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Strelitzia nicolai

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Posted by lapaz Baja California Sur (My Page) on
Tue, Jun 27, 06 at 11:59

I know that this is supposed to be an easy plant to grow. But, mine is looking bad and down to three leaves. I live in what I believe would be comparable to a zone 13. But, our winters are warmer. Now it is extremely hot and we have not had rain since last september. I have a drip system and this plant gets about 10 hours a week of water (we are limited to the amount of water we get in one week) But I can suppliment if that is the problem. This is it's third summer in the ground.... first two being fine. Last summer I added rock around the edges to conserve water, leaving a circle of open soil near the plant to prevent rotting. I fertilized with 20 10 5 fertilizer packets last fall. Every once in a while this spring I have used a bit of miracle grow.
However this year it has not grown and is just loosing leaves. I removed all the surrounding rocks a week ago.

What am I doing incorrectly? I do love this plant.
I live about 1/2 mile from the ocean. The plant is in full sun and about 7' high. It does get some wind.

Any advice would be appreciated

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RE: Strelitzia nicolai

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Hi Lapas ...

read

http://www.plant-care.com/white-bird-of-paradise-strelitzia-nicolai.html

...best to keep on the dry side en likes a "salt-free" diet so stay away from the fertilizer ...

Good luck!

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RE: Strelitzia nicolai

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  • Posted by baci z10Ca (My Page) on
    Thu, Sep 21, 06 at 17:58

They can get root rot but your climate is probably too warm for that. In really hot climates they move them to some shade. Mine are in full sun in zone 10. Another possibility is nematodes. It is small enough to pull it out and check the roots.

If you have lost your plant I have seen 8 ft ones at Wall Mart for $10.00.

As I understand it the white bird of paradise is Strelitzia alba, whereas the nicolai is the giant black bird of paradise. The flowers look white, though.

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RE: Strelitzia nicolai

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Hi...I have a White Bird - indoors. It's still very young but stands about 5 feet. I've had problems with those brown spots...I don't know which pest it was but it seems to be under control/gone now. I am waiting for it to become root bound so I can pot in a clay pot. Anyway I love these plants/trees. I have 10 seeds and 5 seedlings on their way to me. I know how to care for the seedlings, but does anyone know about the seeds? I have the seet starting soil...purchased tiny clay pots to start them. But I really have no clue what I'm doing. If anyone could send me instructions on how to start from seeds that would be great. Thanks!!

Here is a link that might be useful: My Link

  
 

 

 


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