Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise is an exotic flower that adds color and texture to any garden. It has a special shape and blooms in many vivid colors. It likes partial sunlight and damp soil.
Learn more about this exotic flower and how to look after it!
Description
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a tropical evergreen. It’s native to South Africa and stands out due to its exotic flowers. It grows in clumps in the shape of a fan. The height can reach up to 12 to 15 feet. The flowers have white petals and bright orange and blue bracts that resemble the head and beak of a bird.
This plant needs full sun and will thrive in warm, humid climates. It can tolerate light shade and may need protection from strong wind or cold air when grown outdoors during winter. Plant in well-draining soil with lots of organic matter. Water when soil is dry to touch, but don’t overwater as this can cause root rot or fungal diseases.
Growing Requirements
The bird of paradise is a South African native plant. It has impressive, eye-catching blooms, resembling a tropical bird in flight. Gardeners looking for something new and special should consider it. Growing it is fairly easy with the right conditions. Here’s what you should know:
Climate: This gorgeous plant loves warm temperatures. Anything below 55°F is not good. It’s also quite drought-resistant. Young plants will need more water in hot weather.
Light: Bird of paradise loves full sun, but partial sun is okay too, especially during the hottest times of day.
Soil: The soil should be slightly acidic, well-draining, and nutrient-rich. Fertilizing throughout the season helps keep it healthy.
Watering: Keep the soil moist – one inch per week. Don’t let the roots sit in waterlogged soil, as this could cause root rot. Also clicking here to read more about 10 Essential Tips for Caring for Your Indoor Orchids.
Flame Lily
The Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba), an exotic flower from tropical Africa, India and Southeast Asia, is quite the eye-catcher. It boasts bright oranges and reds, plus lush yellows, making it the ideal flower for any garden. To grow this flower, one can use a rhizome – making it resilient and low maintenance. Perfect for beginner gardeners!
Let’s take a closer look at this gorgeous flower.
Description
The Flame Lily is an exotic flower that grows in Africa and Asia. It has large, fiery-orange petals, up to 8 inches in diameter, and blooms during the warm Summer months. It likes humid climates with well-drained soils and may need extra water during dry weather.
These flowers do best in shady or filtered sunlight and can return for many years if tended to. After it has finished blooming, prune the flower to get more flowers instead of leaves or stems.
The Flame Lily’s vase-like structure looks great in beds, borders, containers, and planters. It provides a dramatic effect when combined with colors like blues or purples.
Growing Requirements
Flame Lilies (Gloriosa superba) are an exotic, yet tender species of flower, native to southern Africa and tropical areas in Asia. They sport bright orange-red flowers resembling a flame, hence their name. Despite their tenderness, they can still be grown in cooler climates, either in containers taken indoors during cold weather, or left outside all year long, provided they’re brought in before the first hard frost.
To successfully cultivate Flame Lilies at home, the following requirements should be met:
- The site should receive full sun or partial shade in the afternoon, preferably near the house or against a wall that receives reflected heat.
- The soil should be rich, light and well-drained; if needed, amend with compost.
- Provide plenty of airflow, as good circulation helps prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases which this plant is prone to.
- Flame Lilies prefer warm temperatures above 10°C (50°F). In cooler climates mulch heavily to protect them from frost when not moved indoors for protection.
- Moisture levels should be carefully monitored; soil should be damp but not soggy. Water regularly providing approx. 1 inch per week during summer, until foliage starts to yellow, then taper off for fall and winter.
Red Ginger
Marvel at the exotic flair of Red Ginger! Its native to Indonesia, and adds unique beauty to any garden. Its bright red color is sure to be a showstopper.
Growing it is simple too. Discover more about this amazing flower. Its an eye-catching addition to any flower bed!
Description
Red ginger is a tropical flower that stands out! It grows from two to five feet tall, with thin stems and bright red-orange blooms. As the blooms mature, they change to a soft pink color. Its sweet aroma adds to its beauty and makes it an ideal garden flower.
Red ginger prefers warm weather; however, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during cooler months. Partial shade, mulch to keep moisture, and protection from direct sunlight are all necessary for it to thrive. Fertilizing is also needed for best results.
Growing Requirements
Red ginger is like its green cousin, but with bright red flower spikes and a unique flavor. It’s called ‘Super Red’ or ‘Pink’ and is popular in Asian cuisine for its sweet and spicy taste.
To grow this type of ginger, certain conditions must be met:
- Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Use a greenhouse or sunny terrace during spring/summer to help.
- Temperature: Warm temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees F (21 to 29 C). Cooler climates below 60 F (15 C) can harm leaves/rhizomes.
- Humidity: High humidity (80%) is best. Mist with a water bottle sprayer. Low humidity can cause yellowing leaves, leading to death. Fans can help in dry areas.
- Soil: Loamy soil, pH 6 to 7. Acidic soil (5 to 8) is OK if it drains well.
- Watering: Water sparingly but consistently when soil has dried out slightly (2–3 cm). Don’t overwater – this could lead to root rot or the death of plants.
Strelitzia
Strelitzia—what a peculiar flower! Originating from South Africa, it’s also known as the bird of paradise. This exotic bloom is sure to bring life to any garden. It has a unique petal pattern and a variety of vibrant colors.
Give your garden some character! Let’s find out more about Strelitzia.
Description
Strelitzia, also known as Bird of Paradise, is an exotic flower. It originates from South Africa and loves warmth and partial shade. It has unique flowers and lush green foliage. The petals of the flower resemble the beak and head of a colorful tropical bird – hence the name ‘Bird of Paradise’.
From June to September, it grows tall – up to three feet – on stiff stalks. With proper care, strelitzia will stay in your garden for many years, making for an exotic display!
Growing Requirements
Strelitzia, often referred to as a “bird of paradise,” is a tropical flower. It loves heat and dry climates, so it can be tricky to grow in cold winter areas. This perennial does best in humid subtropical regions with temperatures from 15-20°C (60-67°F).
The soil should be slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7) and rich in organic matter. Make sure it drains well and not stay soggy for too long. Regular watering is ideal, but don’t over water. Fertilize every two weeks during summer with all-purpose fertilizer mix or slow release fertilizer.
For optimal growth, Strelitzia needs 6 hours of intense direct sunlight per day. Depending on where it is planted, you may need to move it around to take advantage of any gaps in shade created by trees or buildings.
Torch Ginger
Torch Ginger? Wow! That’s exotic! It’s becoming a popular flower for home gardens, with its beautiful red, yellow and pink blooms. It has a tropical look, so it adds some flair to any garden. Plus, it’s a hardy plant. Easy to maintain and grows in containers. It’s also drought tolerant.
Learn more about this amazing flower and how to care for it.
Description
Torch ginger is an exotic flower that adds brightness to any garden. It is native to Asia and parts of Africa. The unique blossoms are shaped like cones and open in stages with colors ranging from yellow to coral and orange.
What makes it stand out is the tall peduncle (flower stem). In hot and humid climates, it can reach 10ft tall! When planting, use well-drained soil with organic matter. Torch gingers need partial shade or full sun, but not too much direct sun when starting them indoors. They need adequate water levels or growth and blooming will be stunted.
Growing Requirements
Torch ginger, or Etlingera elatior, is an exotic flower with a unique and captivating form. Its colorful blooms are great for any garden! But, to enjoy it for years to come, understanding how to care for it is important.
When it comes to torch ginger, there are some key considerations. It thrives in sunny climates, but can also adapt to partial shade or indoor settings. It needs drainable soil – too wet and soggy roots will be vulnerable to rot and fungal growth.
High humidity is best, so misting its leaves occasionally is helpful. Additionally, this ginger prefers slightly acidic soils (pH 5-6) and temperatures between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal blooming.
Water twice or three times a week and fertilize only when actively growing – once in springtime and again halfway through summer or early fall.
