Leaving the tops of the roots exposed actually promotes blooming. Also do not plant bird of paradise too deeply. Instead of repotting, top-dress with fresh potting soil each year. If you do repot your plant, it may not flower for a year or two after. Should I Repot my Bird of Paradise?īirds of paradise tend to bloom better and more profusely when the plant is pot bound. If it is outside the plant should be brought in before the first frost, although it can handle a limited time below freezing.īirds of paradise are heavy feeders and should be fed every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. The rest of the year, allow the soil to dry between watering. (13-16 C.) during the winter months and watered sparingly, only when dry. Birds of paradise need as much sun as possible to bloom and humidity at 30-35%. Bird of Paradise Careīird of paradise requires bright light, direct morning or winter sun and southern or eastern exposure with rich, well-draining soil. The common bird of paradise can attain heights of up to 30 feet (9 m.) with huge 18-24 inch (46-61 cm.) by 3-4 foot (around 1 meter) long leaves looking much like those of the banana tree. Often used as a cut flower in the floral trade, bird of paradise is a common ornamental in Southern California and Florida which can be grown in USDA zones 10-12 and with adequate protection in zone 9. It grows wild in the Eastern Cape along riverbeds and coastal bush, an area of mild temperatures and frequent rains. There are five species of bird of paradise ( Strelitzia reginae), named for Queen Charlotte, George III’s wife. If you’ve managed to get it to bloom you’ve been successful with its care, but what about transplanting bird of paradise? Does a bird of paradise like to be root bound? Keep reading to learn when (or if) to repot bird of paradise. Slow growing and thus blooming, this beauty is nonetheless well worth the wait. Bird of paradise is a dramatic, subtropical plant native to South Africa.

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