The graceful Bird of Paradise thrives in places with cooler climates.

The true Bird of Paradise is a beautiful tropical dwarf banana-like plant indigenous to South Africa. Its common name is often associated with the Heliconias, which is also a relative of this unique plant. Because of its unusual form and color, it is also popularly known as the Crane Flower. Its scientific name, Strelitzia reginae, commemorates Charlotte Sophia of the Mecklenburg-Strelitz family, queen of King George III of England. It also happens to be the official flower of the city of Los Angeles, California. 

Commercially produced in Hawaii, California, Florida, the Netherlands, France, Israel, and South Africa, this herbaceous plant grows up to six feet tall. It has large, heavy, strong leaves (10 to 28 inches long and four to 12 inches wide) produced on petioles up to 40 inches long. The leaves are evergreen and arranged in two ranks, making a fan-shaped crown. The plant forms large clumps with many shoots arising from a dichotomously branched rhizome system.

The flowers stand above the foliage at the tips of long stalks. The hard, beak-like sheath from which the flower emerges is termed the spathe. This is positioned perpendicular to the stem, which gives it the appearance of a bird’s head and beak. Hence, its common name.  It makes a durable perch for holding the sunbirds which pollinate the flowers. The flowers, which emerge one at a time from the spathe, consist of three brilliant orange sepals and three purplish-blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form an arrow-like nectary. When the sunbirds sit to drink the nectar, the petals open to cover their feet in pollen.
 
Cultural requirements
 
Light.  The plant  can grow fully-exposed to sunlight or in semi-shaded areas. The more the plant is exposed to light, the more floriferous it is. Yet too much exposure to the sun,  especially during the summer,  may scorch the leaves.

Temperature.  The Bird of Paradise plant flowers well in semi-cool temperatures within the range of 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures (20 to 25 degrees Celsius) tend to promote leaf production and inhibit flowering.  It’s best to grow the plant in Tagaytay, Tanay, Baguio and Davao.

Watering. In its natural habitat, the plant thrives near rivers, indicating the need for an abundant supply of water. It can survive droughts but  regular watering is a key to continuous flower production.   On the other hand, sufficient drainage is required to prevent the soil from being too wet, which may cause root rotting. 

Soil.  The plants thrive in well drained, fertile, humus rich, slightly acidic, loamy soils.  For healthy growth, use a potting mix of 1:1:1 ratio of garden soil, compost and sand.  For potting, use a humus or compost rich potting mix to ensure  healthy growth.

Fertilization.  A complete fertilizer high in phosphorus is needed. Apply one tablespoon of fertilizer (example is 10-30-10 NPK)  per plant every four months.  During the flowering season, apply fertilizers once a month.

Control of pest and diseases.  The plants are susceptible to mealy bugs, scale insects, and root rot.  Regularly inspect plants for these insects.  For repellant purposes, apply a dilute solution of soapy water into the plants to discourage insects. For severe insect infestations, apply the recommended dosage rate of Parathion or Malathion insecticide.

Root rot is usually caused by a fungus, Thielaviopsis basicola and Rhizoctonia.  To prevent this, provide ample drainage in soil or in pot and do not overwater.  Apply a dilute fungicide drench using Dithane or Captan.

Propagation.  In its native habitat, the plant is reproduced through seeds through pollination by sunbirds.  However, since these birds are not present here in the Philippines, growers may pollinate them artificially to produce seeds through the division of  rhizomes or separation of single rooted shoots.

Bird of Paradise flowers are used as cutflowers for tropical flower arrangements, particularly in ikebana flower arrangements. They are mass-propagated for landscaping purposes.