Unwins Houseplant Bird of Paradise Seeds are part of the NEW Unwins indoor plants seeds range. The...Unwins Houseplant Bird of Paradise Seeds are part of the NEW Unwins indoor plants seeds range. The bird of paradise plant is an incredibly impressive exotic houseplant, with large, glossy leaves. The dramatic long stems hold the beautiful leaves, and when it flowers, the impressive orange flower is said to look like a bird. Adds bold, tropical flair to indoor spaces. Flowering may take a few years but well worth the wait. Sow all year round. Sow: January to December. Sowing: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. Fill a tray with Westland Seed & Cutting Compost, firming gently with the base of another tray. Water well with a fine rose. Scatter seeds thinly and cover with 5mm of compost. Place in a propagator at 20–25°C, or cover the tray with cling film and leave in a warm room. Growing On: When shoots appear, remove the cling film. Keep seedlings in a bright location, shaded from direct sunlight. When each seedling has at least 4 leaves, transplant 5cm apart into trays of Westland Houseplant Potting Mix, or singly into small pots. Maintain a minimum temperature of 12°C. Advice: Sow seeds as soon as possible after purchase. Germination is slow and may take 4–8 weeks. Exotic orange-and-blue flowers, bold, architectural foliage. Perfect for conservatories, patios, and tropical displays. The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a dramatic perennial, instantly recognisable for its flamboyant flowers that resemble tropical birds in flight. Grown from seed, it develops into a striking architectural plant with lush, paddle-shaped leaves that add structure and drama to any display. Ideal for containers and conservatories, this plant thrives in warm, sunny conditions and makes a fantastic focal point indoors or out during summer. Though it takes patience to flower, the reward is spectacular – a true centrepiece for exotic and stylish gardens.
This guide is for indoor gardening enthusiasts looking to cultivate a unique, exotic plant. The Unwins Bird of Paradise Seeds offer a chance to grow a dramatic houseplant with large, glossy leaves and the potential for spectacular tropical flowers, though flowering can take several years. It requires patience and specific sowing conditions to get started.
All features
Model Part Number
30211339
Brand
Unwins
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How long does it take for Bird of Paradise seeds to germinate?
Germination is slow and can take between 4 to 8 weeks after sowing, provided the correct conditions are met.
When is the best time to sow Bird of Paradise seeds?
These seeds can be sown year-round, from January to December, offering flexibility for your planting schedule.
Do I need to do anything special before sowing the seeds?
Yes, it is recommended to soak the Bird of Paradise seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to aid germination.
What temperature is needed for germination?
For successful germination, seeds should be kept in a propagator or warm environment at a consistent temperature of 20–25°C.
How long until a Bird of Paradise plant flowers when grown from seed?
Flowering can take several years, typically 3-5 years or even longer, after the plant has been established from seed. Patience is required.
Can I grow Bird of Paradise indoors?
Yes, the Bird of Paradise is an impressive exotic houseplant and is well-suited for indoor growing, especially in conservatories or bright rooms.
What type of compost should I use?
For sowing, use a good quality Westland Seed & Cutting Compost. For growing on seedlings, use Westland Houseplant Potting Mix.
Troubleshooting
Seeds are not germinating after several weeks.
Ensure the seeds were soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing. Check that the temperature is consistently within the 20-25°C range and that the compost remains moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow, taking up to 8 weeks.
Seedlings are weak or leggy.
This often indicates insufficient light. Move seedlings to a brighter location, but ensure they are protected from direct, harsh sunlight. Also, verify that the ambient temperature is not too low.
Leaves are turning yellow.
Overwatering is a common cause. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Underwatering or nutrient deficiency can also cause yellowing; consider a balanced liquid feed if the plant is established.
No sign of flowering after several years.
Flowering requires maturity, sufficient light, and potentially specific environmental cues. Ensure the plant is receiving adequate light and has been repotted into a suitable size container. Patience is key; flowering can take 3-5 years or more from seed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Adds a unique, exotic focal point to indoor spaces.
Produces large, glossy, architectural foliage.
Offers the potential for spectacular, bird-like flowers.
Suitable for growing in containers and conservatories.
Can be sown throughout the year.
Cons
Flowering takes several years to develop.
Germination is slow and can take 4-8 weeks.
Requires specific temperature conditions (20-25°C for germination, minimum 12°C when growing on).
Seeds need pre-soaking before sowing.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing Instructions:
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.
Fill a tray with a good quality seed and cutting compost, firming gently.
Water the compost well using a fine rose.
Scatter seeds thinly and cover with approximately 5mm of compost.
Place in a propagator set to 20–25°C, or cover the tray with cling film and keep in a warm room.
Growing On:
Once shoots appear, remove the cling film.
Keep seedlings in a bright location, ensuring they are shaded from direct sunlight.
When each seedling has at least 4 leaves, transplant them.
Either space them 5cm apart in trays of houseplant potting mix.
Or pot them individually into small pots.
Maintain a minimum temperature of 12°C for the young plants.
Care Advice:
Sow seeds as soon as possible after purchase for best results.
Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for houseplants.
Provide plenty of light but avoid intense, direct sun once established, especially for young plants.
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Compatibility:
Best suited for indoor environments, conservatories, and protected patios during warm weather.