{"id":1009570,"date":"2021-10-06T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T09:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rootsmacaronesia.com\/strelitzia-a-true-bird-of-paradise-in-tenerife\/"},"modified":"2024-12-02T09:06:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T09:06:15","slug":"strelitzia-a-true-bird-of-paradise-in-tenerife","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rootsmacaronesia.com\/en\/strelitzia-a-true-bird-of-paradise-in-tenerife\/","title":{"rendered":"Strelitzia, a true “Bird of Paradise” in Tenerife"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are looking for a true masterpiece as a houseplant, we can assure you that you should continue to do so: Strelitzia is what you need. This tropical tree-shaped plant has long, elegant stems with fan-shaped or banana-shaped green leaves and showy flowers, which bloom with pointed orange and purple petals, resembling the colorful plumage of a tropical bird.<\/p>\n

Also known as “Bird of Paradise”, it is a plant that you can take home only on one condition: having the right space for it. It is essential that there are at least several meters so that the leaves tall this houseplant will spread as it grows. In fact, if you come to ROOTS GARDEN<\/b><\/span><\/a> and you decide on one of them, the first thing we will recommend is to have a good spot available for it. <\/p>\n

In addition to space, you will also want to ensure that there is a substantial and constant source of bright sunlight near where you would like to locate it. A living room or entryway with a large window is ideal.<\/p>\n

Although your “Bird of Paradise” could survive in low light, definitely only specimens in well-lit spaces will flourish. Ideally, your Strelitzia should receive at least six hours of sunlight, including direct sunlight, every day. <\/p>\n

In terms of temperature, Strelitzia do best when temperatures do not fall below the range of 13 degrees Celsius at night and 22 degrees or more during the day. Additionally, keep your plant away from cold drafts and avoid displaying it near hot or cold air vents. <\/p>\n

This tropical houseplant also prefers high humidity. If your space is dry, be sure to use a humidifying tray.<\/p>\n

Fill a shallow tray a few inches larger than the base of the pot with a layer of small stones. Add water just below the top of the stones. Place the pot on top, making sure the bottom of the pot does not touch the surface of the water. The water will evaporate and moisten the air around the plant.<\/p>\n

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How to take care of your “Bird of Paradise” in Tenerife<\/b><\/h3>\n

Check your plant’s soil moisture weekly. Keep the soil slightly moist during the spring and summer growing season, when the plant will use the most water. In winter, reduce watering and allow the top two inches of soil to dry out before watering again. If you notice drooping or curling leaves, this is a sign that your Strelitzia needs water.<\/p>\n

If you notice cuts or tears forming on the leaves of your plant, don’t worry. The plant does this naturally. It is believed to be a mutation that allows strong wind to blow through the leaves without breaking them. During the spring and summer growing season, fertilize your Strelitzia every two weeks with houseplant fertilizer diluted by half. Stop feeding during the winter dormant season. <\/p>\n

Since ‘Bird of Paradise’ are more likely to flower in Tenerife when they are a little pot-bound, you only need to transplant when you see roots growing or breaking off in the container. Transplant in the spring before new growth appears and use a rich, well-drained potting soil.<\/p>\n

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Steps to propagate your Strelitzia in Tenerife<\/b><\/h3>\n

A lush, leafy plant such as Strelitzia can be easily propagated by division. This method involves pulling or cutting individual tubers or rhizomes from a mature plant with attached stems and leaves to make new plants in addition to the parent plant.<\/p>\n

It is best to wait until your plant is at least three years old before dividing. Note that division will delay flowering on Strelitzia plants for one to two years.<\/p>\n

To divide your “Bird of Paradise,” you will need some small containers appropriate for the size of the divisions you plan to make, commercial potting soil, a clean, sharp blade and rooting hormone powder, which you can find at ROOTS<\/b>.<\/p>\n

In this sense, here are the steps to follow for your Strelitzia to proliferate:<\/p>\n