Strelitzia 'Bird of Paradise': White
Strelitzia nicolai, also known as the White Bird of Paradise, is a large tropical evergreen perennial native of Botswana, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe—it is found along coastal dunes and forests. This plant is a member of the traveller's-palm family (Strelitziaceae). It has large banana-like leaves of grayish-green, and its flowers are blue and white with a purplish-black, beak-like spathe. Its flowers look like an exotic bird and will only bloom if grown outdoors. In its native habitat it can grow 20 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide and has an upright habit with an irregular crown and clumping stalks. It has a woody stem that is up 1.5 feet wide, with the leaves growing up to 6.5 feet long. It is popular as an ornamental houseplant and can be grown outdoors. With our warm Charleston Climate, it would thrive, but would need to be moved indoors during winter—keeping it potted outdoors is recommended. It will not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Sold Individually
Available in 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", 14" LG, 17"This plant requires bright, direct sunlight to thrive, ideally receiving 4–6+ hours daily to promote robust growth. While they can adapt to bright, indirect light, insufficient light leads to slow growth and weak foliage. Position in south or west-facing windows for best results.
This plant typically needs watering every 1–2 weeks, or when the top 2–3 inches of soil are completely dry. During spring and summer (growing season), water more frequently, potentially weekly. In winter, reduce watering to every 3 weeks to prevent root rot.
It also prefers high humidity. Consider misting the plant, placing the plant on a tray of wet pebbles, or use a humidifier.
Remove any ripped or torn leaves. We recommend Bond Bypass Pruners.
Your plant needs food too! We recommend Osmocote Outdoor: Indoor Plant Food.
Proper nutrition is important to the health of your plant and its longevity. To ensure your plant is getting the appropriate nutrition, use a fertilizer labelled for this plant type and apply according to the label.
