Bird of Paradise

Flower head is composed of a large boat-shaped bract (modified leaf), green-purple in color, from which emerge a succession of orange flowers. On average there are five flowers per bract. The flower is orange with blue and purple accents. Inflorescences bend as they reach maturity. Flowers are not fragrant.

Family: Strelitziaceae
Species: Strelitzia reginae
Origin: Subtropical South Africa and South America.
Symbolizes: The Bird of Paradise is known as the ultimate symbol of paradise and freedom. It also symbolizes joy. The Strelitzia is named “Bird of Paradise” because its blossoms, when fully opened, resemble the wings of a bird in flight.
Also Known As: Crane Flower, Strelitzia

Care, Handling & Design

Temperature: Bird of Paradise are less cold sensitive than other tropical flowers like Heliconia and Red Ginger. Generally, tropical flowers should be stored at 55-65 F (13-18 C), however, Bird of Paradise can be stored as low as 45 F (7 C) without risk of chilling injury. Lower temperatures can cause cold damage or "burning".
Humidity: 75-85%
Water: Medium water quality. Avoid softened water.
Vase Life: 7-14 days

What to Look for When Purchasing

Check for the corret harvest stage, when the first flower emerges from the bract. Look for proper packing. Individual flowers are typically wrapped in paper bags to protect from damage. The surface of the flowers should be dry upon receipt. Birds of paradise will take on average 3-5 days to open after arrival.

Foam Info

Flowers are heavy. Select a strong foam that can hold the flowers in place.

Design Tips

Birds of Paradise are best showcased when arranged with other tropical flowers and foliages as it can be stored at warmer temperatures (55-65 F/13-18 C). Birds of Paradise make excellent focal flowers for both tropical and mixed arrangements adding a unique flair to any occasion. Be sure to cut stems at a sharp angle before inserting into a vase and be sure to insert well into foam so they stay hydrated. Pair birds of paradise with tropical colors like bright yellow, pink, orange, and deep purple. Looks great in a summer wedding or as a tall centerpiece.

Ethylene Sensitivity

Low

Pest & Disease Information

Can be vulnerable to diseases if flower surface is wet during packaging and transportation. Transport dry and use anti-fungal products.

Troubleshooting

Flowers don’t fully develop or open, mostly due to harvesting too early. Pulsing the flowers after harvest with high sugar solution helps increase the vase life and shelf life. Mechanical damage such as split leaves. Use proper protective packaging. Chill damage due to storage at low temperatures. When Birds of Paradise perish early, it is most often a function of poor water uptake. Pay special attention to the health of the stems, cutting and replacing flower food solution as necessary.

Product Usage

For optimal care of Bird of Paradise, please reference the chart of products below. Make sure to select your region to see which products are available.

BreedersGrowersBouquet OperationsTransportersWholesalersFloristsEvent Planners & DesignersSupermarkets & Club StoresEcommerce & DropshippersFlower Enthusiasts
Clean & Disinfect
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner 
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner 
FloraLife® Cleaner
FloraLife® Cleaner  
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus   
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner        
Hydrate
FloraLife® Bulb 100
FloraLife® Bulb 100          
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100      
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100      
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea          
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100        
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100        
FloraLife® PRG
FloraLife® PRG 
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip    
Treat
EthylBloc™ Tablet
EthylBloc™ Tablet     
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit    
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100        
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100        
FloraLife® Calla Lily 100
FloraLife® Calla Lily 100          
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA        
Store & Transport
FloraLife® 200
FloraLife® 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200
FloraLife® Clear 200   
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200          
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Express Clear 200
FloraLife® Express Clear 200   
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap   
Feed
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300          
FloraLife Crystal Clear®
FloraLife Crystal Clear®      
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA      
FloraLife® Clear 300
FloraLife® Clear 300      
FloraLife® Express Universal 300
FloraLife® Express Universal 300      
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300      
FloraLife® Flower Food 300
FloraLife® Flower Food 300      
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300          
FloraLife® Special Blend 300
FloraLife® Special Blend 300      
Finish
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory   
FloraLife® ForEver Green
FloraLife® ForEver Green          
FloraLife® HydroSpray
FloraLife® HydroSpray    
FloraLife® LeafShine
FloraLife® LeafShine   
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free   
Dose
FloraLife® Blend Center
FloraLife® Blend Center 
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector 
FloraLife® QuickMix Handheld Dosing System
FloraLife® QuickMix Handheld Dosing System
Customer Care
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300 Packets
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300 Packets          
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets  
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets          
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit         
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner         
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip         
FloraLife® Flower Food
FloraLife® Flower Food         
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray