Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Botanical Name: Strelitzia reginae

Common Name: Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower, Strelitzia

Plant Family: Strelitziaceae

Bring show-stopping tropical drama and architectural elegance into your home or conservatory with our Bird of Paradise Seed Kit.

Famous across the world for its iconic, crane-like flowers featuring vibrant orange and electric blue petals, Strelitzia reginae looks like an exotic bird in flight. Paired with large, lush, banana-like evergreen leaves, it is one of the most sought-after statement houseplants and sunroom focal points in the UK.

Whether you are looking for an extraordinary gift for a dedicated houseplant lover, bringing a nostalgic slice of South African warmth into your living room, or taking on a deeply rewarding seed-growing journey, The Seed Story gives you everything you need to start growing from scratch.

Why our kit gets results:

Strelitzia seeds possess a tough, hard outer shell designed by nature to protect the embryo. Our step-by-step kit includes clear guidance on pre-soaking and seed preparation to soften the outer seed coat and trigger reliable germination in UK homes.

• Iconic Houseplant Gifting: Beautifully wrapped in an eco-conscious box, making it a memorable gift for birthdays, housewarmings, or green-fingered enthusiasts.

• UK Indoor Favourite: Highly adaptable as a long-lived indoor houseplant, bright conservatory specimen, or summer patio display plant.

• Fully Compliant: Legally imported with complete DEFRA and Gov.uk plant health certification.

Growing Instructions (For Packaging & Website)

1. Seed Prep & Soaking (Essential Step): Gently scrape off the orange fluffy tuft from each seed. Soak your Strelitzia seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours to soften the hard outer shell prior to planting.

2. Soil Preparation: Expand your soil pellets (or prepare a potting mix of 70% peat-free indoor compost blended with 30% perlite or coarse sand for aeration). Ensure your pot has good drainage.

3. Sowing: Plant seeds 1cm deep into the moist potting mix. Cover lightly with soil and press gently.

4. Germination: Strelitzia seeds love heat! Place your pots in a warm, bright location (ideal temperature: 20°C–26°C; a heated propagator, warm windowsill, or near an airing cupboard works brilliantly). Keep the soil consistently damp, but never soggy. Germination requires patience, typically taking 4 to 12 weeks.

5. UK Houseplant Care: Keep your young Strelitzia in a sunny indoor spot or conservatory. Water regularly during spring and summer, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings, and protect from winter draughts.