Strelitzia reginae, or 'Bird of paradise' flowers with red bird-like flowers

The Bird of paradise flower grows from an underground stem and has large banana-like leaves, up to 1 meter long. The leaves are on stiff, upright petioles that can grow 1 to 1.5 meters tall.

The plant starts flowering at a total height (leaves + stem) of about 1.8 meters, but it usually blooms at 2 to 2.5 meters. If you have the opportunity to give it that space, you will be rewarded with spectacular flowers!

Botanical description

The Bird of paradise flower is native to South Africa, from the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. It is a perennial plant that grows mainly in subtropical environments. 

Each inflorescence bears a long, stiff, leathery bract (spatha), from which the flower itself rises. The flowers have six petals, the outer ones are orange, the inner ones are blue, and when unfolded, the whole flower resembles a tropical bird's head. This is where the name comes from.

Care.

Strelitzia reginae thrives best in an airy and well-drained substrate. It can be planted in regular flower soil, but the soil should be mixed with something that makes it more airy, such as perlite. Our peat-free soil is excellent.

The plant forms a strong underground rhizome that quickly reaches the edge of the pot. This can lead to strange growth or, in the worst case, the pot cracking. Therefore, it is smart to replant in time and preferably choose a large pot from the start!

When it comes to watering, it's better to be a little too cautious than too eager. The plant doesn't like to be left wet, especially in winter when temperatures often drop below 20°C. In that case, you should reduce watering.

Fertilize with regular potting soil about every other week during the growing season.

Sometimes plastic flowers or cut flowers are placed in the pot of young plants to imitate flowering, but this is just decoration. You will only get real flowers after a couple of years. Strelitzia reginae grows surprisingly quickly if it gets plenty of light, warmth and space. The plants we offer can bloom after just 2–3 years. Buy Bird of paradise flower online!