Strelitziaceae
Strelitzia nicolai
Bring resort-style greenery indoors with the White Bird of Paradise. Its towering stems and oversized leaves instantly elevate any space—ideal for living rooms, modern offices, and reception areas. With bright light and simple watering, it grows into a lush, sculptural centerpiece that looks premium all year round.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: White Bird of Paradise
Botanical Name: Strelitzia nicolai
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Ornamental flowering houseplant (Tropical perennial)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0090
Alternative Names:
Giant White Bird of Paradise
Wild Banana
عصفور الجنة
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Strelitziaceae
Genus: Strelitzia
Species: nicolai
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the coastal regions of eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal). Naturalized in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, including parts of Central America, Hawaii, Florida, and Australia.
4. Visual Characteristics
Features large, paddle-shaped, glossy dark green leaves emerging from thick, upright pseudostems. Leaves can reach up to 150 cm in length. When mature and well-lit, produces white and blue flowers with an orange bract resembling a bird in flight, though flowering is rare indoors.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: Up to 6–7 m (20–23 ft) outdoors; typically 2–3 m (6–10 ft) when grown indoors.
Spread: Up to 3–5 m (10–16 ft) outdoors; usually narrower in container culture.
Leaf size: 50–150 cm (20–60 in) long, 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Provide at least 4–6 hours of bright light daily. Indoors, position near a south- or west-facing window; protect from intense midday rays to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2–5 cm of soil dries out. Reduce frequency in winter. Ensure pot has good drainage to avoid root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter. A blend of equal parts peat moss (or coco coir), loam, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range: 65–75°F (18–24°C). Minimum: 50°F (10°C). Prefers high humidity; mist leaves regularly or use a humidifier. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. In fall, reduce feeding to every 6–8 weeks. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care required. Remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks. Wipe dust off foliage to maintain photosynthesis. Prune back overcrowded stems. Repot when necessary. Monitor for pests.
12. Growth & Propagation
Forms clumps from rhizomatous rootstock with slow to moderate growth. Propagate by dividing offsets in spring when repotting. Seed propagation is possible but slow and requires warm, consistent conditions.
13. Common Problems
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Symptoms: leaf browning (low humidity), yellowing (overwatering), root rot (poor drainage), leaf splitting or drooping (insufficient light).
14. Benefits & Uses
Serves as a dramatic architectural focal point in interior design and tropical landscaping. Effective indoor air purifier, filtering pollutants. Adds a premium, resort-style aesthetic to homes, offices, and public spaces.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Contains hydrocyanic glycosides that can cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and respiratory distress. Keep out of reach of children and pets; handle with care.
Strelitzia nicolai
Bring resort-style greenery indoors with the White Bird of Paradise. Its towering stems and oversized leaves instantly elevate any space—ideal for living rooms, modern offices, and reception areas. With bright light and simple watering, it grows into a lush, sculptural centerpiece that looks premium all year round.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: White Bird of Paradise
Botanical Name: Strelitzia nicolai
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Ornamental flowering houseplant (Tropical perennial)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0090
Alternative Names:
Giant White Bird of Paradise
Wild Banana
عصفور الجنة
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Strelitziaceae
Genus: Strelitzia
Species: nicolai
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the coastal regions of eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal). Naturalized in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, including parts of Central America, Hawaii, Florida, and Australia.
4. Visual Characteristics
Features large, paddle-shaped, glossy dark green leaves emerging from thick, upright pseudostems. Leaves can reach up to 150 cm in length. When mature and well-lit, produces white and blue flowers with an orange bract resembling a bird in flight, though flowering is rare indoors.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: Up to 6–7 m (20–23 ft) outdoors; typically 2–3 m (6–10 ft) when grown indoors.
Spread: Up to 3–5 m (10–16 ft) outdoors; usually narrower in container culture.
Leaf size: 50–150 cm (20–60 in) long, 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Provide at least 4–6 hours of bright light daily. Indoors, position near a south- or west-facing window; protect from intense midday rays to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2–5 cm of soil dries out. Reduce frequency in winter. Ensure pot has good drainage to avoid root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter. A blend of equal parts peat moss (or coco coir), loam, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range: 65–75°F (18–24°C). Minimum: 50°F (10°C). Prefers high humidity; mist leaves regularly or use a humidifier. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. In fall, reduce feeding to every 6–8 weeks. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care required. Remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks. Wipe dust off foliage to maintain photosynthesis. Prune back overcrowded stems. Repot when necessary. Monitor for pests.
12. Growth & Propagation
Forms clumps from rhizomatous rootstock with slow to moderate growth. Propagate by dividing offsets in spring when repotting. Seed propagation is possible but slow and requires warm, consistent conditions.
13. Common Problems
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Symptoms: leaf browning (low humidity), yellowing (overwatering), root rot (poor drainage), leaf splitting or drooping (insufficient light).
14. Benefits & Uses
Serves as a dramatic architectural focal point in interior design and tropical landscaping. Effective indoor air purifier, filtering pollutants. Adds a premium, resort-style aesthetic to homes, offices, and public spaces.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Contains hydrocyanic glycosides that can cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and respiratory distress. Keep out of reach of children and pets; handle with care.