How To Grow Strelitzia Reginae From Seeds
Strelitzia reginae, also known as the bird of paradise, is a lovely exotic plant that can add a touch of tropical elegance to any garden.
While it can be a bit challenging to grow from seeds, with the right conditions and a bit of patience, you can successfully grow your own bird of paradise plants at home.
To grow Bird of Paradise from seed, here are some instructions to follow:
Step 1: Acquire Seeds
The first step in growing Strelitzia reginae from seeds is to obtain the seeds. You can purchase seeds online or at a local garden center. When purchasing seeds, make sure they are fresh and have a high germination rate.
Step 2: Soak the Seeds
In order to speed germination soak the Strelitzia Reginae seeds in lukewarm water overnight (24-48 hours) and remove the attached orange tufts. This will help to soften the seed coat and increase the chances of successful germination.
Then nick them with a knife or small file, before planting. Scarified seeds will germinate faster.
Another way to decrease germination time is to put un-scarified seeds in a plastic bag and place them in a refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) for two weeks.
Bird of Paradise seeds are slow to germinate, taking from 8 weeks to a few months to germinate, and it will take 4-7 years for the plant to start blooming.
Step 3: Fill a Seed Tray with Potting Soil
Prepare a seed tray with a well-draining potting soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not soaked with water.
Step 4: Sow the Seeds
Seeds should be planted 1/2 - 1 inch deep in moistened, high-quality potting mix, 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Keep the Soil Moist
During the Bird of Paradise germination keep the soil moist, but not soaked, as this can cause the seeds to rot. You can use a misting bottle or a light watering can to keep the soil moist.
Step 6: Place the Seed Tray in a Warm and Bright Location
Locate newly planted seeds somewhere in a warm and sunny location, such as a windowsill or greenhouse with indirect sun light. Strelitzia reginae seeds require a temperature of around 80°F to germinate (about 8 weeks after planting). Cover the pot with plastic to retain humidity and keep the soil moist.
Step 7: Wait for Germination
Strelitzia Reginae germination requires patience. The seeds germination may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, sometimes 2-3 years. The seeds should sprout green shoots and develop into small seedlings.
Step 8: Transplant the Seedlings
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots. Bird Of Paradise plant loves a well-draining soil. Place the pots in a warm, and bright location.
Step 9: Care for the Young Plants
Strelitzia reginae plants need a lot of sun, so make sure to place them in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Transplant Strelizia Regina seedlings, which are 6 to 8 inches tall, to a permanent outdoor location in spring or fall. If you need to re-pot a plant it might take a couple of years or more for the plant to start blooming again.
Choose a site with partial to full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Dig planting holes twice as wide as the root balls but of the same depth.
Space the seedlings 3 to 5 feet apart since they can form clumps 3 to 5 feet wide. Plant them at the same depth as they grew in the containers.
Bird of paradise plants (Strelitzia reginae) can be somewhat sensitive to transplanting due to their extensive and delicate root systems. Transplanting can disrupt these roots and cause stress to the plant. Additionally, bird of paradise plants have a tendency to develop deep taproots, making it challenging to successfully transplant them without damaging their root structure.
The sensitive nature of bird of paradise plants during transplanting is why it's crucial to take extra care when moving them to a new location. Ensuring that the plant is properly established before transplantation and providing adequate post-transplant care, such as proper watering and protection from extreme weather conditions, can help minimize the shock and increase the chances of successful transplantation.
The crucial six-month period after transplanting is vital for establishing the bird of paradise plants.
Ensure regular irrigation, providing enough water to keep the soil damp but avoiding excessive wetness. Over- or under-watering can be detrimental to the plants.
It is a good idea to use a slow-release fertilizer to provide the young plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
Growing Strelitzia reginae from seeds can be a bit challenging, but with patience and the right conditions, you can successfully grow your own beautiful bird of paradise plants.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of these exotic plants in your own garden.
Get Bird Of Paradise Seeds Here
