Q. I’ve planted a Mexican
Bird of Paradise about three years ago. It has never flowered and has only
grown a small amount in that period. Any ideas why? Could it be its location?
It doesn’t get morning sun, only afternoon sun.
Bird of Paradise about three years ago. It has never flowered and has only
grown a small amount in that period. Any ideas why? Could it be its location?
It doesn’t get morning sun, only afternoon sun.
 |
| Bird of paradise lack of growth probably because of water, soil amendments and fertilizer. |
A. Thanks for sending
pictures. I must be a little careful because watering too often and not giving
the plant enough water can create similar results. Afternoon sun should be
enough for this plant. Make sure it’s not near a “hot” wall from the afternoon
sun.
pictures. I must be a little careful because watering too often and not giving
the plant enough water can create similar results. Afternoon sun should be
enough for this plant. Make sure it’s not near a “hot” wall from the afternoon
sun.
Notice how the plant has more foliage, or “leafy growth”
because of the suckers, at the bottom? The stems growing above the suckers are
nearly void of leaves. That is usually a sign the plant is not getting enough
water at each irrigation. It can also indicate the plant doesn’t have much nitrogen
fertilizer for growth.
because of the suckers, at the bottom? The stems growing above the suckers are
nearly void of leaves. That is usually a sign the plant is not getting enough
water at each irrigation. It can also indicate the plant doesn’t have much nitrogen
fertilizer for growth.
I must be careful because we are considering two things;
how much water the plant is getting and how often it gets it. I would recommend
watering this plant with about five gallons or more at each watering. Water it
three times a week during the summer. Use two drip emitters within six to 12 inches
of the base on either side of the plant.
how much water the plant is getting and how often it gets it. I would recommend
watering this plant with about five gallons or more at each watering. Water it
three times a week during the summer. Use two drip emitters within six to 12 inches
of the base on either side of the plant.
These are “desert
plants” but they also can grow in wet landscapes if there is drainage. They
grow best in improved and amended soils. If this was planted directly in your
landscape soil without soil amendments like compost, or an inferior amendment
was used at planting, then it could struggle as well. Apply a good compost
within about 12 inches of the plant in a circle and water it in. Use about ¼
bag each plant.
Pull rock away from the base of the plant until it gets firmly established and you see plenty of new growth.