Even if Strelitzias are mainly indoor plants, they still have to be overwintered. And there is a lot to consider here.
We usually associate hibernation with plants that are left outside all year round or at least need to be cut back in the fall and placed in the dark over the winter. With the Strelitzia, however, you have to proceed differently. The plant, originally from South Africa, is used to warmth and brightness and does not tolerate a dark, even cold location at all. So you have to pay attention to a few things if you want to get the bird of paradise flower well over the winter.
Strelitzias rest in winter
Basically, you don't necessarily have to overwinter a Strelitzia by changing the keeping conditions. If it is a houseplant anyway, you can leave it in its current location and continue to care for it as you would for the rest of the year. However, the plant cannot recover and gather new strength for a magnificent flowering season.
It therefore makes sense to allow Strelitzias to rest during the winter months. The beautiful flowers in summer will reward you for your efforts. This variant is particularly suitable for plants that are outdoors during the summer.
You have to pay attention to this
Set Strelitzia cooler:
The plant must never get frost or even vegetate in the dark basement. Strelitzia need light - all year round. For the winter months, therefore, choose a bright, quiet, sunny location that is simply cooler than the location for the rest of the year. Overwintering temperatures of around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius are recommended. Due to the cool temperature, the Strelitzia automatically slows down growth and strengthens itself. The advantage: If you overwinter the Strelitzia in a cooler temperature, it will develop new flowers earlier, so that the flowering time is actually between early spring and summer.
Water the Strelitzia sufficiently:
It is important that you adjust the watering to the needs of the plant during the winter months. Strelitzias are evergreen, which is why they need enough water even during hibernationrequire. Therefore, always check whether the soil is too dry. The upper layer of soil is allowed to dry out, but the root ball must not dry out under any circumstances. It is better to water only small amounts, but more often.
Getting Strelitzia out of hibernation:
If the days get warmer and lighter again, you can end the hibernation and put the Strelitzia in its old place. Just make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight during the first few days. Due to the cooler location, the Strelitzia is initially a little more susceptible to heat.
Our tip: repot the Strelitzia immediately after the hibernation
When you end the hibernation of the Strelitzia, you can take the opportunity to treat it to a new plant pot. The time for repotting has come at the latest when the stability of the relationship between the pot and leaf spans is no longer guaranteed or the first roots sprout through the drainage holes. The Strelitzia thrives better in a larger pot and soon develops new flowers.
By the way:
If you plant the Strelitzia in a larger pot, you can divide and propagate it immediately. Read here how this is done.
Summary:
- overwinter cold (perfect for Strelitzias that are outside in summer)
- Location: light
- Temperature: between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius
- Watering: small amounts regularly
- Fertiliser: no fertilizer during hibernation
- Duration of hibernation: until spring