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.

Watering: Moist soil, but not too wet: in winter it should be watered at most once a week and in summer whenever you see that the soil is dry it is time to water (the best way is to check with your finger if the soil is moist). at 2/3cm depth, remember that less water is always better than too much water).

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.

Not Pet Friendly: Strelitzia Nicolai is toxic to animals. Keep out of their reach.

Height: +/- 2 meters

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.

NOTE: Only available for collection in store (for delivery in the Lisbon region, contact us at info@hortodocampogrande.com)