Description
💧 Watering
Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings. In the Maltese summer, it may need water once or twice a week, but during the humid winter, it is very susceptible to root rot if kept soggy. It prefers to be “drenched and then dried.”
☀️ Light
It loves full sun to bright, indirect light. To get those rare golden blooms, it needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. While it can survive in partial shade, the flowering will be much less frequent. In Malta, it handles the heat beautifully, though young plants appreciate a little shelter from the most intense August sun.
🍃 Foliage / Growth
Features thick, grey-green, paddle-shaped leaves that grow in a fan-like arrangement. It is a slow-growing evergreen that eventually forms a stately clump. Unlike the Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird of Paradise), this variety stays relatively compact, making it much better suited for large pots on Maltese terraces.
🪴 Potting Mix
Requires a rich, well-draining potting soil. A mix of high-quality compost with added perlite or coarse sand is perfect. Interestingly, Strelitzias bloom better when they are slightly “pot-bound,” so don’t be in a rush to move it into a massive container.
🌿 Fertilizer
This is a hungry plant during the growing season! Feed every two weeks from March to September with a balanced liquid fertilizer or one slightly higher in potassium to encourage those spectacular golden blooms.
🐕🐈 Pet Safety
The Bird of Paradise is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, particularly the seeds and flowers. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, so it’s best placed in a spot where pets won’t be tempted to chew on the sturdy leaves.
🌬️ Air Purifying
With its massive, leathery leaves, it is an excellent oxygen producer and is very effective at trapping dust. It adds a lush, tropical feel to a space while helping to filter the air on a balcony or in a bright conservatory.
*Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The Price is per one individual plant.
