Up to 8 metres tall in nature
In South Africa, Strelitzia Nicolai and Augusta grow up to 6 to 8 metres tall in the wild. In the living room it usually stays between 1.5 and 3 metres.
Strelitzia
Strelitzia
Everything you need to know about the Strelitzia. Types and differences, origin, complete care, beautiful locations, and our XXL collection all in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Strelitzia is a tropical plant from South Africa, also known as the bird of paradise plant
- Three popular varieties: Nicolai (large), Reginae (flowering), and Augusta (medium-sized)
- Prefers a bright spot with indirect sunlight and regular watering in summer
- Non-toxic upon contact, but best kept away from pets that might nibble on it
- Only blooms after 5 to 8 years of growth, especially the indoor Reginae
- Repot every 2 to 3 years, fertilize during growing season
About this Strelitzia planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Strelitzia that you may not have known yet.
Flowers that resemble a bird of paradise
The Strelitzia Reginae owes its name to its exotic orange-and-blue flowers, which look strikingly like a bird of paradise in flight. Hence the nickname bird of paradise plant.
Named after Queen Charlotte
The scientific name Strelitzia is a tribute to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, queen consort of the United Kingdom in the 18th century.
Strelitzia types and differences
Strelitzia Nicolai
The Nicolai is by far the largest of the group. Indoors it easily reaches 2 to 3 metres, with huge banana-like leaves 60 to 80 centimetres across. A true statement plant for large spaces.
Strelitzia Reginae
The Reginae stays more compact and produces the iconic orange bird of paradise flowers. Perfect for smaller living rooms, apartments or a sunny conservatory.
Strelitzia Augusta
The Augusta is the stylish middle ground. Slimmer, more elegant leaves than the Nicolai and a more compact stem. It suits interiors with a refined design vibe.
Top 5 Strelitzia
Onze favoriete planten voor een Strelitzia interieur, gekozen door onze stylingexperts. Met per plant de reden waarom hij werkt.
Voeg top planten toe via het pillar_top_plants metafield op deze pagina.
Strelitzia care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Strelitzia healthy.
- 1
Watergift
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of soil feel dry. In spring and summer about once a week, in autumn and winter once every ten to fourteen days. Use lukewarm water and always let excess water drain away; no waterlogging.
- 2
Light and location
A true sun worshipper. Place it in a bright room with a few hours of direct sun. South or south-west is ideal. Turn the plant a quarter turn every two weeks for even growth.
- 3
Bemesting
During the growing season from March to September, feed every two weeks with houseplant food diluted as per the packaging. A high-nitrogen feed works best. No feed in autumn and winter.
- 4
Verpotten
Repot every two to three years in spring into a pot four to six centimetres larger in diameter. Use airy, free-draining compost, for example houseplant compost with perlite or bark. Ensure good drainage.
- 5
Luchtvochtigheid
Mist the leaves once a week with a plant sprayer or place a dish of water beside the plant. Avoid a spot right next to a radiator or heat source, as that dries out the leaf tips.
Frequently asked questions about the Strelitzia
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Strelitzia.
How big does a Strelitzia get indoors?
A Strelitzia grows 1 to 3 metres tall indoors, depending on the species. The Nicolai reaches 2 to 3 metres, the Augusta about 2 to 2.5 metres and the Reginae stays more compact at around 1 to 1.5 metres. At XXLplant our Strelitzia specimens already start at an impressive size.
Does a Strelitzia bloom indoors?
Yes, a Strelitzia can flower indoors, especially the Reginae species. With enough light and good care the Reginae usually produces its familiar orange bird-of-paradise flowers after 5 to 8 years. The Nicolai and Augusta rarely or never flower indoors and owe their appeal to their imposing foliage.
Is a Strelitzia toxic to pets?
Yes, according to the ASPCA the Strelitzia is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. If eaten it can cause stomach and intestinal upset. Place it somewhere safe or deliberately choose other plants if in doubt.
How much light does a Strelitzia need?
A Strelitzia needs plenty of light, at least a few hours of direct or bright indirect sunlight a day to stay large and healthy. Preferably place it in a south-, south-west- or west-facing position close to a window so the leaves can unfurl fully.
How often should I water my Strelitzia?
A Strelitzia needs water about once a week in summer and every ten to fourteen days in winter. Only water when the top 2 to 3 centimetres of soil feel dry. Better slightly too little than too much, as waterlogging leads to root rot.
Can I put my Strelitzia outside in summer?
Yes, a Strelitzia can stand outside in summer, provided it gradually gets used to stronger sun and is not in strong wind. Bring it in as soon as nights drop below 10 degrees; the plant is not hardy and freezes quickly.
Why are my Strelitzia's leaves splitting?
Splitting of Strelitzia leaves is entirely natural and no sign of damage. In its native habitat the leaves split along the veins to let wind pass through without the plant toppling over. It is a normal feature of a healthy, mature plant.
Does a Strelitzia purify the air?
Yes, a Strelitzia contributes to a healthier indoor climate through photosynthesis and by raising humidity. All large foliage plants contribute positively to indoor air quality by releasing oxygen and trapping dust on their leaves.
How much light does a Strelitzia need?
A Strelitzia needs at least 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight a day to stay healthy. The Reginae even tolerates direct morning sun, while the Nicolai and Augusta prefer light shade in the harsh midday sun. In too little light the plant grows limp and will not flower.
Which Strelitzia suits a small living room?
The Strelitzia Reginae is the best fit for small living rooms, as it stays compact at between 1 and 1.5 metres. The Nicolai and Augusta grow much larger and suit more spacious living rooms or conservatories with high ceilings.
How long does a Strelitzia live?
With good care a Strelitzia can live 50 years or longer. In the wild they easily reach half a century; indoors lifespan depends on light, water and regular repotting. Many specimens at XXLplant are already years old on arrival.
Why is my Strelitzia curling its leaves?
Strelitzia leaves curl up from lack of water or low humidity. First check whether the root ball is completely dry and, if so, water generously. Also mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby for a tropical climate.
How much does a large Strelitzia cost in the Netherlands?
A large Strelitzia of 150 to 200 cm costs between 100 and 300 euros at XXLplant, depending on species, age and number of stems. More compact specimens of around 1 metre start at about 50 euros.
Can a Strelitzia stand in the shade?
No, a Strelitzia needs plenty of light and does poorly in full shade. In a shady room growth stops, leaves go limp and the plant will not flower. Place it no more than 2 to 3 metres from a large east-, south- or west-facing window.
Hoe vaak moet ik mijn Strelitzia verpotten?
Repot your Strelitzia every 2 to 3 years in spring, preferably in March or April. Choose a pot 4 to 6 centimetres wider than the current one, use airy compost for green plants and do not feed for the first 6 weeks.
Plant concepts explained
- Bract
- The leaf-like sheath around the flower that looks like a bird of paradise's beak
- Huidmondjes
- Microscopic openings in the leaf through which the plant breathes and evaporates water
- Krommingsfase
- Period shortly after repotting in which the plant adjusts to its new pot
- Rhizoom
- The underground stem from which the Strelitzia grows its leaves
- Stoma
- Scientific term for stomata, involved in gas exchange and transpiration
- Variegatie
- White or yellow patterns on leaves, caused by reduced chlorophyll production
Resources and further reading
-
SANBI, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Official description of the Strelitzia by the South African National Biodiversity Institute
-
Wageningen University Research
Scientific publication on the vegetative propagation of Strelitzia reginae
-
Wikipedia, Strelitzia
General encyclopedia information about the Strelitzia family
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