Bird of Paradise Update Part Deux

If you read this post and this one, you'll know that I'm trying to revive a gifted Bird of Paradise plant. I've managed to get new shoots to open but the planter still looked a little bare. I had a few young philodendron plants that I didn't know what to do with, so on a whim, I added them to the base.

Much better don't you think? It's my hope that the Bird of Paradise will continue to improve and the philodendron will fill out and spill over 360 degrees.

I'm also playing around with filters on my camera. Kinda liking the subdued colors and antique effect on this one.

Anyone, stay tuned for more updates!

Bird of Paradise Update

If you read this post back in August, then you know that while my Bird of Paradise has been putting out new shoots, the leaves were not unfurling. After some research, I discovered that the plant was not getting sufficient sunlight in my entry and was temporarily relocated to the back porch. Now that evening temperatures have cooled off, we had to move it back inside, this time in the kitchen. With two new shoots!

Every day I would inspect with bated breath but to my pleasant surprise, both leaves opened completely. Now, I am not sure if this is due to the massive amounts of sunlight the plant received on my south-facing back porch for over two months or the filtered sunlight it receives in my kitchen. Only new shoots will determine that. But in the meantime, I am enjoying a moment of bliss, having saved this soon-to-be gorgeous plant. Now, for it to bloom...

Updates

It's been raining and hot here in the southeast, a combination which makes gardening next to impossible. After a very full day (nay, weekend), I finally ventured outside around 6pm while the DH and kids were happily watching a movie in the air-conditioned house.

First task was watering all the potted plants with found water from the HVAC unit. Five gallons later, I began repotting several plants that had been forced to wait on me for far too long. I also did a little cleanup in the veggie garden area, mainly trimming vines and a little weeding. Finally, I ended the evening transplanting a volunteer crape myrtle that sprung up near my fire hydrant. (God really does have a sense of humor as he saw fit to multiply a tree that I have unsuccessfully tried to for years.)

There's one change inside, being the absence of a 50lb bird of paradise plant in my entryway. I was gifted it by a co-worker a few months ago and have been trying to nurse it back to health. I repotted it and tried to make it work in the entryway, but alas the lighting was not right. After little to no success in coaching new leaf growth, I did a little research and learned that these plants are best left outdoors when the weather is warm enough. The DH was kind enough to transfer it to the patio, which I hope will be just the fix I need.

As I type this, I notice it's raining outside my office window. Again. But as I think about southern Louisiana's devastation, this is nothing to complain about. It will dry up and I will once again find a small window in which to tend to my garden.

Lessons in Tropical Flora

During our recent trip to The Bahamas - my birthplace - it occured to me that I am unable to identify most of the native trees, shrubs and flowers. This strikes me as a little odd since I remember helping my grandmother - a huge plant enthusiast - in her garden since I could walk. So, I am determined to dedicate some of my time toward rectifying this.

In the meantime, I am enjoying learning more about the trees, shrubs and flowers The Bahamas and the southeast have in common. Namely Philodendron / Golden Pothos, the variation of which absolutely took my breath away. In the southeast, this vine known as Philodendron, is not winter hardy and is typically used as a potted houseplant. In The Bahamas, this vine grows indefinately, with leaves as big as my three-year old. Take a look:

Amazing what a change in environment will do.