5 Responses to “The White Bird Of Paradise”

1. Jamie Jamison Adams Says:
   May 30th, 2008 at 8:53 am

   Veronica,

   I assume your are referring to a white Bird of Paradise tree (Strelitzia nicolai). This plant is hardy in zones 9b to 11. Montgomery is probably a zone 8 or 9 so any city north of could be a zone 7, 8 or 9. So this plant would not be marginally hardy at best and probably something you could not leave out year round.

   This plant originated in the sub-tropics of South Africa and is a cousin to Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia regina) which is often used in flower arrangements. It can grow into a large tree 20ft tall and is sometimes called Giant Bird of Paradise or Natal Wild Banana (is resembles members of the Banana family). It needs a sunny to partly shady area with protection from harsh winds. It needs a enriched moisture retentive soil and will needs amble amounts of fertilizer. However it does not like soggy conditions. To propagate it you would remove the suckers from the parent plant or divide the clump. You can also start these from seed but it will take years for the plant to mature this way and thus bloom production would be years away.

   If you want this plant and are concerned about its hardiness in your area, plant it in a pot that can be moved to a protected area if the temperature drops below 28 degrees. It will do find in a pot provided the pot is the right size.

2. Liz Says:
   December 9th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

   What kind of fertilizer do I need for the Bird of Paradise?

3. Jamie Jamison Adams Says:
   December 10th, 2008 at 8:35 am

   Liz,

   I recommend using a balanced fertilizer (equal amount of N, P and K). However, Bird of Paradise should only be fertilized in the spring and summer months. Use a water soluble fertilizer every two weeks or a slow release pellet fertilizer such as Osmocote. Don’t fertilize your plant during the fall and winter months. Good luck and keep me posted.

4. Alan Collins Says:
   December 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

   I have noticed that our beautiful white bird of paradise tree is getting cobwebs on the leaves and the leaves are cracking and I\’m conerned i\’m doing something wrong.
   It sits in a pot near a window that gets direct early morning sun. Can you offer some suggestions - Thanks

5. Jamie Jamison Adams Says:
   December 17th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

   Alan,

   Do the cobwebs look more like a piece of cotton and less like a spider web? If so you have an insect called cottony scale. You will need to pick off all of the cottony substance or use an insecticide to get rid of it. You plant should make a full recovery once the insect is eliminated. Check with your local garden center (a true nursery not a discount store) for an insecticide that is safe to use on your Bird of Paradise. I’m not sure but I think the Fertilome houseplant spray will work in this situation. Please keep me posted.

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

Attach an Image:

Security Code: