Strelitzia reginae Humilis

Strelitzia reginae 'Humilis' is a dwarf bird of paradise. It is a magnificent exotic plant, whose flowers resemble the plumage of birds of paradise. This plant is a true delight in the heart of winter for those who know how to provide it with a bit of warmth and care.

Strelitzia reginae is an exotic perennial plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Strelitziaceae family. Its subtropical origin explains its low resistance to cold (minimum 5°C (41°F)), which prevents it from being cultivated outdoors all year round. It needs the shelter of a heated greenhouse, a conservatory, or the house to produce its magnificent paradisiacal flowering. When well cultivated, this dwarf strelitzia will flower from December to May.

The foliage is in the form of a tuft of overlapping leaves. Carried by long petioles of about 50cm (20in), the leaves are tough, oblong, and measure from 20 to 50cm (8 to 20in).

The floral stems emerge from the axils of the leaves. The flower, 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) long, is composed of a large pointed green spathe marked with dark red, carried by a long and thick vertical stem. From this spathe, the bright orange sepals and the blue petals of the corolla emerge, somewhat like a fan opening. Strelitzia owes its common name to the resemblance of its flowers to the spiky plumage of birds of paradise during their courtship display.

This dwarf bird of paradise should be grown in rich and well-drained substrate. To achieve this, mix one-third of good garden soil with one-third of leaf compost and one-third of bark. This dwarf variety does not exceed 90cm (35in) in height and adapts very well to cultivation in large pots.

Strelitzia needs warmth more than sunlight. It will be content with the low light of a house in winter, but needs to avoid temperatures below 12°C (53.6°F). In summer, place it on a patio or balcony. Water it abundantly twice a week in summer and once every 15 days in winter. The flowers are perfect in beautiful exotic bouquets.