Bird of Paradise The bird of paradise can reach up to 5 feet in height with a 2-3 foot spread. The plant is trunk less, compact and clustering but slow growing with fleshy roots. S. reginae has banana shaped stiff leathery concave, oblong, bluish-gray leaves with a pale or red midrib. The leaves are attached to a long stalk that sometimes reaches up to 2 feet in length. Because of the banana shaped and other plants characteristics it was classified in the banana family Musaceae, however now it has its own family Strelitziacea. The name Bird of Paradise comes from the spectacular flower shape, which resembles a bird's beak and head plumage.
The Bird of Paradise flower is a spectacular blossom. Long stemmed flowers emerge from green boat shaped bracts, which are bordered in red or purple. The numerous pointed petals of brilliant color. Propagation is typically from seed.
Gold dust day gecko licking nectar from Bird of Pa...
Strelitzia reginae or Bird of Paradise
Taken at Melbourne Botanical GardensOnce sported, seedlings should be brought along in small pots and planted out when they reach a height of 1 to 2 feet.
The pests that affect the Bird of Paradise are Strelitzia reginae are relatively pest free. Some pest can cause problems but it is unusual. Over watering can lead to root rot, which will spread upward into the crown. If noticed in time stop watering for a while. If the problem continues to spread up the stems then a fungicide should be used.
Reasons why the Bird of Paradise can fail are for example higher elevation, over watering, and also cold weather.
English: A close-up of a bird of paradise flower
Strelitzia reginae, also known as Bird of Paradise...
English: Bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia regin...