How to Handle & Care for a Bird-of-Paradise Flower

The tropical Strelitzia reginae "bird-of-paradise" plant can be grown as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 through 11 landscapes. In other zones, a gardener must either grow a bird-of-paradise plant in a container, moving it indoors during the winter, or be content with bouquets of the flower. From the center of the plant's foliage of elongated leaves, the tall flower stalk emerges and will produce up to three exotic flowers that resemble a bird's head. Bird-of-paradise flowers are striking in a flower arrangement and last up to 14 days with proper care.

Sharp knife
Water
Floral preservative
Sugar
Container or vase

Instructions

- 1
  Harvest or purchase bird-of-paradise flower stalks when the first flower opens on the stem. Bird-of-paradise have two to three flower buds per stem. To help the closed flower buds open, carefully make a light slit lengthwise on the underside of the bud with a sharp knife. Gently loosen the outer sheath with your thumb and pull the flower out. Remove the green sheath with the sharp knife after the flower has emerged.
- 2
  Mix floral preservative and cool water as directed on the package. The vase water mixture should be ready before you begin preparing the bird-of-paradise stems for your floral arrangement.
- 3
  Use a sharp knife to cut 1/2 to 3/4 inch off the end of the bird-of-paradise stem. The cut should be done under water to eliminate any air bubble formation on the stem end, which blocks water. Cut this on a diagonal for maximum water uptake. Immediately, place the fresh cut stem into the prepared water.
- 4
  Replace the vase water and re-cut the stem ends of the bird-of-paradise every three days. Use a florist's preservative and water, and, again, cut 1/2 to 3/4 inch of stem while the stem is under water. By doing this, you extend the vase life of the flowers.

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Floral Designs