Royal Strelitzia(Strelitzia reginae), due to its original flowers, is also referred to as the bird of paradise. This plant is native to South Africa, where it grows naturally along rivers and in coastal areas. Reaches impressive dimensions - even up to 1.5 m in height! Learn the secrets of a pottedgrowing royal strelitziain an apartment. We explain what the requirements are and what the correctcare for the royal strelitzia looks like , can this plant be grown in the garden, and what diseases and pests attack the royal strelitzia.
Royal Strelitzia, a bird of paradise - Strelitzia reginae
Fig. pixabay.com
Royal Strelitzia - cultivation
Royal Strelitzia requires a lot of sunlightGood sunlight is needed to initiate flowering in Strelitzia. The lack of sunlight, especially in winter, causes the flower buds to die.Royal Strelitzia should be protected from strong sunStrong sun rays, e.g. near the south window, may burn the leaves. Strelitzia can also be grown in a semi-shaded place, but then it will not produce flowers.
From May to September, the royal street can be displayed on the balcony or terrace . However, it should be in a slightly shaded place. Strelitzia can also be pitted in the garden during the summer.
The bird of paradise is a thermophilic plantThe optimal temperature for growing royal strelitzia is 17-25 ° C.During wintering, the optimal temperature is 15-18 ° C. When growing strelitzia, you should avoid drops in the ambient temperature below 12 ° C and drafts.The nighttime temperature has a big influence on the flowering of Strelitzia. It should be 3-5 ° C lower than the temperature during the day
Royal Strelitzia requires a fertile, heavy, clay soilThe best is a mix of turf soil, sand and clay garden soil, mixed in equal proportions. You can also add a small amount of peat to the substrate. The bird of paradise flower should be planted in a large pot with a thick layer of drainage on the bottom and numerous holes to facilitate the drainage of excess water.
Royal Strelitzia, a bird of paradise - Strelitzia reginae
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
Royal Strelitzia requires frequent and abundant wateringParticularly high water demand occurs from April to August, when Strelitzia grows vigorously and forms flower buds.It is very important to water the strelitzia regularly. In spring and summer, especially in hot weather, the substrate should not dry out completely - even daily watering may be necessary. From September, the frequency of watering can be slowly reduced.In winter, strelitzia is watered with small doses of water only when the top layer of the substrate is dry
When growing King Strelitzia, it is important to maintain high air humidityIn too dry air, flowers with difficulty come out of the inflorescence vagina and leaves curl. On hot days, the strelitzia should be sprinkled with soft water every day, preferably in the morning.
The bird of paradise needs a large amount of nutrients in the substrate. During intensive growth, that is, from March to September,strelitzia is fertilized every 2 weeks with a low nitrogen fertilizer , but rich in micronutrients. For abundant flowering, a potassium-rich fertilizer is essential.
Royal Strelitzia - wintering
The Royal Strelitzia should begin its dormant period from OctoberThe development of Strelitzia slows down during this period. At this point, watering the strelitzia is limited and it is moved to a cool (about 12 ° C) and bright room. Providing the strelitzia with suitable wintering conditions guarantees its flowering. During thewintering of the bird of paradise , make sure that the substrate in the pot does not dry out excessively and regularly clean the leaves of dust. From February onwards, watering is gradually increased and the ambient temperature is raised to gently let the Strelitzia plant come to rest.
Royal Strelitzia, a bird of paradise - Strelitzia reginae
Fig. Danka, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Royal Strelitzia - reproduction
King Strelitzia is easily propagated by division of rhizomes , which is done in early spring or just after flowering. After division, the newly obtained plants do not bloom in that year. Flowering can be expected in the next growing season.
A bird of paradise can also be propagated by seedsStrelitzia produces a pea-sized fruit, made of black, leathery scales adorned with a bunch of orange hairs. There are numerous seeds inside the leathery scales.
To obtain strelice from the seeds, sprout them as soon as possible after harvestingThe optimal period is February to October. The harvested strelitzia fruits are thoroughly cleaned of orange hairs, washed with soap and water, and then gently rubbed with sandpaper. The next step is to put them in a thermos with warm water for 12 hours. During this time, the walls of the fruit should swell. The soaking period can be extended to a maximum of 48 hours. The swollen fruit is placed in a moist peat substrate and placed in a warm and bright place. Young seedlings should be quilted. The plants obtained in this way will bloom after 3-4 years of cultivation.
Royal Strelitzia, a bird of paradise - Strelitzia reginae
Fig. pixabay.com
Royal Strelitzia - diseases and pests
Strelitzia roots rotting- as a result of the correlation of the following factors: excessive watering, too compact the substrate, lack of holes in the bottom of the pot or their clogging, and low temperature, strelitzia roots often rot . When growing King Strelitzia in a pot, you should remember about good drainage, which will protect the rhizome and roots from excessive moisture.
Phytoftoroza strelicji(Phytophthora nicotianae) - it is a very dangerous disease caused by a fungus attacking the roots and base of leaf shoots. At the site of infection, the tissues turn brown and rot, and the leaves turn yellow and gradually die. Sick leaves and roots should be removed and the plant should be transplanted to a fresh substrate and treated with a fungicide (e.g. Biosept Active or Polyversum WP).
Scales(Aspidotus) - these are small insects that feed on the lower side of the leaves.They are visible in the form of oval, gray discs. They suck the sap from the plant, as a result of which the leaves turn yellow and dry, and when they feed, they secrete honeydew which sticks to the leaves. Fortunately, we can use home remedies for scalers against these pests. The discs should be gently removed from the leaves with a brush or an ear cotton swab, and then all parts of the plant should be wiped with a cloth soaked in diluted denatured alcohol. To prevent the appearance of scales, maintain high air humidity and ensure good ventilation of the plants. It will also be helpful to place the Ultra PR shielding sticks in the ground.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
