Question
Hi there. I have recently bought a flowering bird of paradise plant. I have had the plant for over a week now and the flowers and beginning to shrivel. I think that there is an additional flower inside each "head". What should I do? Should I remove the shrivelling flowers? Will the other flower in the head come out on it's own or should I carefully try to help them out? Also, how lomg should the flowers last each time? Does one week sound about right. Many thanks! Chee

Answer
Hi Chee,

There is only one flower for each flower stalk. I am not sure just what you are seeing. It may be that the flower has only partially opened for you. This is a flowering plant that does not do well indoors.

Once the flowers start to shrivel, they are on their way out, perhaps prematurely, but there is nothing you can do at that point.

Flower length varies with light, watering and other conditions. A week is about all you can expect when they are grown indoors.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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