Strelitzia Features
They grow in warm climates and can grow up to two meters in height. In warm countries, they are found as decoration of flower beds and flower arrangements in the open field. However, in Europe they are grown only as a houseplant, where they reach a maximum height of 120-150 cm. There are only five species in the Strelitzia genus, but the most popular is royal strelitzia, which has several varieties. This plant does not form tall stems, and its long-tailed leaves, reaching over a meter in length, grow from underground rhizomes.
The flowers are collected in groups of one to three on long stalks. In addition, the plant is decorated with beautiful hard leaves on long thick petioles. Some have beautiful distinct venation. Flowering of strelitzia begins in February and continues until the end of spring, and under favorable conditions can continue from September to the end of April.
Thus, strelitzia is a unique plant that can become a real decoration of the house. Bright and unusual flowers, as well as beautiful leaves, do not leave indifferent plant lovers.
Strelitzia planting and cultivation
Growing requires some effort and knowledge, but this unique and beautiful plant is well worth it.
Location. An unusual and beautiful flower needs bright, but not direct sunlight. It is recommended to place the plant next to a window on the south side, and protect it from direct sunlight in summer.
Suitable pot and soil. Royal strelitzia requires a spacious tank and fertile loamy soil. The pot should have many holes in the bottom and a thick layer of drainage to prevent overwatering of the roots.
Watering. Indoor flower should be watered abundantly during the period of growth and flowering, but not overmoistened. In winter, the plant should go dormant and should only be watered when the soil is clearly dry. In order for the plant to go into winter dormancy, it is necessary to reduce watering and top dressing.
Top dressing. During the period of growth and flowering, the plant needs regular feeding. It is advisable to use fertilizers for flowering plants: low in nitrogen and rich in trace elements.
Maintaining humidity. Bird of Paradise loves moist air, especially in winter when heating dries out the air. The plant should be placed next to a humidifier and the leaves should be sprayed with a spray bottle.
Note! It is very important that the plant goes into winter dormancy for re-flowering. Feeding and watering should be reduced to a minimum, starting in October. If you skip this period, then in spring the royal strelitzia will not bloom so profusely.
Following these recommendations, you can grow a beautiful royal strelitzia with abundant and long flowering.
In summer, when the air temperature is above 20 ° C, the flower can be taken out into the street, but the place for growing should be protected from the wind and slightly shaded. In autumn, the plant is transferred back to the house. Temperatures below 12 degrees are detrimental to strelitzia.
The plant does not require pruning, but it is worth removing all yellowed or dried leaves and the remains of faded flowers.
When caring for a flower in the early years, it is transplanted every year, carefully transferred to a new larger pot. When the plant is young, you need to be especially careful with the root system until there are enough side branches. They are formed from 4-6 years.
Strelitzia breeding
You can propagate by dividing the bush or by seeds, but it takes up to five years from sowing to flowering. Seeds lose their viability over time. The first seed shoots can be seen after 1.5 months. Sometimes this process takes up to 6 months. The easiest way to divide root cuttings. This process does not take as much time as with the seed method.
Additional Information! Adult specimens can be divided, but this weakens or even stops flowering for several seasons.
When transplanting, the sockets are separated along with the root system. If it is damaged, it is treated with charcoal.
Rarely, the plant produces side shoots, it is important to wait until roots form on them.
Why doesn’t the arrowroot bloom?
In general, proper care will allow her to bloom regularly every spring and delight the eye with her showy flowers. Only an adult plant that has reached the age of five can bloom.
The lack of flowering can be due to several reasons:
- not enough space;
- not enough light;
- no rest period.
Strelitzia blooms only after a dormant period. If the plant is in the active phase all year round, only the root system and greenery will grow. During the dormant period, it is placed in conditions with a temperature of 12-14 degrees for three weeks, and watering is reduced as much as possible. This artificial rest will be an excellent incentive to throw out the inflorescences, which, after two months, will delight you with beautiful flowering.
Pests and diseases
Strelitzia flower is a beautiful and elegant house plant, however, like any plant, it is subject to various diseases and pests that can damage its health and beauty.
One of the most common problems is the defeat of fungal diseases. This can happen if the plant is in moist soil and low temperatures. To prevent this, it is necessary to monitor the level of soil moisture and prevent waterlogging.
Additional Information! If the plant begins to rot or suffer from other problems, it needs to be transplanted into a new pot with new soil.
Another common problem is spider mite attacks, which can occur when the air is too dry. Wiping the leaves regularly with a damp cloth will help prevent this.
Aphids and mealybugs can also attack strelitzia. Insecticides can be used to control them, but you need to make sure that they are safe for the plant and will not cause more damage.
In addition, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the leaves. Yellowing of leaves in the lower part of the plant is normal, indicating their maturation.
If yellowing occurs in other areas, this may be a sign of a lack of light or water. Brown edges on the leaves may indicate excess water or fertilizer.
Types of indoor shooters
This beautiful plant with unique flowers that last up to six months can be bought in garden stores as adult seedlings and transplanted into a new pot in the spring if the roots have grown.
In stores, two types are most often represented – royal strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae) and white strelitzia (Strelitzia nicolai).
“Bird of Paradise” is more popular due to the fact that it blooms more easily at home. Strelitzia white can also bloom, but only after a few years, when it reaches a large size, so it is grown mainly because of the beautiful leaves. They are easier to distinguish by their leaves: the royal one has lanceolate leaves, while the white one has much larger and more oval leaves, blue-white flowers. The royal has orange-blue flowers.
The homemade strelitzia flower is toxic to dogs and cats, so place it in areas where pets cannot reach it.
