Strelitzia reginae ORANGE BIRD OF PARADISE (6 seeds)

Orange Bird of Paradise is a non-hardy, slow-growing exotic plant belonging to the Strelitziaceae family. It is native to South Africa, where it grows in the warm and humid regions, particularly in the Eastern Cape province.

It produces spectacular and colorful orange flowers that resemble the head of a tropical bird. The blooming of this plant is characterized by large, colorful bracts surrounding small, orange, tubular, and pointed flowers.

Bird of Paradise seeds from Strelitzia reginae are black, shiny, and smooth, featuring a unique bright orange fuzz (aril) on top, which makes them very distinctive.

Its foliage consists of long, leathery, and thick leaves emerging directly from the base of the plant. These oblong-shaped leaves can measure up to 1.5 meters in length; they are glossy dark green on top and a lighter green underneath.

- Uses:

The Orange Bird of Paradise is a highly prized ornamental plant for its spectacular flowers and lush foliage. Much like the corkscrew willow, it is often used in floral compositions to add a touch of elegance and vibrant color.

This plant provides a tropical flair thanks to its highly attractive flowers. It can be planted outdoors on the Mediterranean or Atlantic coasts, where winters are particularly mild. Strelitzia reginae can also be grown in pots, indoors, in verandas, greenhouses, or any well-lit room.

- Sowing and Seed Germination:

• The best time to sow Orange Bird of Paradise seeds is from the end of May to the end of July.
• Lightly scarify the seeds (nick the outer shell). Soak them for 6 hours in lukewarm water before planting to accelerate germination.
• Bury the seeds at a depth of 0.5 cm in well-draining horticultural potting soil.
• Water the culture gently using a hand sprayer.
• Place the culture in a warm greenhouse at a temperature near 30°C.
• Germination generally takes 3 to 6 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Strelitzia reginae appreciates well-draining soils rich in organic matter. It is recommended to use a high-quality repotting soil during planting.

- Exposure / Light:

It is recommended to plant the Bird of Paradise in a very bright location, or even in full sun, to ensure successful flowering.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

This plant can be grown outdoors on the Mediterranean or Atlantic coasts where winters are mild. Outside of these geographical zones, it is advisable to grow it in a pot to bring it indoors during winter. If reached by frost, this magnificent variety will often grow back without much difficulty directly from its rhizomes. Its USDA zone is 9, making it a non-hardy and frost-sensitive plant.

- Watering:

This Strelitzia enjoys frequent watering; twice a week in the height of summer is usually sufficient. In winter, reduce watering to once every 15 days, only if necessary.

- Multiplication:

The Bird of Paradise can be reproduced either by sowing its seeds or by dividing its clumps.

- Pests / Predators:

This exotic plant is fortunate to have almost no pests, predators, or significant diseases.