Propagation
The Bird of Paradise can be propagated by either
seeds or division of the crowns.
seeds take considerably longer than division to grow into a blooming
plant.
seedsThe Bird of Paradise
seeds have a very hard
seed coat. Before planting them you must scarify (break the
seed coat). Take a file and scrape the outside of the
seeds just enough to break the
seed coat. Sow
seeds in a propagating mix or make your own mix by using equal parts of sand and potting soil.
seeds must be fresh, less than 6 months old and absolutely less than a year old. Germination occurs best at 75-80 degrees F. Germination is a slow process for Strelitzia
seeds. Anywhere from 2-3 months.
Once your
seedlings have emerged and have three to four leaves move them into a well drained potting mix. As the
plants grow keep moving them to larger pots.
Remember though that they bloom better when crowded, so be slow to repot and quick to leave alone. One of the best specimens of Strelitzia reginae I have ever seen is one at a garden center that is about 15 years old and hasn't been repotted for at least 10 years. The container has burst from the pressure of the numerous crowns, but it always has three to four flowering stalks on it year round!