Strelitzia reginae - Bird-of-Paradise Flower

I wish mine would give me at least one flower!!!

Alexandramou:

Do you have it in the ground. It's usually very easy to grow and bloom.

This plant in my front yard has dozens of flowers.

No Delonix, I have it in the house...(I mentioned before that I started this from seed). You suggested that I should move it outdoors but I won't be able to until spring (kind of scared about what the winter might do to it). I saw some growing outdoors in Corfu town. Honestly I like it indoors...maybe I will start some more by seed????
Oh, I am so excited one of my "Gardenia Resiniflua- Gummy Gardenia" seeds has germinated!!!

Alexandramou:

That's the reason why it hasn't bloomed. Strelitzia reginae is a short-day (photoperiodism) blooming plant. This is the reason why it blooms from fall through spring here.

Congratulations on the Gardenia resiniflua seed germination! :>)

So, how will I make it bloom in the house???

It needs to be put into a dark place where it gets no light for at least 14 hours a day, starting in Fall.

Thanks Delonix, I will try it this fall. It's actually growing very nicely this year.

Alexandramou:

How old is your plant? Strelitzia reginae can take 3 - 5 years to bloom from seed.

Here's some information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strelitzia_reginae

Mine is just starting back into growth after the winter.

Meanie:

Usually pot-grown plants are pretty slow. This plant I can barely keep it cut back. However, it's probably been in the ground for 30+ years.

Wonderful :o)))

I love these were very tempted to buy one yesterday but I know they take ages to bloom.

Mine is now 4 years old and is just showing a new leaf sprouting, but thanks Andy for the info on it needing so much darkness in the Autumn...I didnt realise that...

Palmate:

Thanks! :>)

Sixpence:

Yes, they can take a long time to bloom for some reason, when grown indoors.

Bird-of-Paradise is so widely grown here. Practically every yard in my neighborhood has one or two...it's widely used as an informal hedge also.

Milky:

You're welcome! :>)

Hope your plant blooms this Fall!

Lovely to see it growing outside, amazing plant.

Dottydaisy2:

Thanks! I just posted another pics tonight of the whole plant. :>)

Almost everyone in the neighborhood has at least one if not, many more in their yard.