It's got two stories to grow into before we have to worry. It has a nice symmetrical shape and large oval-shaped canopy-type leaves. Out of this emerges two erect points that are the petals, surrounded by a fan of sepals (the petals’ protector), making the flower look like a bird’s spectacular plumage. The one below is in a 14-inch pot and it is staying there! Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant white bird of paradise) is an ornamental house plant. It’s tall banana-like leaves flutter in the breeze and create a true tropical effect. Strelitzia nicolai Synonyms: Giant White Bird of Paradise, Natal Strelitzia, Wild Strelitzia, Strelitzia nicholai. You can get away with growing a 'Giant White' Bird of Paradise when it's small for 1-2 years, but once it starts reaching maturity, symptoms of improper conditions will show. Strelitzia parvifolia var. You can even grow them in pots. There are five Strelitzia species, but only two are commonly grown as indoor plants: Strelitzia reginae (the orange bird of paradise) and Strelitzia nicolai (the white bird of paradise). Feed it fortnightly in spring and summer with liquid plant food, and water regularly. (right, or below) Close-up of Strelitzia reginae leaf.. Strelitzia nicolai leaves. It produces its stunning flowers most of the year – but especially so in winter - when conditions are perfect, which are a warm climate, a sunny spot with protection from midday sun, no frost, a rich, acidic, free-draining soil and plenty of water, although it is very hardy and can survive extended dry periods. For indoors, I would highly recommend going for the less common Reginae as they're much, much smaller and easy to manage if you have enough light. Once the flower heads die, I find it is best to grab the petiole as low to the ground as … The orange bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is orange-blooming with clumping leaves that shoot 3 to 5 feet from the crown. It may also be fertilizer burn if you've been using a synthetic and haven't flushed out the soil regularly. Flowers. -Strelitzia nicolai in the laundry room picture used by permission of an anonymous Garden Web photo donor. She is a self-taught plant generalist, urban forest bather and passionate pursuer of daily betterment. is a Toronto-based illustrator working, living and growing in a little home studio. juncea, Strelitzia reginae var. CARE: Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. It needs plenty of room because it grows in a clump about 1m wide. Unlike Strelitzia alba, the inflorescence of Strelitzia nicolai is compound.It is made up of not 1 but up to 5 Spathes (a spathe is a bract – a modified specialised leaf that appears different from the calyx or corolla). Strelitzia are heavy feeders and require regular fertilizing during growing season. Strelitzia nicolai: White Bird of Paradise 1. As bright as you can give it. You can have a bird of paradise whatever your garden situation. This is known as the giant bird of paradise because it can grow into a tree with multiple stems. Enjoy them as much as you can, but know the realities that they may suffer long term. The 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)-long leaves are grey-green and arranged like a fan at the top of the stems, similar to Ravenala madagascariensis. However, if you're experiencing tears on a new young leaf, your plant isn't getting bright enough light. It’s really hardy and tolerates hot summers and very mild frosts. It … juncea, Strelitzia teretifolia Too much water or not enough light. 99% of the Bird of Paradise I see for sale in Toronto are the 'Giant White' (Strelitzia nicolai) variety which aren't particularly house-friendly because they grow up to 30ft and can't be pruned to contain its size. The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals and a bluish-purple tongue. The white forms a tree 18 feet tall and the giant 30 feet tall. Bird of Paradise is a great indoor houseplant choice for filling a wide, tall, well-lit space. It’s also a much smaller plant, growing only to about 1.5m, and it’s slower growing, taking about three years to flower.The flowers are similar in colour to S. reginae, but a bit smaller. Strelitzia reginae has leaves that look like boat paddles, S. nicolai has leaves like a banana tree, while the leaves of S. juncea are curled around the stem so they look like skinny sticks. They look very similar when not … It does better in reduced indoor light than Reginae that grows best outdoors. Heliconia alba (basionym), Heliconia augusta, Strelitzia alba subsp. Since these are such large growers its best to separate them. Family Strelitziaceae . I kept it by a west-facing window then eventually moved it to a south-facing one. Synonyms Strelitzia alba subsp. How many people have 3-story high ceilings, really! It’s also a much smaller plant, growing only to about 1.5m, and it’s slower growing, taking about three years to flower.The flowers are similar in colour to S. reginae, but a bit smaller. These plants are very slow growing, putting out out a new leaf about once a month, sometimes even slower indoors. Strelitzia reginae was chosen as the very first Plant of the Week when this series began in July 2000 as the flower forms part of the Institute's logo. USE IN:As a feature in tropical-style garden settings. Five ways to add colour in your winter garden, The essential guide to Australian native plants. Otherwise, it's displaying wilt and needs to be watered. Satin Pothos vs. Philodendron Silver - Care. Jenny Dillon is the garden editor of Better Homes and Gardens. Also dust and wash the leaves regularly with a soft cloth. What you need to know about bird of paradise Name: bird of paradise, strelitzia , crane flower, bird’s tongue flower (Strelitzia reginae) Plant type: evergreen, forms a trunkless clump Height: to around 1.2m tall by 2–3m wide with age Foliage: similar to a small banana leaf but on a stem, very rigid, green to grey-blue. Brown edges (without a yellow halo) is often lack of humidity. Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird of Paradise) aka Wild Banana–though it does not produce edible fruit. They rarely perform well as houseplants, as the atmosphere tends to be too dry If the pot is big enough It can grow to 2 m / 6.6 ft tall, with large, tough banana like leaves 25–70cm / 9.8–28in long. Only a couple years later, you can see in this photo, it quickly started outgrowing my space. My theory as to why Strelitzia nicolai is so commonly available is because junior plants grow impressively large quickly and can be sold as the beautiful large houseplants we dream of. Allowing drying out inbetween until you gauge a schedule, and gradually introduce more light. So long as there isn't discolouration, it's perfectly normal. WillC said:Yours is probably Strelitzia alba or White Bird of Paradise. Reginae vs Nicolai varieties. If your garden is small, or you have just a courtyard, but long for a tropical theme, this is perfect. Check for pests along new growth, especially mealies that like to hide in crevices. Strelitzia juncea leaves (mature on left, immature on right). Incorporate a humidifier. Read more. You’ll need a large pot, at least 400mm wide, because it has a large root system. Watch the video below for a selection of indoor plants that are impossible to kill. If you do plant on homing a Strelitzia nicolai and don't have the space to accommodate for the eventual 30ft frame, treat them as passing guests. The flower structure is one of the most unusual in the plant kingdom. Of course most of us find out that we run out of light (or more often ceiling space) eventually. 1 Not that there's anything all that special about European civilization, not exactly. Strelitzia Nicolai Ornamental Plants , Find Complete Details about Strelitzia Nicolai Ornamental Plants,Strelitzia Reginae And Strelitzia Nicolai,Strelitzia Nicolai,Strelitzia Reginae from Aquatic Plants Supplier or Manufacturer-Foshan Greenworld Nursery Co., Ltd. This is the only plant on this list that is not tolerant of temperate region’s garden conditions. Description. “Strelitzia” - the journey of my “Giant White” Nicolai variety and some cautions. I was eventually able to remove the bamboo supports and prune the old etiolated petioles as new leaves emerged. Strelitzia nicolai, left; an edible banana plant in the Musaceae family, right. These can take a surprising amount of wind before the leaves will start shreding, however an exposed site, prone to constant wind would be best avoided. mzimvubuensis is another subspecies of S.reginae. (left) Leaves of normal Strelitzia reginae. Strelitzia juncea. Plant in rich, acidic, free-draining soil, water when required and give it slow-release fertiliser in spring and summer. The major difference with its new and current location is that the window is overhead, almost like a skylight but not quite. It is sometimes referred to as the Crane plant due to the flowers looking like the feathers on the head of a crane. Here’s how you choose. The differences between these confusingly similar plants. If you find the pot is adequately sized, ensure watering is thorough and deep and you aren't missing dry spots. Not particularly sensitive to humidity. When young, the leaves of S. juncea look like the broad ‘paddles’ of S. reginae but, as it matures, the leaves shrink until the stems look rush-like and quite striking. LOCATION: Plant in a full sun to partly shaded position in the garden. Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the giant white bird of paradise or wild banana, is a species of banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m (20 ft), and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m (11 ft).. White (Strelitzia alba) and giant (Strelitzia nicholai) bird of paradise bloom white. Give it some space and it will return the favour with loads of drama. There are three types of this South African native grown in Australia, and what makes them different are the shapes of their leaves. The base of the flower, which is shaped like a boat or a canoe and looks like the beak of a crane bird, is the bract, or modified leaf. The stems grow up to 2m, and the leaves are about 20cm long and 15cm wide. For indoors, I would highly recommend going for the less common Reginae as they're much, much smaller and easy to … A bonus is that the leaves won’t fall into your pool water. Sometimes the bract will produce more than one flower.

Diese südafrikanische Art wird selten in tropischen Parks und großen Gärten als Zierpflanze verwendet. Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the crane flower or bird of paradise, is a species of flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. Reginae produces yellow blooms and only grow to 6ft where as the aforementioned Nicolai grow to 30ft and adorn white flowers. This looks stunning as a feature plant in a structural landscape, such as part of a rockery, or by a swimming pool where, if you have the space, you can plant a mass of them so they line the length of the pool closest to your boundary. The new tender leaf starts as a vibrant chartreuse shade, then gradually turns a deep green. augusta, Strelitzia angusta, Strelitzia augusta You can also grow it in a pot in your home or office where it will add a dramatic, sculptural element to your interiors. It’s not hard for flowering plants to stick out in winter, but nothing stands out quite like the bird of paradise plant. Thrips will also cause curling of the leaves. Reginae produces yellow blooms and only grow to 6ft where as the aforementioned Nicolai grow to 30ft and adorn white flowers. APPEARANCE: Super sized clumping plant with large fronds and deep purple flowers featuring white centres. It doesn’t like frost or strong winds, but otherwise is very hardy. As a tough, reliable garden plant that offers a tropical feel this is a must have in northern New Zealand. 'Giant White' really takes its time: the unraveling of a new leaf can take literal months. I mean just look at the size of the specimen at Cloud Gardens! (middle) A narrower-leaved version, folded in a bit due to the dry climate. It is a trunk forming, clustering tree to 6m high with banana-like shiny green leathery leaves, having an obtuse base arranged in two ranks. -Both Strelitzia reginae pictures taken from the Wikipedia article on Strelitzia reginae. Along edges: even though I find Bird of Paradise to not be as sensitive to humidity, there is a limit to the dryness it can tolerate. White bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) and the classic orange bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) share similarities, family and even genus. They are widely cultivated around the world as an indoor plant, and are used frequently in warmer climates as garden plant. The stunning colour and shape of this plant make it a winter garden must-have.
Strelitzias are fairly tolerant of most soils, though extremely sandy, fast-draining soils in arid climates may necessitate increased irrigation frequency. Out of five species belonging to the genus, Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia reginae are commonly grown as houseplants. I use a balanced fertilizer (organic or synthetic is your choice) or top the soil with compost, mix in a slow release organic fertilizer, or worm castings. The distinctive bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae or Strelizia nicolai) is one of the best known of all the tropical flowers and is a cousin to the banana.Surprisingly, the bird of paradise is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. This is often accompanied by thin and long petioles which cannot support the weight, and bow down. Flower seeds contain toxic tannins and the leaves can contain hydrocyanic acid. As a tropical plant, S. reginae doesn’t tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Fortunately it's is easily kept under control. Similar to the pilea peperomioides, 'Giant Whites' are often grouped together to create a fuller look. Splotches over leaf surface: if you recently moved your plant to a sunnier spot without slowly acclimating it first, it may have received sun scorch. Other common names white bird of paradise . When I bought "Big Bird", my Bird of Paradise, it was only about 1.5ft high and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Although still not ideal, for indoors, this plant looks pretty darn good.
This plant is my favorite Strelitzia because I love weird plants. Know also that you'll have to repot them into extra larger and deep pots. But, if you want to keep them together, I recommend being slightly more heavy-handed with fertilizer than other houseplants and use it at full strength. Signs of poisoning will include labored breathing, eye … juncea, Strelitzia principis, Strelitzia reginae subsp. A large, evergreen, paddle-leaf shaped perennial which produces white and pale blue bird shaped flowers sitting in a dark purple- black bract. Strelitzia reginae is a native to the eastern coastlines of southern Africa, where it grows wild in patches that are sometimes miles across. Strelitiz reginae '' Mandela's Gold' is a form with yellow flowers. Fill the pot with quality potting mix and place it in a well-lit spot. Not enough light: the paddles will enlarge to maximize for photosynthesis. Bird of Paradise prefer the brightest spot you can give them: south-facing ideally. These plants need a lot of space to grow! If you provide good care and repot regularly, it can easily grow to well over 7 feet. The strelitzia reginae type of bird of paradise (pictured above) is extremely common around San Diego and toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson 2. Looking like one of the many fabulous birds of tropical Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the flamboyant flowers of the bird of paradise (Strelitzia spp, also called crane flowers) come in a shock of orange, yellow, blue and red against the from the tall, dense, grey-green or blue-green leaves. Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) aka Crane Flower in its native South Africa. Even with the south-facing window, under the brightest light I could give it, it didn't get enough light as only one side of the plant was lit. Plant in rich, acidic, free-draining soil, water when required and give it slow release fertiliser in spring and summer. Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price! S. reginae is very well known, and arguably the most common species (picture above). The best remedy to a slow leaf is simply patience. Common indoors, sometimes the new leaf can have tears which indicates a lack of sufficient light. There are five main species and varieties, although only Strelitzia Reginae and Strelitzia Nicolai are treated as houseplants. The Giant Bird of Paradise is a tropical-looking plant from Southern Africa. It's possible that it is pot bound if you've ruled out under-watering. It allows light to cascade at an angle atop the Bird of Paradise, allow more even lighting. For now, here is my experience with my own 'Giant White' Bird of Paradise, indoors, under average household conditions. White Bird of Paradise is most often planted for its large, banana-like leaves and upright, clumping stalks which give an exotic feel to the landscape. It'll allow your plant to grow more upright, and sturdy. nicolai. When young, the leaves of S. juncea look like the broad ‘paddles’ of S. reginae but, as it matures, the leaves shrink until the stems look rush-like and quite striking. Keep moist but tolerant of drying out. Strelitzia reginae is not hardy and requires a minimum winter night temperature of 10-12°C (50-54°F) They also prefer a humid atmosphere, which is why they tend to thrive and flower well in conservatories and glasshouses. If your new leaf is slow, just wait it out. The bract is green, often with touches of red or yellow while the petals and sepals are brilliant orange or red with a bright blue ‘tongue’. Pests! Totally normal: these leaves were designed to split to mitigate high winds, letting it pass through, Otherwise the plant would uproot! 3. Strelitzia grow new leaves from the centre and occasionally pups may form at the base. Introduction. The large gray-green leaves can easily be confused with its relative, the banana tree. Plant in rich, acidic, free-draining soil, water when required and give it slow-release fertiliser in spring and summer. The Giant Bird of Paradise is a stunning and hardy perennial with a strong architectural shape. Strelitzia nicolai - giant bird of paradise. Information on this velvety-soft algae and the fascinating myth behind it. The flower bract is dark blue and the petals and sepals are white, often with tinges of paler blue or deep pink. An evergreen perennial, it is widely cultivated for its dramatic flowers.In temperate areas it is a popular houseplant. S. nicolai; S. caudata; Strelizia reginae subsp. Her passion for gardening began in her mother’s huge vegetable patch and orchard in the country and now extends to the challenge of city plots, where the constraints are countered by the delights. Tropical Bird of Paradise: White vs. Orange. Often referred to as banana plant, since the leaves do have a very similar shape to those of a banana tree, Strelitzia is a much hardier choice to be kept as an indoor houseplant. White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) White bird of paradise is a considerably larger species in the Strelitzia genus, with flowers that closely resemble the traditional bird of paradise plant, but with white sepals forming the crown and a bluish-purple "tongue." Genus Strelitzia are evergreen perennials, forming a clump of long-stalked, linear to broadly oblong leaves, with stiff stems bearing beak-like bracts from which strikingly coloured flowers open in succession “Senecio rowleyanus” - Tips on keeping these notoriously fussy succulents happy indoors. Reaction to hot heat in the middle of the day (if curling goes away at night, there's nothing to worry about). Looking for some new indoor plants? Eventually I had to stake the plant otherwise the petioles would bow down to the ground. 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Illustrator working, living and growing in a full sun to partly shaded in.