Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia nicolai
Common Names: Giant White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana Plant
Full Botanical Name: Strelitzia nicolai
Country and/or Region of Origin: Native to the subtropical coastal forests of South Africa, particularly along the eastern coast.
Overview
Strelitzia nicolai, often called the Bird of Paradise, is a dramatic, architectural houseplant loved for its bold, banana-like leaves and lush, tropical presence. Though it rarely flowers indoors, its upright structure and striking foliage make it an instant centrepiece in any space. A true indoor statement plant that brings the exotic calm of the tropics right into your home.
Growing Conditions in Native Habitat
In the wild, this plant thrives in subtropical woodlands and coastal areas, often growing as tall as small trees in well-drained soil with plenty of warmth and moisture.
Care Guide
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate a few hours of direct sun daily. The more light it receives, the better it will grow.
Ideal Room: Great for large living rooms, conservatories, or bright bedrooms with space to accommodate its upright, leafy silhouette.
Feeding: Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn) with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth.
Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity. Benefits from occasional misting, especially in dry indoor environments.
Ideal Temperature: Keep between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Protect from drafts and cold temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Allow excess water to drain, and never let the plant sit in soggy soil. Water less in winter.
Pet/Child Safe: No. Toxic if ingested, particularly to pets. Keep out of reach of curious paws and little hands.
Soil Type: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. A mix of peat, perlite, and compost works well to support its root system.
Propagation: Best propagated through division during repotting. Seeds are possible but very slow to germinate and mature.
Eventual Height and Spread: Can grow up to 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 metres) indoors, with a spread of 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 metres), given enough space and light.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in the right conditions—expect steady upward growth during spring and summer.
Pests and Treatment: Watch for spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Clean leaves regularly and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when roots begin to outgrow the pot. This plant appreciates a bit of root crowding, so avoid upsizing too drastically.
Pruning: Remove any damaged or dying leaves at the base. Wipe leaves gently to keep them dust-free and glossy.
Air Purification: Known to help filter airborne toxins and boost humidity—perfect for creating a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Folklore: Named for its flower's resemblance to a bird in flight, Strelitzia symbolizes freedom, joy, and paradise. Though indoor plants rarely bloom, their foliage alone captures the spirit of the tropics.
Important Information
You're in good hands with Aroma QuartzWe're committed to delivering quality plants with top-notch service. Every plant is backed by our 7-day guarantee, ensuring it arrives in good health.
Our team carefully prepares each plant for its journey, but since plants are living things, they can be sensitive to changes. Minor cosmetic imperfections may occur, but we always strive to photograph and disclose any flaws before shipping. After all, traveling across the country in a box can be a bit of an adjustment!
If you experience any issues within 7 days of receiving your order, reach out to our customer support team via our contact form with your order details and photos of the issue. Please note that once the guarantee period ends, we can’t offer refunds, as we can’t account for care and environmental factors. Also, repotting your plant within the first 7 days voids the guarantee—so let it settle in first!
We've been shipping plants across the country for many years now, and we like to think we've perfected the process!
To keep your plant secure, we carefully wrap the soil with tissue paper and tape if needed, then protect the plant with corrugated cardboard. If extra protection is required, we’ll cushion the leaves with additional tissue paper. The plant is then placed into a sturdy box, and any empty spaces are filled with eco-friendly void fill made from cornstarch—it dissolves in water, so it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your plant! 🌱♻️
Sometimes, we’ll add a note on your packing slip to water your plant upon arrival, so keep an eye out for that. This is because shipping a freshly watered plant can lead to sogginess, and being in darkness during transit can make it unhappy.
If your plant arrives looking a little worse for wear, send us a photo of the plant and packaging (if relevant) right away, and we’ll be happy to advise.
Select Click & Collect at checkout to pick up your order from our Shrewsbury shop. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready—where possible, please collect it the same day, as we have limited space.
If you need to collect later, just let us know in the message box at checkout. Some items, like gift boxes, kits, and pre-orders, may take longer—drop us a note with your preferred collection date, and we’ll confirm if there are any delays. 😊
We don’t offer free returns for change of mind, but if you’re unhappy with your order, please get in touch. If your parcel arrives damaged, send us photos so we can look into it.
Need an exchange? We’re happy to help—just reach out. Additional delivery charges may apply.
For plants, we offer a 7-day return policy, while other items can be returned within 30 days (excluding sale and personalized items, which are non-returnable).
You can return or exchange items for free at our Shrewsbury shop. In-store purchases follow different policies, so check our "In-Store Returns & Exchanges" section for details.
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