How to Care for a Bird of Paradise
This article provides a brief introduction to the small green plant maintenance experience of how to care for a Bird of Paradise and its breeding methods and techniques, followed by a comprehensive introduction.
The Bird of Paradise is also known as Strelitzia, with flowers shaped like birds, which are very beautiful. The Bird of Paradise is a large ornamental leaf plant, with broad and large leaves that resemble bananas. Many plant enthusiasts grow the Bird of Paradise because of its unique shape, which can be placed in living rooms or offices. Below are the breeding methods and precautions for the Bird of Paradise.
I. Breeding Methods for Bird of Paradise
1. Light Requirements
Bright light is more suitable for the growth of the Bird of Paradise, and adequate light should be provided. It is best to provide more than 12 hours of light for the Bird of Paradise daily, with a minimum of at least 4 hours.
While the Bird of Paradise enjoys light, it dislikes direct strong sunlight. In summer, when the light is too strong, it is necessary to provide appropriate shading to avoid sunburn on the leaves. In winter, with shorter daylight hours, it is necessary to provide additional lighting for the Bird of Paradise, which can be done using fluorescent lights.
2. Watering Requirements
The Bird of Paradise likes water but is afraid of waterlogging. When watering the Bird of Paradise, use the method of frequent small amounts of water, keeping the potting soil in a moist state. In summer, which is the growing season for the Bird of Paradise, watering once a day is sufficient. During the flowering period, it should also be watered once a day. After early spring flowering, watering every three days is enough.
3. Fertilizing Requirements
The Bird of Paradise enjoys fertilizer, and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied to the soil before potting. During the growing season, liquid fertilizer should be applied every half month. Fermented rice washing water can also be used.
In winter, the Bird of Paradise enters a dormant state and does not require additional fertilizer. Forcing fertilizer can damage the roots.
4. Temperature Requirements
A temperature range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius is most conducive to the growth of the Bird of Paradise. If the temperature drops below 8 degrees Celsius in winter, it will affect the growth of the plant, so it should be moved to a sunny indoor location for breeding after entering winter.
5. Humidity Requirements
When growing the Bird of Paradise indoors, it is necessary to maintain a certain level of air humidity. If the air is too dry, the leaves may wither or become dry. Sprinkling water around the pot can increase air humidity, or a humidifier can be placed next to the plant, or some pebbles can be placed in the bottom tray with some water.
6. Pest and Disease Prevention
During the growth of the Bird of Paradise, the most common pest is the scale insect. In summer, with high temperatures, scale insects are prevalent, and they can be controlled by spraying imidacloprid once a week. In autumn and winter, weaker plants are prone to anthracnose, and diseased leaves should be cut off and destroyed immediately. A 25% solution of bromocloride can be sprayed and foliar fertilizer applied.
II. Precautions
1. Appropriate Pruning
Sick and old leaves should be removed promptly to save some nutrients for the Bird of Paradise plant and improve the quality of flower buds.
2. Regular Potting
In the seedling stage, the Bird of Paradise needs to be repotted every year. For mature plants, repotting every two years with new soil is sufficient, with division usually done in spring.
When repotting, it is important to choose suitable soil. Enthusiasts can mix their own nutrient-rich soil, for example, using a combination of decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, decomposed manure soil, and coarse sand, in a ratio of 5:3:1:1. This type of soil is fertile, loose and breathable, and has good drainage, making it very suitable for the growth of the Bird of Paradise.
The above information provides a full introduction to how to care for a Bird of Paradise and its breeding methods and techniques. I hope this helps you, and I also hope everyone comes to see more green plant experience and knowledge!