vaindioux

Hi

I am in Atlanta-GA zone 7 and just obtained a 2 feet tall giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai). Obviously I got to keep it as a potted plant.
Who has one potted and what is the general care you provide?

Thanks a lot

Patrick

Lagniappe

Hi Patrick,
We keep several of these as house plants. Our oldest bloomed last year and was so stressed that we thought we would loose it . It sent out several pups and drooped to the floor (we had to tie it to the stairwell to keep it upright.).
Now it is perking up and putting on new leaves . I had to treat it for mealybugs today. These usually don't attack my plants unless they are neglected and I have forgotten to water this one for several weeks.
All of ours are potted with styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pot covered with fabric (burlap , cheesecloth....) and filled with good potting soil amended with rice hulls or perlite. We let the soil dry at least an inch from the surface between waterings and add fertilizer sparingly in the spring.
During the winter, we supplement lighting with two 100 watt florescent bulbs (screw in). And these are in those crazy cheap clip light fixtures.

MediaHound

I have lots of white birds but they're outside...

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vaindioux

Hi

How big was the one you picture when you got it? I won't go with the lights, I usually take my indoor tropicals out throughout the year as weather permits, it works for me usually.
I have never heard of those peanuts trick, I guess that's to insure good drainage.
Which zone are you in?
Great pics of your giant bird, thanks again.

Patrick

Lagniappe

Hi Patrick ,
It was about 4 ' . The pups from last year are 4' now . We tried to take this one outside but it is too big and cumbersome and gets damaged going in and out of the door . I'm not sure that these will survive in z 7 winters .
The peanuts prevent wet feet , I lost a lot of plants early on from water that pooled in the bottom of the container . This happens sometimes even with the most well draining mixes usually because of the reserve effect of the pan under the pots.
We are in zone 8 . I would loove to have a stand of these outdoors but I don't think they will make it here.
If anyone knows differently please let me know and I'll give it a try.

JoeS475

My potted birds are about the size of those pictured flowering. I was under the impression they wouldn't flower until they were 18'+ tall, with a trunk and all. Now I have hope for NJ!!!

Thanks,

~Joe

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