Meaning of the Bird of Paradise Flower

The bird of paradise, a plant with a bird-shaped flower, can grow 15 feet tall in the African wild. Renowned for its robust colorful petals, the sight of it means many things including joy and fidelity.

History
The bird of paradise originated in South Africa, where it grows wild. It was named Strelitzia reginae for the queen of England, Charlotte of Meckleburg-Sterlitz, the wife of King George III. The flower was added to the royal gardens in 1773.

Features
The flower resembles a bird in flight with long, colorful petals. The base of the flower is light green and is shaped like a bird's beak. It grows up to 10 inches. Yellow-orange petals, shaped like wings, extend from the top of the flower. Each one measures 4 to 8 inches in length. Three blue arrow-shaped tongues, each one 2 to 3 inches long, stick out from between the petals. The flower can grow 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Symbolism
A bird in flight, the idea suggested by the flower of the bird of paradise, symbolizes freedom. Among other meanings conveyed by the bird of paradise are faithfulness—when given by a woman to a man—magnificence and happiness.

Care
The flower periodically drips a sticky and fragrant sap. Remove it with a paper towel carefully so as not bend or break a petal. Remove limp and withered petals so new ones can grow.

Arrangements
The colorful flower adds a tropical flair with strong lines and size like no other flower. It can stand alone or in an arrangement with flowers that are lower in height. It perfectly highlights a festive fruit bowl.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_7239292_meaning-bird-paradise-flower_.html

Description of a Bird of Paradise Flower

Emerging from the canoe-shaped bracts of a luscious tropical plant native to South Africa is the spectacular bird of paradise flower. Commonly known as the crane flower, it is aptly named because of its resemblance to a brightly colored tropical bird in flight. The leaves of the plant are bluish-green in color with a red midrib, resembling a small banana plant.

Description
Bird of paradise flower spikes normally bloom one or two at a time and consist of three orange sepals and three brilliant blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form an arrow-type nectary, a place for birds to land and enjoy their drink of nectar. Blooms appear intermittently throughout the year. Mature, healthy plants are known to produce up to three dozen flower spikes blooms per year. These can be used as cut flowers lasting up to 14 days.

Species

Strelitzia reginae is the orange flowering variety most often referred to as bird of paradise. Mandelas's Gold is the variety with yellow petals and a blue tongue.
Strelitzia alba, the white flowering variety, is a larger tree form of bird of paradise. It can grow to a size of 5 to 6 feet wide and 18 feet tall. The shape of the leaves are the same as the orange variety but much larger: 18 to 24 inches wide and 3 to 4 feet long. Flower shape is the same only the flower is significantly larger. The flower spike is white, with a light blue tongue and sits in a purple bract.

The giant bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicholai, also has white flowers with blue tongues and reddish-brown bracts about 18 inches long. These blooms can be difficult to see because the plant can reach a height of 30 feet. Strelitzia reginae var. juncea bird of paradise is a much smaller orange blooming variety.

Enjoyment
The large and showy bird of paradise flowers are most commonly commercially grown for the cut flower business. They are often planted in warmer climates near pools and water features. Many people enjoy them grown in containers in the home and used for an accent plant.

Plant Culture
Bird of paradise prefers full-sun growing conditions but will tolerate lower light levels, such as sun from a south facing window. They prefer a temperature of 65 to 70 F during the day and 50 to 55 F at night. Misting the plants will help to increase the humidity, which they love.

It is best to grow the bird of paradise plant in a container that can be left outdoors during warm months and then brought inside during cooler temperatures. In colder climates it can be grown indoors or inside a greenhouse.

Problems With Growing

Normally the bird of paradise is not affected by growing problems. However, root rot is possible if the plant is overwatered. When outdoors, check for pests, such as scale insects, aphids and nematodes, which can affect the plant. These are best treated with an insecticidal soap found at your local garden center.

Consider your pets when choosing the bird of paradise since dogs sometimes enjoy nibbling on the plant. The seeds are toxic and can cause abdominal pain or vomiting.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_6330686_description-bird-paradise-flower.html