Bring some drama and volume to any space with these large leaf plants. They can serve as great centerpieces, and their presence complements other plants by growing over them.
Tropical big-leaf plants require indirect lighting; too much sun can burn their leaves. Their soil should drain well, with a regular irrigation schedule.
Birds of Paradise
Birds of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae or S. Nicolai) is a tropical plant with paddle-shaped leaves arranged symmetrically along a single stalk, quickly growing in warm and moist environments with well-drained soil, houseplants or greenhouses/sunrooms where it can be enjoyed all year-round. As part of an exotic landscape design scheme for Southern summers, bird-of-paradise flowers make a striking accent that pairs well with Mandeville/crotons or any number of other heat-tolerant plant types like Mandeville/crotons or hybrids!
Bird of Paradise flowers thrive as perennials in Zones 8-9, although they can also be grown as shrubs in Zones 6 and 7. When planting it in gardens, it thrives best when provided with rich, well-draining soil with either full or partial shade; placing it near water features is ideal as its vibrant foliage offers striking contrast to the blue hues in its environment.
Containerized plants of this variety often reach 2 to 3 feet in height, making it suitable for larger spaces. Plant it in a rich but well-draining potting mix and supplement it with organic compost or granular landscape fertilizer for best results.
During the growing season, water is often enough to maintain slightly damp soil at all times without overwatering, as overdoing it may lead to root rot. When winter rolls around, however, plants enter a resting period requiring less frequent and reduced watering.
To propagate a bird of paradise, divide its underground stems, known as rhizomes, in spring before they show signs of new growth. Each division should contain a fan with roots attached. Plant each division into a well-draining potting mix in separate containers before placing them in sunny and warm locations outdoors from spring through fall; otherwise, indoors during the winter season in cold climates.
Strelitzia plants boast an extended blooming season and produce flowers reminiscent of pea-sized birds with orange or yellow vertical sepals that resemble feathers and dark blue horizontal petals. Furthermore, Strelitzia has fruits (seed pods) that may pose a choking hazard for children or pets – the ASPCA recommends taking precautionary steps against poisonous seeds from Strelitzia plants since these seeds and fruit may cause harm to both humans and animals alike.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are beloved houseplants known for their distinctive, waxy leaves. Fast-growing and easy to care for, rubber plants thrive in bright light but can tolerate lower levels than many houseplants. Ensure that drafty windows or sudden temperature drops don’t disturb them too often; those with variegated foliage need additional light exposure so their colors can flourish fully.
Always ensure your plant receives enough sunlight between watering sessions, but allow its soil to dry between each watering. As this plant can become susceptible to root rot if overwatered, be mindful when giving your watering schedules and ensure no one overdoes it!
As your plant reaches its prime growing period in summer, water it more regularly to keep the leaves moist and help it absorb more sunlight. Misting with water may also help. Simply wipe or mist its leaves regularly with some to keep moisture levels balanced for the most excellent efficiency in sunlight absorption.
As soon as temperatures turn colder, water your plant less frequently as its dormant stage begins. Doing this helps conserve moisture for its survival.
Branch out your plants for a bushier appearance by branching. This can be accomplished using both hands and sterile loppers or shears; larger specimens should use these specifically. However, be careful not to touch the latex sap that accumulates on leaves and stems, as this may cause skin irritation for some individuals.
Plant propagation can be achieved easily by taking cuttings from its main stem and rooting them in either soil water, or air layering which provides more reliable results.
Look for any signs of pests on your rubber plant, such as mealy bugs, mites, and thrips. As soon as you notice any of these infestations on the leaves, wipe off with a damp cloth as soon as you see them and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. These plants are susceptible to spider mites; to combat this issue, place your plant in a calm yet bright location while increasing humidity by placing it on a heating mat or sealing it in plastic bags.
Alocasia
Alocasia (African Mask Plant or Elephant Ears) is a tropical clump-forming perennial with thick, glossy leaves with bold burgundy veins that prefer bright light but cannot tolerate direct sun (which can cause leaf burn) or low humidity levels, so they thrive indoors where lighting is indirect and air humidity remains humid. They require regular repotting with a well-draining potting mix every 1-2 years to prevent root-bound containers. Gently untangle any circling roots before placing them into their new container – then it’s just like home!
Repotting can be a trying time for plants, and it must be handled carefully. Avoid selecting too large a container, as this could lead to root rot. Also, avoid overwatering the soil – Alocasias prefer moist yet not wet soil conditions for optimal growth.
Like other tropical and subtropical plants, Alocasias are sensitive to temperature variations. When winter hits, place it out of drafty windows or heating and cooling vents to prevent chilling and leaf damage. Once temperatures drop significantly, however, dormancy sets in; its leaves will stay green but won’t grow.
If the leaf begins to droop or develop brown spots, this can be a telltale sign that your plant has received too much water. If this drooping worsens, reduce watering levels immediately to avoid further wilting and leaf loss.
Alocasias thrive in environments with high humidity, so they prefer being grown indoors in humid kitchens and bathrooms where they can be misted with misting drops or placed on pebble trays filled with water. While these plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, optimal conditions would include temperatures above that threshold; sudden temperature shifts, such as when opening drafty windows or exterior doors, could inhibit growth and should therefore be avoided to promote proper growth.
Strelitzia Reginae
Strelitzia is an evergreen tropical species with vibrant birds-in-flight flowers. Ideal for mass planting in warm climates, Strelitzia quickly grows up to five or six feet tall in warm weather and produces vibrant blooms all year long. Care is relatively straightforward, but regular watering and warmth should be applied regularly for it to flourish; avoid overwatering by allowing soil to dry between watering sessions; in case any signs of disease develop on your Strelitzia, immediately report it as soon as possible and use fungicide spray against it as quickly as possible to prevent future outbreaks!
Bird of Paradise plants come from South Africa, and two popular varieties are Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, with the former native to that area and the latter native to America. Both can make excellent houseplants that bring tropical flair into any indoor space – reaching 20 feet tall! However, both varieties adapt quickly to cultivation here in America while remaining manageable enough for most indoor settings.
Indoor growing of these plants requires warm and bright light as well as consistent watering to thrive. Any signs of root rot (which occurs when roots remain wet for extended periods) should be detected, such as an unpleasant rotting smell or slow growth, remove it promptly by pulling up and cutting away any dead or blackened parts from its rhizome and repotting in fresh soil.
Depending on the container in which you’re growing Strelitzia, the potting mix should contain compost and grit to aid drainage and help ensure adequate fertilization of your plant each week with liquid fertilizer. In addition, consider moving your Strelitzia outside for part of summer before returning it indoors when temperatures decrease.
In its natural habitat, this perennial is hardy and resilient enough to withstand significant heat and rainfall without becoming damaged; it should, however, be protected during frosty months to ensure continued bloom.
