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| Strelitzia | Common name; Bird of Paradise |
A tender evergreen perennial that grows to about 900mm (3ft) high that generally requires indoor cultivation in the UK.
The flowers appear from late April to May.
Water freely during the growing season, gradually decreasing the amount from September onwards.
Lightly shade the plants during the summer, to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Ventilate the greenhouse freely when the temperature exceeds 18°- 21°C (65°-70°)
Keep the plants virtually dry through the dormancy period.
Week 8; Sow seeds sown in trays/pots of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 18°- 21°C (65°-70°F)
Prick off the seedlings, when large enough to handle, singly into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost.
Pot up into larger pots as necessary.
Week 10; Pot up new stock singly into 250mm (10") pots of John Innes potting compost No. 3 or in the greenhouse border
Maintain a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) in winter.
Week 18; Apply a liquid feed at two week intervals from now until September.
Week 26; Re-pot established plants every alternate year after flowering.
Divide/detach rooted shoots and pot up into John Innes potting compost No. 3.
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