Location
The Strelitzia, native to southern Africa, is a sun worshiper that needs a lot of light and warmth. During the summer months, the bird of paradise flower should therefore be cared for in a sunny spot on the balcony or terrace. Midsummer temperatures make her very comfortable and ensure abundant flowering.
also read
- What makes the Strelitzia flower so special?
- When does the flowering time of the Strelitzia begin?
- Sharing Strelitzia: what to look out for?
As soon as it gets colder, move the plant to a bright spot in the house where the temperature doesn't drop below eight degrees.
Water and fertilize
The water requirement of the Strelitzia is rather moderate. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs, as the exotic reacts to this quickly with root rot. You should therefore only water when the upper centimeters of the substrate feel dry to the touch after the thumb test. Always water with low-lime water or rain water.
The bird of paradise flower is fertilized from May every 14 days with a special phosphorus fertilizer for flowering plants. Make sure that the nitrogen content of the preparation is low, otherwise the Strelitzia will grow a lot of leaves but hardly any flowers.
Repot
Every one to two years in spring, at the latest when the roots grow out of the drainage holes, the bird of paradise flower must be repotted:
- Use a planter that is about two sizes larger than the previous one.
- Put the beauty in structurally stable houseplant soil with good water storage capacity.
- It is also important that the new pot drains off water well. You should therefore cover all the water drainage holes provided with potsherds.
- Now first fill in a drainage layer Expanded clay(€ 16.36 at Amazon *) a.
- Carefully pot out the Strelitzia, being careful not to break off the fleshy storage organs.
- Place the plant so that the soil level of the ball is the same as that in the new planter.
Hibernate Strelitzia
You should bring the bird of paradise back into your home by October at the latest. Place the exotic beauty in as bright a place as possible, where the temperature is constant at around ten degrees. An unheated winter garden or a cool stairwell are well suited.
The parrot flower must also be used in winter quarters to be poured occasionally. On the Fertilize you can do without it entirely.
Cut back
Regularly remove any dried, brown leaves. Further cuts are not required.
Tips
Strelitzia need a lot of humidity. Therefore, spray the foliage with water that is low in lime every day.
