Linacre Plants

The flowers of Strelitzia are spectacular. The plant is known as bird of paradise, and although it is strictly to work out exactly which part, there is no doubt that the flower has the colouring and shape to make such comparison fair.

The flowers spikes, which can grow up to 1.5m in height, emerge from a clump of architectural; paddle shaped mid green leaves in spring. The tips of the flower spikes are made up from a green bract and are bent over. From the top of the crook emerge the bright orange blue petals. The bracts themselves have a red stripe along them that adds to the colour and impact the plant.

Mature plants will produce a succession of these flowers over several weeks in spring and summer. Despite this impressive and exotic show; these plants are easy to look after, as long as they can be kept warm during winter while there are dormant. They will need a temperature of a least 13^oC during this time, and so may be most suitable for growing in a conservatory that is kept warm all year round.

Young plants will not flower until they are a few years old. And these plants do not appreciate being given to much space to spread out into. They should be kept pot bound in order to get a really good show of flowers from them. They should be top dressed every spring. Only pot them on every three or four years. They do not need a large amount of water, but should be watered moderately while actively growing. Keep them almost dry for the rest of the year, particularly during winter when they will go into a period of dormancy. Ehen planting and potting on make sure that the compost contains a large amount of grit for extra drainage, as these plants will suffer if they are over watered. Feed them once every month during the growing season with a liquid fertiliser. Light is important all year round, but provide little shade from the hottest summer sun. Give full light in winter.

Soil: Will grow well in multipurpose compost with a little grit.

Temperature: Requires warm house conditions with a minimum temperature of 13oC.

Water & Humidity: Water well during the growing season and sparingly in winter, requires average humidity.

General Care: Remove spent flowers regularly in order to encourage the growth of fresh flower spikes.

Pets and diseases: Mealy bugs and scale insects can cause problems. Poor drainage can lead to the development of crown rot.