It is not an exceptionally interesting growth pattern and the leaves are not very spectacular either. The Strelitzia (also called parrot flower) inspires much more with its blossoms. Not only do they have an unusual shape, they also have wonderfully bright colors!

The Strelitzia flower impresses with its bright colors

When does the flowering period start?

The heyday of the Strelitzia begins at different times in this country. This houseplant can flower all year round. Most of the time, however, the flowers appear in spring or summer. In their homeland, these plants bloom between December and May.

Strelitzias that are not (yet) in bloom

If Strelitzia does not bloom, there can be various reasons behind it. It is often because these plants were grown from seed. It then takes 4 to 6 years for the flowers to appear for the first time. But once it really gets going, the flowers present themselves again and again every year.

How do the flowers look?

These flowers have the following characteristics:

  • bizarrely shaped
  • reminiscent of the head of a colorful bird of paradise
  • 1 to 2 flowers per inflorescence
  • hermaphrodite
  • threefold
  • 5 stamens
  • 3 carpels
  • horizontally growing, boat-shaped bracts
  • up to 17 cm long petals are erect

Flower color varies depending on species

Depending on the species, Strelitzia demonstrate different flower colors. The best-known species is the king's strelitzia. It is said that it forms the most beautiful of all Strelitzia blossoms. They are colored orange-blue.

The flowers of the rush Strelitzia are orange-blue to orange-purple. The mountain strelitzia has orange-blue to orange-violet flowers, the white strelitzia has white flowers and the tree strelitzia has black/dark blue-white flowers.

tips

For an annual flowering, it is important that the Strelitzia is not only properly fertilized and watered. It also needs plenty of sun and a cool (but frost-free) winter period.

Category:

Indoor plants