Bird of paradise ( Strelitzia reginae ) , also prognosticate the Stephen Crane bloom , is part of the banana family and aboriginal to South Africa . The bird of paradise can reach a mature summit of 4 to 5 feet , with thick , waxy unripened leave-taking and a large , striking , vibrantly - colored flower that looks like a wing bird . The canoe - shaped , folio - like bracts are green , red and purple , up to 8 inch long , and pullulate the shiny yellow and orange heyday petal . This tropical perennial plant blooms during the fall , winter and early spring , usually from September until May . Growing a bird of paradise from seed is a ho-hum procedure and expect some pretreatment to get the germ to pullulate .

Step 1

Soak hiss of paradise seeded player in lukewarm water supply for three to four 60 minutes . run out away the water .

Step 2

target the seed into a plastic sandwich suitcase and store them in the refrigerator for about 14 days at 40 to 45 degree Fahrenheit .

Step 3

Scratch or nick the hard taboo layer of the semen with the tip of a acute knife to scarify them , a process in which you " lift " the seeds for them to germinate .

Step 4

Fill a seed tray with a 3- to 4 - inch stratum of vermiculite or one part peat moss mixed with one part perlite . Plant the bird of paradise seed about 1/2 inch deep , spaced about 3 inches apart .

Step 5

Water the ejaculate tray good and evenly moisten the potting commixture . cut across the seed tray with a clear plastic bag or tray lid .

Step 6

Place the cum tray in shiny , indirect light . Water the seeds and grunge mixture lightly and equally every day to keep it damp until the seeds germinate , which can take two or three month .

Tip

Transplant the germinated seedlings into individual 6 - column inch plantation owner pots fill with a soilless potting mix after they ’ve developed two " dependable " leaves . The true parting come forth after the smaller seedling leaves .

Warning

Do n’t allow the potting mix to dry out out , especially while the cum are germinating . Continue to irrigate the seedling bird of paradise plant frequently and generously after your repot them into individual containers .

Things Needed

References

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