Strelitzia Nicolai White Bird of Paradise

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light

Mature Height

10 - 12 Feet

Mature Spread

4 - 5 Feet

Feature

Air Purifying

• Large, Banana-Like Foliage
• Bright Indirect Light
• Mature Height 10 - 12 feet
• Water Needs - Allow Top Layer to Dry Out

The giant white bird of paradise is the largest variety available for growing indoors as a houseplant. When in bloom, this stately tropical plant can reach well over 10 feet. Strelitzia nicolai is often confused with banana tree varieties before it blooms and displays its brilliantly white flower head. Native to South Africa, birds of paradise are fully hardy in the United States in USDA growing zones 9-11.

Best Locations For Growing Strelitzia Nicolai White Bird of Paradise

The bird of paradise makes a striking floor plant specimen for a bright corner of a living room, sunroom, or bedroom. Plant it in a bold architectural pot to show off the striking foliage. Strelitzia thrives outdoors during the summer months, where it may grow faster and be encouraged to bloom. An outdoor seating area sheltered by a pergola or awning during the hottest parts of the day is ideal.

Strelitzia Nicolai White Bird of Paradise Sunlight Requirements

Indirect bright light helps the bird of paradise grow steadily and maintain its deep green foliage color. Find a spot near a west-facing window or opposite a south-facing window. If adequate natural light is not available, LED or fluorescent grow lights can be used. Set the timer for 12 hours a day and rotate the plant if it starts to reach or lean toward the light.

Strelitzia Nicolai White Bird of Paradise Care

Plant the bird of paradise in a peat-free potting mix with added coconut coir and/or perlite to aid drainage and keep the soil structure loose and open. Once the plant is large enough to grow as a floor specimen, use a wide or heavy pot to offset the top-heavy growth of this plant. 

The bird of paradise blooms only when it is at least 5 years old, typically during March, April, or May. Plants growing in low light are much less likely to produce a flower stalk. Birds of paradise tolerate being moderately pot-bound as long as they are kept consistently watered.

Watering Strelitzia Nicolai White Bird of Paradise

Allow the potting medium to dry between waterings, even in spring and summer. The top 3-4 inches can dry fully, as long as the soil does not pull away from the sides of the pot. Plants in higher humidity settings will require far less watering than those grown in dry atmospheres. In winter, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks, depending on the amount of indoor humidity.

Feeding Strelitzia Nicolai White Bird of Paradise

As heavy feeders, birds of paradise thrive with fertilization every 2 weeks during the main growing seasons of spring and summer. Use a diluted liquid formula with a balanced NPK ratio. Once your plant matures, switch to a formulation designed for blooming houseplants, such as African violets or orchids. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter.

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