Giant Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia nicolai (24cm pot)

The Nicolai is the queen of Bird of Paradise plants and a star in the plant world. An icon in the Urban Jungle trend, without a doubt. It’s one of the most sought-after plants in recent years, thanks to its elegant and sophisticated appearance – the long stems end in large, glossy leaves that often make us confuse it with a banana tree and give it a tropical look, impossible to resist when you want to add a touch of freshness and exoticism to an interior space. It’s a perfect example of Plant Styling. A true decorative item. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also an easy plant to maintain, as long as you place it in a location with the conditions it needs: being native to South Africa, it will appreciate areas with plenty of indirect/filtered light, mild temperatures and ventilation. It’s a plant that adapts well to various types of environments and in our climate, it does better indoors, and can even reach heights of up to 3m in enclosed spaces. However, if you place it outdoors, make sure it’s protected from wind, frost and not exposed to direct sun (especially during the hottest hours in summer).

Scientific name: Strelizia nicolai
Common names: Giant Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, Giant Strelitzia, White Bird of Paradise
Family: Strelitziaceae
Origin: South Africa
Category: Indoor plant
Approximate height: 120-140cm
Pot diameter: 24cm

CUIDADOS
Light: Appreciates plenty of indirect/filtered light. Tolerates a few hours of direct sun, as long as it’s not during the hottest hours (especially in summer) and is away from glass/windows, to avoid burning its leaves (glass creates a “magnifying glass effect” increasing the intensity of sunlight). Ideal direct sun would be in the morning or late afternoon.
Watering: Accustomed to a tropical climate, it’s important for the Bird of Paradise to have moist soil, but not too wet – adjust the amount and frequency of watering according to the season (winter/summer). The best way to avoid waterlogging the soil is to do the “finger test” and if the soil is moist at 2-3cm depth, remember that less water is always better than too much! Avoid leaving the plant with water at the bottom of the pot or saucer (or decorative pot without drainage holes) because standing water will cause root rot.
Humidity: Clean the leaves with a damp cloth to maintain humidity levels (on extremely hot days you can mist) and to keep the leaves beautiful and glossy. The pest that most attacks this plant is scale, so doing this leaf cleaning will also help identify any irregularities early on.
Temperature: As the African beauty it is, it loves mild to warm temperatures between 20-28ºC, but can withstand low temperatures down to 10º/13ºC.
Soil: Needs fertile soil with good drainage, which can be achieved by mixing in some expanded clay.
Pruning: Remove dry or damaged stems/leaves (diagonal cuts at the base of the stem, with appropriate and disinfected scissors)
Fertilisation: During spring, it’s best to fertilise weekly with liquid fertiliser.
Not Pet Friendly: Considered toxic to pets.

Fun fact: This species Strelizia nicolai (or “Giant White Bird of Paradise”), was named in honor of Tsar Nicholas of Russia (1796-1892). However, according to some authors, the origin of this name refers to Grand Duke Nicolai Nicolajewitsch (1856-1929), patron of gardening in Russia.

WARNING! Fotografia representativa – a fotografia apresentada é de um exemplar existente em stock no momento da colocação do produto no catálogo online, pelo que é uma referência. A planta fornecida será similar à da foto sendo que, dependendo da fase do ciclo vegetativo em que se encontre, poderá variar na forma, aparência ou tamanho (ex: outra tonalidade de folha, com ou sem flor/fruto, etc). A altura referida inclui o vaso plástico que se vê na fotografia.