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Tropical Plants

Bird of Paradise questions.

18 years ago

I have recently bought a BoP plant. It's rather big already (about 5') and I was told in the store that it would do very good by an eastern side window. Now I have it there. The problem is that it doesn't get direct sun rays for more than 2-3 hours top! Since we live at the third floor of an apartment building it is impossible to take full advantage of the eastern sunrise. I should also say that we live in Brooklyn, NY. It does get plenty of light thogh, but I have read that it needs DIRECT sunlight. Is this correct? I have no possibility to put a flourecent light by the plant, otherwise that would have been an option.

I also wonder how to keep the soil fluffy. It's not supposed to be compact, but after watering it for sometime it will become more compact. What can I do to avoid this?

Very thankful for any help.

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Comments (2)

cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
18 years ago
The light you are giving it is probably enough to keep it going. It may not flower for you- but the flowers aren't that impressive anyway IMO.

Bagged potting mix is usually much too heavy to stay "fluffy". When you are potting things mix in some additional perlite and a touch of peat moss and you'll like it much better.
suzy626
18 years ago
I have a well established BoP plant that I'd like to take a cutting to ship to another state. What's the best way to do this and have success at rooting/planting?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
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