Plant Profile: Strelitzia

Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae / Strelitzia nicolai
Common Names: Bird of Paradise, Giant White Bird of Paradise
Native to: South Africa

Strelitzias are striking statement plants, best known for their bold, architectural leaves and exotic flowers resembling a bird in flight. Indoors, they create a lush, tropical atmosphere and, given the right care, can grow into a stunning floor plant. While Strelitzia reginae produces vibrant orange and blue flowers, Strelitzia nicolai is admired for its large, banana-like foliage and impressive size.

🌱 Care Instructions

• Watering: Moderate – Water when the top 5 cm of soil has dried out. Keep soil evenly moist during the warmer months, but reduce watering slightly in winter. Avoid waterlogging.

• Sunlight: Full – Thrives in bright, direct light and can tolerate some full sun indoors. Too little light may cause slow growth and fewer flowers.

• Growth: Quick – A fast grower in the right conditions, reaching 1–2 metres indoors (reginae) or up to 3–4 metres (nicolai). Repot every 2–3 years to accommodate growth.

Extra Tips

• Prefers warm, humid environments — avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 13°C.

• Wipe leaves regularly to keep them clean and healthy.

• Fertilise every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage strong foliage and flowering.

• Large leaves can split naturally over time; this is normal and helps the plant withstand wind in its natural habitat.

• Best positioned near a sunny window or in a bright sunroom.