooming (yet)
If Strelitzias don't bloom, there can be various reasons behind it. This is often because these plants were grown from seeds. It then takes 4 to 6 years for the flowers to appear for the first time. But once they get going, the flowers appear again every year.
What do the flowers look like?
These flowers have the following characteristics:
- bizarrely shaped
- reminiscent of a head of a colorful bird of paradise
- 1 to 2 flowers per inflorescence
- hermaphrodite
- threefold
- 5 stamens
- 3 carpels
- horizontally growing, boat-shaped bracts
- Petals up to 17 cm long stand upright
Flower color varies depending on the species
Depending on the species, Strelitzias demonstrate different flower colors. The best known species is the royal strelitzia. It is said to produce the most beautiful of all Strelitzia flowers. They are colored orange-blue.
The flowers of the rush strelitzia are orange-blue to orange-purple. The mountain strelitzia has orange-blue to orange-purple flowers, the white strelitzia has white flowers and the tree strelitzia has black/dark blue-white flowers.
Tip
For annual flowering, it is important that the Strelitzia is not only properly fertilized and watered. It also needs a lot of sun and a cool (but frost-free) winter period.