An orange bird of paradise flower with narrow, speared leaves and a slight red accent in the flowers. Keep this species at a minimum temperature of –5 degC.

This bird of paradise flower distinguishes itself from other strelitzia species with its speared leaves of 1-2 meters in height. Also the flowers are slightly different, and have a red accent in the petals. The flowers are pollinated by birds and mostly appear when the plant is kept in a tight pot in a sunny stand. The plant doesn’t need a lot of water and can withstand a minimum temperature of -5 degC in the winter.

Sowing description: Remove the orange fluff from the seeds to prevent fungal growth. Soak the seeds for 24-48 hours in lukewarm water and sow the seeds in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist, cover with plastic foil/glass, and let the seeds germinate at a temperature of 25 degC. Germination may take a few weeks or months.

Family: Strelitziaceae
Scientific name: Strelitzia juncea
Common name: Narrow-leaved bird of paradise flower
Native to: South Africa

Sowing time: Whole year
Level of difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: -5 degrees Celcius