Narrow Leaved Bird of Paradise – 5 Seeds

Narrow Leaved Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia juncea) is a perennial plant growing to a a height of 1-2 m, producing thick fleshy roots and upright cylindrical leaves without a leaf blade. It is also know as Rush-leaved strelizia or Spiky crane flower. The flowers have bright orange sepals and resemble those of the more commonly cultivated S. reginae. The plant can survive on very little water, provided that it is grown in a well-drained soil. The plant also adapts well to a high rainfall, but requires full sun to flower well.

Growing Narrow Leaved Bird of Paradise

• Remove the orange tufts from the seeds.
• Soak in lukewarm water for 24 hours.
• Scarify the seed lightly then sow in potting soil. Keep moist.
• Germination should occur in 2-3 months, but can also take as long as 6 months or more.
• Transplant to individual pots or ground when seedlings have 3-5 leaves.
• It takes 3-5 years for the plants to start producing flowers.