Strelitzia ‘Nicolai’
Strelitzia ‘Nicolai’. The bird of paradise is one of the most spectacular tropical flowering plants, symbolising freedom, and joy. This beautiful flower is also known as Strelitzia and is native to South Africa, where it is also nicknamed the Crane Flower. An iconic plant with a striking architectural form.
Perfect a houseplant. What a feature.
Measurements
2 metres approximately including pot.
Pot 30cm by 25cm. FREE DELIVERY.
Colourful Characteristics
Bigger than the Reginae the ‘Nicolai’ has wonderful white and blue flowers, mirroring a tropical bird in flight. It’s these wonderful colours that make them of the world’s most dramatic and attractive plants. The leaves are a gorgeous glossy dark green colour, as they mature, they do naturally begin to split. This is a relatively low maintenance houseplant that offers a big impact. There are five Strelitzia species, but only two are commonly grown as indoor plants. The Strelitzia reginae (the orange bird of paradise) and Strelitzia nicolai (the white bird of paradise). These plants grow with upright leaves emerging directly from the soil and there is no trunk. The large leaves can range anywhere from 12 to 18 inches long.
How to care for your bird of paradise
This plant will thrive in bright light and can cope with a few hours of early morning or later afternoon sun. However, don’t place it right next to a window so you can avoid extremes of temperature. Ideally, they thrive in bathrooms and kitchens and south-facing rooms. Anywhere where they can reminisce of the tropical climate! The great thing about this plant that it can be kept indoors and outdoors. You can keep it as a house plant in the winter and then transfer it outside in the warmer summer months. For watering, during warmer weather ensure soil is kept moist but not soggy. In the cooler months allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Just make sure to not overwater as the roots can rot. Another great tip is to use a mist spray regularly to keep the plant continually hydrated.
Feeding and growth
These plants are very slow-growing, growing a new leaf about once a month, sometimes even slower indoors. The leaves can reach almost 2m long and once the plant reaches 2m in height, it can produce flowers. They are heavy feeders and require regular fertilising during the growing season. Try topping up the soil with compost and slow-release organic feed. Alternatively, you can feed it in the springtime with slow-release pellets or weekly during the growing season with liquid fertilizer.
The Bird of paradise plant is a relatively low maintenance plant that offers a really big impact.
