Common Names: Giant Bird-of-Paradise, Wild Banana Tree, Giant Estrelícia, Augusta Estrelícia, White Estrelícia

Family:  Strelitziaceae

Origin:  South Africa

Nicolai is the queen of the Strelitzias. The large, banana-like leaves and showy stature of this African beauty make it the star of any room!
It’s native to South Africa, where it naturally receives plenty of light and warmth, but despite the characteristics of its place of origin, it’s a plant that adapts well to different types of environment. However, if you keep it outside, make sure you keep it protected from frost and wind.
The Strelitzia Augusta is not very demanding, but it does need some care so that it can grow healthily and so that its much-loved exotic leaves remain beautiful.

Light: The Strelitzia prefers plenty of indirect (or filtered) light. But it can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, as long as it is always away from the window so as not to burn its leaves.

Watering: Accustomed to a tropical climate, it is important for the Strelitzia to have moist soil, but not too much: in winter it should be watered no more than once a week and in summer whenever you see that the soil is dry, it’s time to water (the best way is to check with your finger that the soil is moist at a depth of 2/3cm, remember that less water is always better than too much). Avoid leaving the plant with water at the bottom of the pot or dish, as this can cause the roots to rot, but spray its leaves occasionally to help remove any dust that settles on its magnificent glossy leaves.

Temperature: As an African beauty, it loves mild to warm temperatures between 20-28ºC, but can withstand low temperatures down to 10º – 13ºC.

Substrate: The Strelitzia needs fertile soil with good drainage, which can be achieved by mixing in some expanded clay.

Fertilisation: During spring, it’s best to fertilise weekly with liquid fertiliser.

Caution: In case of ingestion, Strelitzias are considered toxic to animals.

Fun fact: Naturally accustomed to being treated like ‘royalty’ in its environment, the botanical name of Strelizia was given to it in honour of Queen Charlotte, Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz, and wife of King George III of England. The name Nicolai was given in honour of Tsar Nicholas of Russia.