Care and maintenance of the Strelitzia

The Strelitzia , better known as the Bird of Paradise plant , is a striking plant that will take your interior to the next level. But how do you ensure that this tropical beauty really flourishes in your home? Below you will discover everything about watering, fertilizing, pruning and the ideal location.

The right amount of water

The Strelitzia likes regular watering, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much water can lead to root rot, a common pitfall. Make sure the soil stays slightly moist, especially during the growing season in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, you can water less often, because the plant is in a dormant period. Preferably use filtered or rainwater at room temperature to prevent limescale on the leaves.

Fertilization: nutrition for optimal growth

Just as we need energy, the Strelitzia benefits from extra nutrients. Use a liquid plant food, preferably specially formulated for green houseplants, and add it to the water during the growing season. Fertilize about once every two weeks from March to September. In the winter, you can reduce this or even stop altogether, as the plant will grow less then.

Pruning and maintenance

The leaves of the Strelitzia can grow quite large. To keep your plant healthy and beautiful, it is important to regularly cut away dead or damaged leaves. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors and cut the leaves as close to the base as possible. This stimulates the growth of new leaves and prevents the plant from using unnecessary energy.

The ideal location

Strelitzias are sun worshippers and love lots of light. Place your plant in a spot where it gets at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day, for example near a south-facing window. In the summer, you can even move the plant outside, as long as you protect it from wind and heavy rain. Make sure that the Strelitzia is not in a draft, as this can damage the leaves.

With the right care, the Strelitzia will not only become an eye-catcher in your interior, but will also give you years of pleasure. And if you are lucky, it will treat you to its impressive flowers that are a true spectacle of orange and blue.