Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird of Paradise) is a perennial evergreen that is native to South Africa. The White Bird of Paradise is the largest species of its genus and is commonly grown as an ornamental in tropical gardens or as an indoor plant. They enjoy warm, tropical climates and a position in full sunlight.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Strelitzia nicolai is also commonly known as the Wild Banana or Giant White Bird of Paradise or Giant Bird of Paradise and can produce leaves that are as long as 1.8 metres (6 feet).
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Growth
Strelitzia nicolai is a flowering evergreen tree that grows to a maximum height of 8 metres (26 feet) but rarely grows beyond 5 metres (16 feet) in cultivation. White Bird of Paradise grows in a wide variety of soils and is moderately drought-tolerant and is easy to maintain once established.
However, they require full sunlight, are not frost tolerant and are only suitable for climates where the temperatures remain above 10°C / 50°F even during the night time. In temperate climates they are grown successfully indoors when positioned near a window where they can receive plenty of sunlight.
The flowers resemble a birds’ head, are a beautiful creamy white and can grow to up to 18cm (7 inches) high by as long as 45cm (18 inches). When growing from seed Strelitzia nicolai can start to flower in between 3-5 years depending on conditions.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Strelitziaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F.
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 8m (26 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3m (10 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Birds and Self-Pollination.
MATURITY:
3-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-6 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT STRELITZIA NICOLAI (White Bird of Paradise)
Strelitzia nicolai is native to coastal forests of South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Strelitzia nicolai is one of a handful of plants which contain the pigment bilirubin, which is usually only found in animals.
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