Strelitzia nicolai
Giant Bird of Paradise
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.
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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.
Plant was healthy enough and of the advertised height but was described as “bushy” which it certainly wasn’t.
Alan Hunter (verified owner) –
I received this plant 8 January. I immediately contacted the Palm Centre via email with numerous photos showing the poor condition of the plant (all leaves were split in various places, the leaves were curled at the edges, the plant was filthy and was very dry). I followed up with a phone call the following day to ensure the email was received. The lady confirmed it was and would get someone to get back to me straightway. A week later I sent another email. I still have not received a response. An oversight occurs once, not three times. I have little doubt the product guarantee means nothing given the non-existent customer service. Id had a good experience with these people before but never again.
Nicola P. –