Use and Care Manual

SOIL PPREPARATION
PLANTING IINSTRUCTIONS
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Feed your plants once every 2-3 weeks during the
growing season with a water soluble fertilizer.
Discontinue feeding after September 1st to allow
your plants to prepare for winter.
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In zone 10, Bird of Paradise may be planted in-
ground. If freezing weather is expected, protect the
roots by mounding a 6-8 inch layer of shredded bark,
compost, leaves, straw or other organic material
around the base of the plants. Potted plants should
be moved into a protected area on exceptionally
cold nights.
In colder zones (3-9), Bird of Paradise should be
grown in containers and moved indoors before the
first frost. Select a room that is bright, preferably one
with southern exposure. Indoors, plants tend to dry
out from a lack of humidity. To boost the humidity
level around your plant, fill a shallow tray with
gravel and water then place the pot in the tray. The
water level should be slightly below the gravel so
that the pot is not submerged in water. As the water
evaporates, it will create a more humid environment
for your plant.
Watering should be reduced significantly while the
plant is indoors. Do not overwater or allow your
plant to sit in water. Remove any unsightly or dead
growth over the winter to maintain an attractive
appearance.
In the spring when temperatures begin to rise, ease
the plant into a full watering schedule and move it
back outdoors for the summer.
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Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost,
leaves, straw or other organic matter around your
plants to promote moisture retention, maintain
even soil temperatures and discourage weed
growth. Replenish the mulch as needed.
Adequate and consistent watering is essential during
your plant's first year in the garden. Infrequent, long
soakings of water that thoroughly saturate the soil
are more effective than frequent, light applications of
water.
Due to variable geographical and environmental
conditions, a specific watering schedule is difficult to
define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not
allow the soil or the original root ball to completely
dry out. During the first summer, you may need to
water as often as every few days in periods of
drought and extreme summer heat. To determine if
your plant needs water, dig a few inches into the soil
next to the plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the
surface, it is time to water.
Overwatering can be as damaging as under watering.
Be sure that the area surrounding your plant has
adequate drainage to move water away from the
plant. If you choose to plant in a container, always
select one with drainage holes to prevent your
plant's roots from sitting in water.
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Keep the area around your plants free of weeds.
Weeds compete with surrounding plants for food,
water and light. Walk around the garden periodically
and pull weeds, including the roots, as soon as you
see them.
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We strongly recommend planting in containers in order to
properly protect your plants from winter damage. Use the
following instructions as a guide for container planting.
Important:
Thoroughly hydrate the plants by submersing
the root zone in a container of water for 10 minutes while
you prepare for planting.
Fill the container with soil to within 4 inches of the
top. Remove the pot and prepare the root ball for
planting by gently disturbing the surface roots with
your fingers, fork, or gardening tool and pruning
any damaged roots. Dig a hole in the soil to insert
the lower part of the root ball.
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Once the plant is properly positioned in the pot,
begin filling the pot with soil. Work the soil around
the root ball with your hands, firming the soil
around the plant with your fingers. When the hole is
filled, tamp the soil to remove any air pockets.
Water well and, if necessary, adjust the plant so it is
upright and add additional soil if needed, Check to
be sure the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is,
raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil.
Remove spent flowers as blooms fade to promote
continuous flowering. Clip off any dead, damaged
or unsightly growth at any time to maintain a
healthy, attractive appearance.
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Your plants have been shipped to you in pots. We urge
you to remove them from the shipping box and plant
them as soon as possible. Should planting be delayed,
remove the plastic bag from around the pots, place the
plants in a sunny location, and keep them well-watered.
Once planted, they will begin growing new roots and,
depending on the time of year, growing new foliage.
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The foliage on potted plants may appear slightly wilted or
yellow upon arrival. This is due to the stress of shipping
and is usually nothing to worry about. Water the plant
thoroughly, place it in a shady location and remove any
foliage that does not recover.
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We recommend having your soil tested periodically by
your local County Extension Office (www.nifa.usda.gov/
extension or by calling 1-800-333-4636). A soil test can
determine if your soil needs any amendments to enhance
the growth and performance of your plants.
Ideal garden soil is easy to dig in and drains well while still
holding the nutrients and water vital to plant growth. To
prepare a bed for in-ground planting, spade or till the soil
to a depth of roughly 12-18 inches. Next, spread a 2-4 inch
layer of organic matter such as compost, shredded leaves
or peat moss over the soil and mix well.