How to Feed a Bird of Paradise

The bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae), also known as a crane flower, is an herbaceous plant native to South Africa that grows in clumps reaching up to 5 feet tall. The blue petals and orange sepals of the flower grow out of a bract that resembles a bird’s beak. The flower resembles a brightly colored bird in flight, hence the name. Healthy bird-of-paradise plants can produce dozens of flowers throughout the year in warm-weather regions. Fertilize bird-of-paradise plants to ensure proper growth and increase flowering.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Remove all debris from the soil surrounding the bird-of-paradise plant. Trim away dead foliage and flowers.

2. Spread fertilizer around the plant once every 90 days. For the organic gardener, apply bone meal, compost, sludge or well-rotted manure to the soil surrounding the plant. Follow all directions, warnings and suggestions on the manufacturer’s packaging.

3. Water the fertilizer into the soil so it reaches the roots.

Tips & Warnings

• Bird-of-paradise plants can briefly tolerate temperatures that dip as low as 24 degrees F. Move potted plants indoors during extended periods of cold to avoid frost damage to the flowers.