Bird of paradise

I thought you had one Pete.

 

Yeah not had any like that this year, not sure what causes it but I'm pretty certain it's in the flower bud when forming, I don't think its an after thought on behalf of the plant.

 

My plant is still going strong. I've been misting it quite often during the hot weather we have had this month.

 

I grew one from seed back in the 1980's repotting it every year for 15 years, it was huge but never flowered, one year I didn't re pot it and it flowered, I was told by someone from Kew that they really do need to be pot bound, but not left in the same pot for ever. Oh and they like dappled shade.

 

I think mines in its 4th year. The pot is in now is in its 2nd year. I read somewhere that they like to be potbound but as the current pot is plastic the roots may break it in another year or two. When the pot breaks I will put it in an earthenware or ceramic one.
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The pot is quite small at the moment but when it breaks I will put it in a bigger pot.
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You'll need a heavy clay pot so it doesn't fall over, they can get a bit top heavy.