Quick answer: Pull off the orange tuft, optionally nick the seed coat, and soak for 1–2 days. Sow 1" deep under a dome at 75–85°F. Expect sprouts in 1–3 months.

Learning how to grow from seed? Head over to our planting guide!

Strelitzia 'Bird of Paradise' Seeds - Plantflix

details

Difficulty Advanced
Germination 1–3 months
Temperature 75–85°F
Depth 1"
Seed prep Remove orange tuft, Optional: nick seed coat, Soak 1–2 days
Method Greenhouse
Time to maturity About 1 year
Light Bright Indirect / Grow Lights
Pet-friendly No
bird of paradise seeds

instructions

  1. Remove the tuft. Pull the orange tuft off each seed.
  2. Scarify (optional). Lightly nick the seed coat with a nail file.
  3. Soak. Soak in warm-to-hot water for 1–2 days.
  4. Sow. Plant 1" deep in moist mix, 1–3 seeds per 2–4" pot.
  5. Dome on. Cover with a humidity dome and keep above 75°F; a seedling heat mat helps. Condensation on the dome means it's working.
  6. Leave the dome alone. Open once a week to add water, or bottom-water about once a week from a tray.
  7. No direct sun. Bright, indirect light or a grow light only.
Strelitzia 'Bird of Paradise' Seeds - Plantflix

things to know

  • Orange vs white: *Reginae* (orange) stays shrubby at 5–6'. *Nicolai* (white) becomes a tree under 15' in containers.
  • Slow and uneven: seeds can sprout anywhere from 1 to 3 months apart.
  • Pick a planter that holds moisture: plastic, rice hull or ceramic, with a dome. Skip terra cotta, peat pots, coco coir pots and egg cartons. They wick water away from the seed.
  • New to seeds? Start with our seed prep guide and planting guide.
grow your own!

plant care tips

  • Light: bright light; more sun as it matures helps it flower.
  • Water: keep evenly moist in the growing season, a bit drier in winter.
  • Feeding: monthly in spring and summer.
  • Flowers: expect blooms after about 3–4 years in good light.
try them out!

faqs

Orange or white?

Orange (reginae) stays bush-sized. White (nicolai) becomes a big tree. Not sure? Grow both.

How long until flowers?

About 3–4 years.

Do I have to remove the orange tuft?

Yes. It can mold and slow germination.

these are key aspects of your setup

check your setup!

  • 💡light: is your setup away from direct sun? these seeds should stay in indirect or filtered light, or better yet, under grow lights.
  • 💧moisture: does the soil feel very moist to the touch?
  • 🌡️temperature: is the setup away from direct sun, open windows, or heat vents? make sure it stays consistently between 70F-90F (use a heat mat if the temperature falls under 70F)
  • ☁️humidity: do you see condensation on the humidity dome? if not, make sure the dome is fully sealed, the setup is warm enough, and there's enough moisture in the soil.
  • 💚care: leave the dome on and only open it once a week to add water.
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