Strelitzia nicolai
Giant Bird of Paradise
From: £43.95
An iconic plant with a striking architectural form, Strelitzia nicolai, or the ‘Giant Bird of Paradise’, is a banana-like evergreen perennial that is perfect as a statement plant for sunny interiors.
Strelitzia nicolai differs from Strelitzia reginae in its larger size, and its magnificent flowers which appear in gorgeous white and blue tones.
Order today for shipping on Wednesday 6th December.
Plant Biography
Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai are both indigenous to South Africa. There they are pollinated by birds, and it’s their stunning floral morphology that they’re beloved for that is also crucial to their survival.
The colour of the flower attracts birds looking for nectar, whilst the shape of the flower makes sure they can only reach it from a particular spot – the fused blue petals. When sunbirds perch upon it to drink the nectar the petals open, covering their feet with pollen which the bird will take with it to the next plant.
Expert Tip
The Bird of Paradise Flower
Strelitzia nicolai is difficult, though not impossible, to bloom indoors in the UK climate. Strelizia reginae, the smaller Bird of Paradise plant with orange flowers is easier, though still not easy.
Strelitzias need to reach maturity before they can flower, which takes several years if grown from seed (often 6-8 years). If you’re hoping for it to flower soon, we recommend buying the most mature plant you can afford.
Care & Size Guidance
Giant Birds of Paradise are a brilliant choice for bright rooms, as they require a large amount of bright, indirect sunlight and warmth. That said, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, and they prefer cooler temperatures at night.
In their native environment they can grow 6 metres tall, but grown indoors in the UK their ultimate height is usually about 3 metres, whilst their leaves can eventually grow to reach an enormous 2 metres on mature plants
To prevent yours from growing so tall, they can stay root bound happily in the same size pot for many years.
I have bought from the Palm Centre previously and been impressed with the quality,size and professional packaging of their plants. The strelitzia nicolai was no exception. These plants are notorious for the leaves splitting if you breathe on them too heavily, but due to expert packing it arrived with leaves in excellent condition. I would definitely by from them again.
George –
Ordered a strelitzia nicolai online. Customer service has been excellent, very fast at replying. Theyve sent me a pic of the plant I was going to get before I ordered and they managed to schedule a delivery for next day. I would order from them again!
Paul T –
Delivery had to be delayed because of frost (understandable) but after it had past the delivery was very prompt. The plant was very well packaged and came in excellent condition. My only complaint is the plant was too big for the pot and the roots had come through the bottom so much the plastic pot had to be cut off to allow for repotting (hence 4 not 5 stars). Overall though an excellent seller that I would highly recommend.
Ismaeel Ramzan –
A very healthy plant despite arriving in flimsy packing. But that’s a first as prev orders packing much better .
Not the size I was expecting. This measures 70 cm inc pot not 90-110 cm as described
Belinda G. (verified owner) –