Birds of paradise – Part 1

One of the most beautiful of all exotic flowers, the bird of paradise, is known as the ultimate symbol of paradise, freedom, and joy. Few plants evince the tropics like the birds of paradise.

In this category are flowers of the gloriosa lily (gloriosa superba), a trailer, the flame of the forest/Delonix regia) and Ceasalphinia Birds of paradise plant types.

Very different species of plants can sometimes share the same common name and nowhere is this truer than with the flowering plants known as “bird of paradise” species from two entirely different plant genera share this common name and that is just about the only thing similar about the.

One type of bird of paradise plant is a low-growing jungle plant with unique exotic flowers, a relative of the banana plant. The other type is a member of the legume family, a thorny shrub or a tree that loves desert environments.

The birds of paradise varieties, if you know the bird of paradise mainly as a flower, you are probably thinking of the strelitzia genus, which is indigenous to warm, humid areas of Africa.

There are five species of the Strelitzia genus- S. alba, S. caudate, S. Juncae, S. Nicolai and S. reginea. Caesalphinia Birds paradise types are legumes and there are over 70 species of them.

Having differentiated the two genera, we would first of all speak on the Strelitzia species bird of paradise Strelitzia flower facts.

Although the birds of paradise are best known for their bright orange and blue colours, their flowers can be white.

The bird of paradise is closely related to the banana plant, which is evident in its similar-looking large fan-like leaves. The leaves are stiff clumps that sprout from a ground-level base, while the flower rests stops a rigid stalk is composed of orange sepals and blue petals.

Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the head and crown of an exotic bird in flight, the blooms appear sporadically as many as 25 times per year.

In the wild, birds of paradise are pollinated by sunbirds that regularly feed on their sweet nectar. When the birds land on the petals, the pollen is transferred to the bird’s chest, which gets transferred to the next flower the birds lands on.

The giant bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai, is one of the largest species and can grow up to 30 feet height. After cutting, the bird of paradise flower can last for two to three weeks in the vase.

Due to its toxicity, keep the bird of paradise flower away from pets and children.

Bird Of Paradise Flower Uses
THE large bird-headed flowers of Strelitzia are classic and easy to recognise with their tufted head and unique beaks. All the different types of bird of paradise flowers (Strelitzia spp) are showstoppers in their own rights.

The plants are natural to South Africa and also known by the name ‘Crane flower,’ in reference to the bird-like bloom. These flowers are much larger than the Caesalphinia varieties and possess characteristic “tongue” usually of blue with a boat-shaped base and crown painted petals that mimic the cranes plumage.

They are popular cut flowers, especially for floral arrangement. They are a great way to add colour and exoticism to any bouquet or centerpiece and are popular in weddings.

The bird of paradise plant is easy to grow in the gardens of the tropic or subtropical regions. They also make great plants to grow indoors and in greenhouses due to their preference for humidity. They have very little cold tolerance.

Potting plants in containers is also beneficial for flowering. Cultivars of the Strelitzia genus of birds of paradise abound.

Strelitzia nicolai and S. reginea are the most common in tropical garden. Strelitzia nicolai and S. Caudata giant birds of paradise, whereas the reginea species is the standard plant with sword-like leaves and smaller flowers.

Propagation From Division And Seed
BIRD of paradise propagation is not difficult and is most easily achieved by the plant division by severing a piece of rhizome with a sharp clean knife. Sprinkle some rooting hormones on the open cuts. Each division should have a fan with attached roots.

Put each division in a small clean pot with a high-quality planting medium. Although the temptation is to water the new division, it is best to let the cuts heal for a few days without water. Begin regular watering schedule after this time. Provide a high-quality fertilizer in the following years.

Seed
IT is also possible to propagate from seed and it is not difficult, but may require some patience. It is imperative that the seeds are dry and fresh for the best results.

Plant seed as soon after harvest as possible by soaking the seeds in water that is room temperature for three days to aid germination. Change the water daily. Alternatively, you can scrape the outside coat of the seed with a file to break the seed.

Seeds should be planted one inch deep in moistened high-quality potting mix. Locate newly planted seeds somewhere hot at least 85.F (25C) with indirect light cover pot with plastic to retain humidity and to keep the soil moist.

The germination of the seeds is slow, so be patient. It can take anywhere from one month to one year to see a sprout. It can also take the new plant up to 10 years to flower. Timing is dependent on soil temperature and freshness.

Although a little patience may be necessary, bird of paradise propagation is a great way to grow additional plants of this exotic beauty and to ensure their survival year after year.