Growing Strelitzia

Growing the strelitzia, or bird of paradise flower, can be very frustrating to one who knows little about the plant. Namely for one major reason: the strelitzia does not produce flowers until it is around four or five years old. This is why many people tend to instead buy the plants from nurseries, rather than try to grow them from scratch. Though, if impatience is not a problem in your case, it can be done. Some great tips to start out with, are the issues of watering. Through the warmer seasons, strelitzia needs need have constant moisture in the soil, however, in fall and winter, the soil should be allowed to dry out, as it would naturally in those seasons. Also, if you live in Utah, or other norther areas, and plan to plant a strelitzia outdoors, don't do it. Cold temperatures will kill your plant in the winter. It's best to keep your baby bird of paradise indoors if you live in colder climates. Your strelitzia also needs to be fed bi-weekly during the spring and summer months, but only once a month, during fall and winter. Your strelitzia also need plenty of sunlight, as well, and while the plant is still new to your home, begin watering it on a strict schedule. Once the schedule is established, root growth will be fully matured. Then you can relax a little with the watering, but be sure to keep everything moist, all the same.

Protea flowers of Africa

Protea (Sugarbushes)

The protea flower has many different varieties, the majority of them very beautiful, and it is indigenous to many different countries. But like several other tropical flowers, it is claimed to have originated in Africa. There are tiny free-form dwarf protea flowers, large protea shrubs, and even protea trees. The protea flower was named for the Greek god Proteus; an aquatic deity, associated with Poseidon. The word protean developed later to mean, flexible, changing, etc., because the god Proteus could change shape. Later on, the name Protea was extended to the flower because of all of its several variations. When protea flowers are kept cut in a vase, they can last up to three weeks, when properly attended and cared for. The many different variations are almost two thousand in number, and King and Queen Proteaflora is especially popular. They can be placed in an area such as the living room, or parlour for a sense of serene and tropical peace. The Proteaflora also grows wild in the mountains of the islands in Hawaii, as well as many other tropical atmospheres. Tropical flowers such as the protea are becoming more and more in demand, and many people fail to realize that the Proteaflora can be grown indoors as well, as an entire plant, and quite easily.

Growing Proteaflora

One of the really massive factors of growing tropical flowers such as the protea, is the condition of the soil. Tropical flowers usually prefer higher acidity soils with a sandy and peaty composition. Some varieties of protea are a little less fussy and can flourish in heavier soils, although soils that are mainly clay will kill the plant. It's always good to research your particular species of flower before you begin planting, and also test the levels of pH in your soil. Most species of protea flourish at their peak in areas with full sunshine, although some protea can also do well in semi-shaded areas. They should also be planted in an area where plenty of air circulates through the garden. Proteaflora will not survive being grown on south facing walls in the southern hemisphere. However, once your protea has been established, and is growing healthily, it can stand up to a frost of anywhere from -2 to -6 degrees. Some proteaflora are also drought resistant; once they're fully established outdoors, they can be left to nature for the most part, but in times of drought should be watered occasionally. However, other species of protea should be watered up to twice a week while they're settling in the soil. Indoor proteaflora should be watered every day, and there should be plenty of drainage in the flower pot or container that the protea is in. When planting outdoors, you should keep proteaflora away from plants that need regular feeding; proteaflora also does not respond well to being planted in old flower beds that have been treated with phosphorous fertilisers.