Buds on Bird of Paradise – When will they Bloom?
The buds on the Strelitzia are a pinkish-white color. When still young and immature, they resemble a heart.
The buds can grow up to 10 cm in length, but the size can vary greatly and is dependent on the overall health and environmental conditions to which the plant is exposed.
When the flowers bloom, they display bright, vibrant colors. This is one of the reasons the Bird of paradise is so popular!
How long does it take a Bird of paradise bud to bloom?
It can take from a few hours up to a few weeks for your Bird of paradise to bloom. Blooming time is dependent on the overall health of the plant, its age, and the amount of sun it receives daily.
When can you expect to see buds on your Bird of paradise?
You may see one or two new buds forming year round, but you can expect to see the most buds appear in early spring. More mature plants may have a longer blooming period, beginning at the end of winter and extending to the end of summer.
How many buds can I expect to see on my Bird of paradise?
If your plant is mature and in good health, you can expect to see around 30 blooms on the plant throughout the year.
A plant that is not in optimal health may produce fewer blooms. Bird of paradise plants that are younger than four will produce no buds, as they are incapable of producing blooms until mature.
Reasons why your buds aren’t blooming
Insufficient light
The primary reason your buds may not be blooming is due to insufficient light.The Bird of paradise needs a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day in order to be happy. Failure to provide enough sunlight may cause blooms to have delayed opening, or they may never open at all.
Water
If your plant is underwatered, it will not have enough water to be able to grow properly. The plant will be in a state of stress, which will lead to a decrease in flower production. The plant may also fail to produce more leaves.
Temperature
The Bird of paradise has little tolerance when it comes to the cold. When exposed to temperatures near freezing, damage will occur to not only the foliage but any buds or blooms as well.
Should you experience cold winters with temperatures often falling below 0, it is recommended that you bring your Bird of paradise inside until spring.
How to encourage your Bird of paradise to produce more buds
- Move your plant somewhere that receives a minimum of 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. If you can’t provide natural light, consider investing in a grow light.
- Find a watering routine that works for your plant. Allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, as this can harm bud production.
- Ensure your plant is potted in a rich, well-draining soil.
- Avoid repotting, except where necessary. Allowing your plant to become root bound will help to encourage your Bird of paradise to bloom.
- Fertilize your plant during the growing season.
In conclusion
New buds will appear on your plant at the beginning of spring. Ensure you follow a care routine year-round to keep your plant thriving. A happy, healthy plant is the best way to ensure multiple, beautiful blooms.