Strelitzia: [Características, Siembra, Cuidados, Riego y Sustrato]
Strelitzia is also known as a bird of paradise. The reason for this is that it has a very particular way in the development of its flowers.
Thanks to this condition, it is a plant that is used for ornamental purposes , adding a unique decorative touch to any space.
Are you thinking of having a plant of this species at home?
- When? In seedbeds, all year round. To transplant, in spring .
- Where? In a space where it gets a lot of sunlight.
- How do we prepare the land? Neutral pH, good drainage and rich in organic matter.
- How should we water? Abundant, the earth must always be moistened.
- How often do you have to water? In summer frequently, up to 2 times a week if necessary. In winter very little.
- What pests and diseases do they have? The main ones are mealybug and root rot.
What are the characteristics of strelitzia?
The strelitzia is a plant with peculiar flowers that develops with various colors and in whose flowering it gives the image of an exotic bird.
It originates from the African continent, but due to its unique characteristics, it has begun to be used throughout the world.
In fact, it is quite easy to recognize it because it has three sepals that vary from orange to bright yellow and three more between blue and purple.
To stay well it needs certain care that will vary depending on the time of year it is, but always ensuring that it has sun (so that it carries out photosynthesis correctly ).
It is also a plant of exotic origin .
Where should we sow a strelitzia?
The main condition that must be taken care of with this species is that it receives a lot of sunlight at all times of the year.
As it is a warm environment, it must also be ensured that temperatures are never below 10º C.
However, they have in their favor that they are quite resistant to gusts of wind , so you will not have to worry about having them in open fields.
It is also worth knowing that they coexist well with certain species of shrubs, so you can have a very beautiful garden.
Strelitzia Augusta: [Siembra, Cuidados, Riego y Sustrato]
When should it be grown?
If the bird of paradise plant is to be grown in seedbeds, it can be done at any time of the year .
However, transplanting should only be done in spring , when the surrounding temperatures are the most appropriate for this change.
How do we prepare the soil for planting strelitzia?
To ensure that the plant thrives, you will need well-draining soil that is very deep.
Around pH , you need it to be neutral or a little alkaline.
It is essential that it contains a good amount of organic matter , so applying homemade compost as a preparation technique is appropriate.
This condition will be compensated later with the use of liquid fertilizers that should be used during the summer and spring periods.
The fertilizer will be applied along with the irrigation every two weeks.
Sow a strelitzia step by step
Strelitzia can be sown from the division of a mother plant or from seeds .
From the mother plant
- For this modality to be beneficial for the mother plant, the cut must be made in early spring.
- It is necessary to know that by executing this procedure, the plant will go into a recession year without flowering.
- The cut will have to be placed in a more or less deep container that is filled with high-quality soil.
- A good action that encourages roots to grow faster is the use of rooting hormones.
- For this system to thrive, it needs abundant watering, beginning days after the cutting is placed in the container.
- Lastly, you will need the use of high-quality fertilizers starting the following spring.
By seeds
- This procedure is much slower , so it will be necessary to have a lot of patience before trying to sow.
- With the seeds well cleaned, it will be necessary to go through a soaking period that will cover three whole days.
- After there they will be transferred to a container with a good soil and will be placed at a depth of 10 cm , approximately.
- The soil will need to contain enough moisture.
- The container should be placed in a space that is warm and where it receives sunlight but indirectly.
- In order for the soil to have good humidity, it is essential that it be covered with plastic .
What care does strelitzia need?
After you’ve selected a good soil and made sure it has proper drainage, the rest of the care will go through watering and fertilizing .
As for irrigation, it must be abundant and occupy the entire area where the base of the bird of paradise plant is.
To define the periods, it will be necessary to take into account the humidity level of the land and the surrounding temperatures. The most common is that in the winter the waterings are less frequent than in the summer.
Fertilization is very important to ensure that it blooms with quality and quantity. With a liquid application every two weeks between May and October it will be more than enough.
Finally, it will be necessary to remove the withered flowers to ensure their appearance and good health.
What pests and diseases does it have?
Strelitzia pests target mealybugs and nematodes primarily; while diseases to rot .
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are insects that absorb the sap of the plant, preventing nutrients from passing through all its parts .
As a consequence of this, the plants cannot develop normally and lose their green color.
Nematodes
In the case of nematodes, these are worms that directly affect the roots , causing tumors that weaken the plant.
Decay
Strelitizia can suffer from rot when watering is excessive and the soil does not have good drainage . It also affects if it is very acidic.
Those who enjoy strelitzia at home perceive the beautiful environment they create and how different they are from other species.
It can be used as part of outdoor décor , and also in creating indoor flower arrangements .
