The hen of paradise, additionally identified by its botanical title Strelitzia, is an attention grabbing plant that boasts attractive orange or white flowers that appear to be a tropical hen. It’s gorgeous planted in the landscape in zones 10 and hotter. They’re additionally great houseplants which have loved a latest surge in reputation.
However don’t get too excited but: Indoor hen of paradise crops hardly ever flower (like, perhaps by no means!). Nevertheless, there are many different causes you want this good-looking plant.
“Native to Africa, this plant has big leaves that make a big effect but it’s low upkeep,” says Darryl Tackoor, co-founder of PlantVine. “In order for you a dramatic and dependable plant, that is the one for you.”
Right here’s what else that you must know concerning the hen of paradise plant.
Hen of Paradise Plant Primary Information:
- Widespread Title: Hen of paradise, crane flower
- Botanical Title: Strelitzia reginae
- Plant Household: Strelitziaceae
- Sort of Plant: houseplant, evergreen perennial, flowering plant
- Native Origin: South Africa, particularly the Cape Provinces and Jap coast.
- Solar Publicity: Full solar to semi-shade, vibrant mild indoors, however out of direct summer season solar
- Mature Dimension: 20 toes open air, 10 toes indoors
- Poisonous to pets: Yes, to dogs, cats, and horses.
What sort of mild does hen of paradise plant want?
Hen of Paradise is tolerant of various mild situations however prefers average to vibrant mild, says Tackoor. Like most tropical crops, it doesn’t do properly in a darkish room, so place it close to a sunny south, east, or west-facing window or spend money on a cheap LED grow light.
For those who plan to maneuver it open air to your patio for the summer season (which isn’t vital), regularly acclimate it to full solar over every week or two, slowly giving it extra hours of solar so it doesn’t get burned. Convey it again indoors earlier than nighttime temperatures go under 60 levels.
How ought to I take care of a hen of paradise plant?
This colourful plant prefers to stay a bit of extra on the dry aspect. Water solely when the pot will get about midway dry. These are bought in bigger pots (not likely tabletop pots), so it may be troublesome to inform when it must be watered since you usually can’t jab a finger means into the pot like you’ll be able to with different houseplants.
So, get a moisture meter or begin out by watering each couple of weeks, suggests Tackoor. You may finally get a really feel for a way typically it wants a drink.
As a result of it’s native to arid areas with dry air, it’s fairly forgiving in case you overlook to water. Simply don’t overwater and preserve it drenched. It is a positive technique to kill it!
These crops are average growers, so in a number of years, you may even see the roots of a mature plant begin to push out the underside or bulge the nursery pot. You’ll be able to repot up one dimension, or slip it out of the pot and prune the roots to maintain it beneath management. (Learn extra on our 3-step guide to repotting plants.)
It sounds scary, however it truly reinvigorates this plant, says Tackoor. Within the wild, it could actually develop to twenty toes tall. However indoors, it is going to prime out at 10 toes tall after a few years.
Why is my hen of paradise getting brown recommendations on leaves?
If the leaf ideas start to brown, it could be as a result of your faucet water is chlorinated. Change to spring water or let the water sit a day or two to let the chlorine dissipate earlier than giving your hen of paradise a drink.
How you can feed your hen of paradise plant.
These crops are mild feeders, so that you don’t should coddle them. For those who like, it is high quality to provide your hen of paradise an all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer about as soon as a month from spring to summer season when it’s actively rising.
Nevertheless, it’s not fully vital in case you want a extra hands-off strategy, says Tackoor. That’s one other of the various causes to like this lesser-known however exotic-looking houseplant.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about well being and way of life matters for Prevention, Nation Residing, Lady’s Day, and extra. She’s captivated with gardening, baking, studying, and spending time with the individuals and canine she loves.
Darryl Tackoor is the co-founder of PlantVine, which sources and sells high-quality well-tended indoor crops to clients throughout the U.S.