The exotic and tropical bird of paradise plant has beautiful flowers that make any room, indoors or out, more colorful and interesting. Bird of paradise plants are usually grown from divisions, but starting one from seed is fun and lets you add these beautiful plants to your garden or home for a lot less money than buying mature plants.
Growing a bird of paradise from seed does require dedication and patience since seeds can take 1-3 months to germinate and several years to flower. However, watching your plants transform from tiny seedlings into flourishing, flowering specimens is incredibly gratifying.
Follow this complete step-by-step guide to successfully grow a bird of paradise plant from seed
Selecting and Preparing Bird of Paradise Seeds
The first thing you need to do is get good bird of paradise seeds from a reliable source. When ready, mature seed pods can be picked off of plants that are already growing. Select plump, fresh seeds for the best chance of germination.
Before planting, soak the hard outer shells of the seeds in room temperature water for 24-48 hours. This helps soften the tough coating and enhances germination rates Gently remove any orange stringy material from the seeds as well Inspect the seeds and discard any that appear discolored, moldy or damaged.
Providing the Proper Conditions for Germination
Bird of paradise seeds require very specific conditions to sprout successfully. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep in sterile, well-draining seed starting mix. Space seeds at least 3 inches apart to allow room for growth.
Warmth is critical. Maintain a soil temperature between 70-80°F for optimal germination. Consider using a heat mat or planting the seeds near a warm window. High humidity is also essential during the 1-3 month germination period. Create a greenhouse effect by covering seed trays with plastic wrap or use a seedling heat mat.
Check soil moisture daily and keep seeds consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once sprouted, move seedlings to filtered sunlight to prevent leaf scorch and continue providing high humidity.
Caring for Bird of Paradise Seedlings
When the first true leaves emerge, transplant sprouted seeds into 3-4 inch pots filled with well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry and allow pots to drain fully to prevent rot.
Fertilize seedlings monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength. Provide adequate warmth and humidity as seedlings establish. Monitor for potential pests like mealybugs and treat any issues promptly.
As plants grow stronger, gradually acclimate them to lower humidity levels and increased direct sunlight. Adequate light is crucial to prevent leggy, weak growth.
Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors
In frost-free climates, plant 1-2 foot tall seedlings outdoors once the threat of cold weather has passed. Choose a sheltered spot with full sun to partial shade and enriched, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball. Backfill the hole with native soil, plant the seedling at the same level it was growing in the pot, and water deeply after transplanting. Provide regular irrigation until established.
If cold temperatures below 55°F occur, protect young plants by covering or moving containers indoors. Hardening off is also recommended prior to transplanting outdoors.
Ongoing Care of Mature Plants
Once your bird of paradise matures, provide care to keep plants healthy and encourage prolific flowering:
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Water deeply when the top several inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilize 3-4 times yearly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
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Prune spent blooms back to an outward facing leaf node to promote reblooming.
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Remove dead leaves and spent stems to maintain a tidy appearance.
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Repot in larger containers every 2-3 years as plants grow. Divide congested clumps.
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Protect outdoor plants from frost and freezing winter temperatures.
Achieving Glorious Bird of Paradise Blooms
Bird of paradise grown from seed can take a patience-testing 3-5 years before beginning to flower. But the wait is well worth it when those iconic bright orange and blue blooms finally emerge!
In the summer, the showy flowers grow on long stalks from mature plants. Lots of sunlight, warm temperatures, and consistent soil moisture all help plants bloom a lot.
Sheltering plants from cold winter temperatures can boost flower production the following season. And propagating from divisions or seed pods on established plants yields more flowers too.
From Seed to Stunning Specimen
While growing a bird of paradise from seed demands commitment through an extensive germination and growth timeline, the end result – a flourishing plant covered in vibrant tropical blooms – makes it all worthwhile.
Starting from seed saves money compared to purchasing mature plants. And you’ll gain the satisfaction of nurturing your plant through every stage until it reaches its full flowering potential. With the proper care, bird of paradise can thrive for years, gracing your garden with its spectacular, architectural flowers.
Key Tips for Growing Bird of Paradise from Seed:
- Select fresh, high quality seeds and soak before planting
- Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F) for germination
- Keep high humidity during the 1-3 month germination period
- Provide bright, filtered light as seedlings grow
- Gradually acclimate young plants to lower humidity and more direct sun
- Transplant outdoors only after the last frost in frost-free climates
- Expect 3-5 years for plants grown from seed to flower
- Water deeply, fertilize regularly, and protect from cold temperatures
- Propagate from divisions or seed pods for more blooms
It may take a lot of work to get these exotic beauties from seed to bloom, but the bird of paradise’s beautiful tropical flowers make the journey worth it!
But What About Cuttings?
Taking stem or leaf cuttings is a popular propagation method for many different plants. Unfortunately, it won’t work with Strelitzia species.
Because bird of paradise stems can’t make roots, they won’t grow unless there is root tissue or rhizome attached.
5 Bird of Paradise Secrets | Flower and Grow Seeds Indoors
FAQ
How long does it take to grow a Bird of Paradise from seed?
Bird of paradise is a slow grower and can take up to 5 years to mature and bloom.
Can you propagate Bird of Paradise from seed?
It is also possible to grow this lovely tropical plant from seed. Learning how to grow bird of paradise from seed isn’t difficult but may require some patience. It is imperative that bird of paradise seeds are dry and fresh for best results. Plant seeds as soon after harvest as possible.
Are birds of paradise easy to grow?
The Bird of Paradise is an easy-going plant and is generally pest-free but can be prone to spider mites.
How do you grow a bird of paradise plant?
Once the seeds have been harvested, they have to go through a brief pre-germination process to prepare them for planting, due to the hard casing that protects each seed. To harvest the seeds from a Bird of Paradise plant, you’ll need a fully-matured Strelitzia with at least one flower. Ideally, that flower should be beginning to die back.
Can you grow a bird of Paradise from seed?
While often propagated from divisions, the bird of paradise can also be grown from seeds. Starting these exotic plants from seed requires patience and care but enables you to add stunning bird of paradise plants to your landscape for a fraction of the cost. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully grow a bird of paradise from seed.
How do birds of Paradise grow?
The broad, paddle-shaped leaves can reach lengths of up to 18 inches (46 cm) and are believed to have evolved to survive in the rainforest by collecting rainwater to nourish the plant. Setting up the right conditions for germination is the first thing that needs to be done to grow Bird of Paradise from seeds.
How do I harvest seeds from a bird of paradise plant?
To harvest the seeds from a Bird of Paradise plant, you’ll need a fully-matured Strelitzia with at least one flower. Ideally, that flower should be beginning to die back. The flower will begin losing its color, either white or orange, and turning a pale brown.
How long does a bird of Paradise seed take to germinate?
Given the right conditions, a Bird of Paradise seed will germinate in about two months. This article will talk about how to harvest and prepare Strelitzia seeds, as well as how to help them germinate and move your new sprouts to a new spot. Bird of Paradise plants can be extremely slow to grow, so be ready for a long process.
Where do bird of Paradise seeds come from?
These seeds come from the flowers of the Bird of Paradise plant, which is known for its stunning orange and blue blooms that resemble the shape of a bird in flight. By planting these seeds, you can enjoy the striking beauty of this tropical plant right in your own backyard. What is Bird of Paradise plant?.