The six prune bird of paradise is a cultivar of the bird of paradise plant (Strelitzia reginae) that produces flowers with six ‘prunes’ or bracts instead of the typical three to five. It is a unique and exotic looking plant that makes a stunning indoor or outdoor tropical accent.
Origins and History
The bird of paradise plant is native to South Africa and was named for its resemblance to an exotic bird. It has been cultivated in Europe since the late 1700s when explorers first brought seeds and samples back from Africa. The first species grown was Strelitzia reginae, the orange bird of paradise.
Over the years different cultivars were developed through selective breeding and propagation. Cultivars differ from the parent species in attributes like size, color, bloom count, leaf shape, etc. The six prune bird of paradise first appeared sometime in the mid to late 20th century as a spontaneous genetic mutation in a standard S. reginae plant.
Its uniqueness garnered interest from plant breeders and it was cloned and propagated to preserve the traits. It is still a relatively new and uncommon cultivar that may be hard to find compared to more established types, but its special qualities make it sought after by plant collectors and anyone looking for something extraordinary.
Appearance and Growth Habits
The six prune bird of paradise is quite similar to the common orange bird of paradise in most regards. It is a large, upright plant that can reach 5 feet tall and wide at maturity in ideal conditions. Its leaves are green and arranged in plumes coming off the top of thick stems.
The differences lie in the blooms. Each flower head contains six bright orange bracts rather than the usual three to five. The true flowers emerge from these bracts and have three blue petals, three white sepals, and a bluish-purple tongue.
Like the normal bird of paradise, the six prune variety blooms in cycles throughout much of the year when grown as a houseplant. Outdoors it flowers during late spring to early fall in warm climates.
Its care needs are also essentially the same. It thrives in bright, indirect light and average room humidity. Well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist is ideal. Frequent feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer maintains health and encourages flowering.
Growing Conditions
Here are the recommended growing conditions for six prune bird of paradise plants:
| Factor | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect light |
| Temperature | 65-85°F |
| Humidity | 40-50% |
| Soil | Well-draining and fertile |
| Water | Keep evenly moist, allow to partially dry between waterings |
Typical Care Routine
Caring for a six prune bird of paradise involves the followingmaintenance:
- Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry. Take care not to overwater.
- Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Prune off any dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stems.
- Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years when rootbound.
- Maintain warm temperatures and adequate humidity year-round.
- Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.
How to Grow Six Prune Bird of Paradise
From Seed
Like many exotic plants, bird of paradise can be tricky to grow from seed. Success rates are low and it takes 3-5 years for plants to bloom when started this way. Seed grown birds of paradise also do not come true to the parent cultivar.
If attempting it, use fresh seeds from a ripe pod. Sow in a sandy, quick draining soil mix. Provide warm temperatures of at least 70°F and high humidity. Germination may take 2-6 months. Pot up seedlings when they are a few inches tall.
From Divisions
The best way to propagate six prune bird of paradise is by dividing older, mature plants. This maintains the unique traits of this cultivar.
To divide a bird of paradise, first remove it from its container. Carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has plenty of healthy roots attached. Replant divisions back into containers using a fertile, well-draining soil mix. Keep divisions warm and humid while they establish.
From Cuttings
It is also possible to propagate from stem cuttings, though not as reliably. Cut off a stem with at least a couple nodes, trim any leaves from the lower half, then insert into moist propagating medium like perlite, vermiculite or potting mix. Maintain warm, humid conditions until new growth emerges.
Common Pests and Diseases
Six prune bird of paradise plants are susceptible to the same insect pests and diseases as other bird of paradise varieties. With proper care and vigilance, these issues can often be prevented or controlled.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are common houseplant pests that can infest bird of paradise plants. They appear as small white cottony masses on the leaves and stems. Mealybugs suck plant juices and excrete sticky honeydew that leads to sooty mold growth.
Isolate infested plants. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to manually remove visible mealybugs. Insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oil sprays may help for heavy infestations. Ensure plants receive adequate water, light and nutrients for recovery.
Scale Insects
Like mealybugs, soft and hard scale insects can sometimes plague bird of paradise plants. These immobile pests embed themselves on leaves and stems, gradually weakening the plant as they feed. Look for bump-like, discolored scale covers.
Prune off heavily infested parts. Wipe leaves with an alcohol-dampened cloth to scrape off scales. Apply neem, horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for heavy infestations. Keep plants healthy with good care to prevent future scale attacks.
Root Rot
If overwatered for an extended time, bird of paradise plants can develop fungal root and stem rots. Affected plants may wilt, yellow, drop leaves and decline despite regular watering. Prune off dead and dying growths. Repot the plant in fresh, sterile potting mix to help it recover.
To prevent root rot, allow plants to partially dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then do not water again until the top several inches become dry. Well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes also help reduce the risk of excess moisture buildup.
Botrytis Blight
Humid conditions combined with poor air circulation may lead to the fungal disease botrytis blight. It first appears as light brown spots on leaves and stems that expand into larger lesions. Florals are also susceptible. The affected parts eventually wither and die.
Improve growing conditions to prevent botrytis blight. Space plants out for better airflow, water early in the day so foliage dries quickly, and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy severely diseased parts. Fungicides may be used as a last resort if it becomes widespread.
Displaying Six Prune Bird of Paradise
The unique flowers of the six prune bird of paradise make it an exceptional choice for displaying as a houseplant or in outdoor tropical gardens. Here are some tips for showing it off:
- Situate it in a bright location where the colorful blooms will get noticed.
- Angle the flower stems toward the front for best viewing.
- Remove any damaged or unsightly leaves and spent blooms.
- Grow in a heavy pot that can support the tall, top-heavy plant.
- Combine with other tropicals like elephant ear, palms and philodendrons.
- Save some cutting stems to show off in floral arrangements.
Special Variants
In addition to the standard six prune bird of paradise, there are a few variations of this cultivar to look for:
Variegated
Features green and yellow striped leaves for added uniqueness and appeal. Care is the same as the regular form.
Dark Leaves
These have deep reddish-purple, nearly black foliage, making the orange blooms pop. Requires bright light to maintain best coloration.
Dwarf
A compact cultivar reaching just 2-3 feet tall and wide. Ideal for containers and smaller spaces.
Conclusion
With its eye-catching six-bract flowers and tropical foliage, the six prune bird of paradise definitely lives up to its name as one of the most ornamental houseplants. This unique cultivar combines exotic appeal with easy care when provided with warm temperatures, bright indirect lighting and adequate humidity. Pay attention to its needs and this showstopper will provide years of enjoyment wherever it is displayed indoors or out.
