Bird of Paradise, scientifically known as Strelitzia, is a bright and exotic outdoor flowering plant that is native to South Africa. The plant produces distinctive bird-like flowers, which resembles the plumage of a tropical bird in flight. The plant belongs to the banana family, Musaceae.
Why Should You Propagate a Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and indoor spaces worldwide, thriving in warm and tropical climates. It has an elegant and unique appearance, which adds a touch of exotic to any landscape, showcasing why it is a favourite among horticulturists and plant enthusiasts.
Birds of Paradise can be propagated from a single cutting once you acquire the knowledge of how to do so. Continue reading on through this guide to see how straight forward propagating a Bird of Paradise can be.
How to Grow Bird of Paradise from a Seed
Other than growing the plant from seed, you can grow this plant from a cutting. Propagating Bird of Paradise cuttings should be done in early spring, by carefully cutting a portion of the rhizome with a clean and sharp knife or shears where the roots develop. Make sure the cutting has a few inches of stem attached.
Trim any excess leaves, leaving only a few at the top. This will reduce stress on the cutting as well as promoting better root development. Place the cut end of the Bird of Paradise into a small, clean pot with high-quality soil. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to provide stability. While you may be tempted to water the cutting, it is better to let it heal for a few days without watering it. After this time, start a regular watering schedule.
Proper care and attention will help your Bird of Paradise to bloom as quickly as possible. Sunlight plays an important role, as too little sunlight is one of the main reasons Bird of Paradise plants do not bloom! Water and soil nutrition are also very important.
Keep an eye on the cutting, and soon enough you should start to see new growth. This will indicate that the cutting has successfully rooted.
Embark on your journey towards creating a stunning garden filled with numerous Birds of Paradise by exploring our selection at The Green Grower. Online, we offer Bird of Paradise plants in 12cm nursery pot sizes. For an even greater variety, visit our in-store nursery where we have a range of larger sizes available for purchase.
The Green Grower is your gateway to cultivating these botanical wonders. As you commence the adventure toward cultivating a stunning garden filled with Birds of Paradise, may your space be transformed into a paradise of colours and natural beauty.