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Bird of Paradise Deadheading and Care in New Zealand

Pruning, Fertilizing, and Troubleshooting Strelitzia in NZ

Orange Birds of Paradise bloomed autumn-winter (Apr-Nov), now only leaves. Owner asks about deadheading multi-flower spikes, stalk removal, and a plant with skewed new leaves.

Advice

Deadheading: Cut spent flower off; if another bud on same stalk, leave stalk. Removing spent blooms stimulates new flowers.
Stalks: Leave green stalks; cut at base only when fully brown.
Ailing plant: Check for insects; if none, move location—often fixes mysterious decline.
Fertilize: High-potassium granular every 2 months.

Tropical Plants: 30-Year-Old Bird of Paradise Won't Bloom: Needs Cool Winter; Rooting Jade Cuttings & Germinating Bird of Paradise Seeds; Choosing the Right Container Size for a Growing Bird of Paradise; Dividing Giant Bird of Paradise and Majesty Palm: What Works and What Doesn't; Heliconia Relationship to Bird of Paradise and Care; Eradicating Aphids on Indoor Bird of Paradise: Complete Soil and Foliage Treatment; Bird of Paradise Infested with Soil Bugs & Browning Leaves? Repot Completely—Sterilize Pot, Wash Roots; Giant Bird of Paradise Split Planting: Root Damage Recovery; Stopping Slugs from Eating Bird of Paradise Blooms; Bird of Paradise Care: To Pry or Not to Pry?

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