Strelitzia nicolai

Giant Bird of Paradise

(14 customer reviews)

From: £54.95

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.

FREE DELIVERY FOR ONLINE ORDERS*

*(parcel orders over £60.00 and pallet deliveries over £350.00)

Order today for shipping on Monday 29th April.

How do deliveries work?

Origin: E. Zimbabwe to E. Botswana
Genus: Strelitzia
Species / Cultivar: nicolai
Common Name: Giant Bird of Paradise
Synonym: Strelitzia quensonii

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.

Strelitzia nicolai
Light: Direct
This plant likes as much sun as possible. Best placed in direct sunlight in a bright window.
Soil: Indoor Potting Mix
Enjoys moist well drained soil with composted organics and some drainage material.
Temperature: >8°C
Temperature range at which this plant is healthiest and grows best.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Final Size: Tall
Final size will work as a large stand-alone specimen plant.
Water Requirement: Light Watering
Water when several cm of soil depth is dry to the touch. Water must draining easily away.
Humidity: Medium
Easygoing in regular home conditions, keep away from cold draughts and heat sources.
Maintenance: Low
Requires no attention beyond correct position and watering. An ideal starter plant!

Expert Tip

The massive leaves of the Strelitzia nicolai are notorious for splitting, due to their massive size. This behaviour is meant to protect the plant in the wild when growing in windier places. Splitting of the leaves is a natural phenomenon and does not affect in any way the health of the plant.
The Bird of Paradise Flower

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

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.

You may also like…

14 customer reviews for Strelitzia nicolai

I have been after a BOP for a little while and I came across this company and they had brilliant reviews and they werent wrong! The plant arrived really quickly (ordered Monday eve arrived Friday morning on standard delivery) was packaged really well, a really healthy, chunky and happy plant with lots of new leaves on their way in. Thank you!

Sophie T. (verified owner)

I am delighted with the two plant potted Strelitzia received today. It arrived within three days of my order and I was kept well informed about my delivery. The plant looks very healthy and well established. It was carefully packaged to ensure no damage and it certainly makes a statement with its glossy paddle leaves! The Palm Centres pricing for this plant was very competitive, even before the Summer Sale, offering excellent value, thank you!

Andrew P. (verified owner)

Great service, very well packed, able to track plants which is an extra * from me.
plants arrived safely – looking good in there new home thank you

debbie L.

What a beautiful plant and bigger than expected!! Delivery and packaging second to none. Thank you

Cathy S.