Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise plant)
The Strelitzia plant, also known as the bird of paradise flower, is one of the most exclusive flowering houseplants. The Strelitzia plant, also known as the bird of paradise flower, is...
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Strelitzia plants: for a tropical home
The Strelitzia, also known as the bird of paradise, is a beautiful houseplant loved for its large, robust leaves and its tropical look. This plant naturally has big green leaves with splits, ripples and sometimes brown patches, all of which give it a lush, exotic character. The Strelitzia is a wonderful way to bring a tropical mood into your home.
Where does the bird of paradise come from?
The Strelitzia comes originally from South Africa, where it grows in tropical and subtropical regions. A nice bit of trivia: the name 'Strelitzia' comes from Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of England. The Strelitzia was named in honour of Charlotte's connection with the botanical world.
Can a Strelitzia flower?
One particular species, the Strelitzia Reginae , can flower! It doesn't happen with every plant, though, and flowering comes only after at least 5-8 years of care. The flowers are a striking orange with blue accents and can reach 20 cm across. Flowering happens mainly in autumn, and it is important to move the plant somewhere cooler in winter to encourage it.
Is the Strelitzia toxic?
The bird of paradise is toxic to both people and pets if swallowed. The sap in the stems contains substances such as saponins and calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested. So keep the plant well away from small children and pets. Happily, there are plenty of pet-friendly houseplants at Green Bubble to choose from instead!
What kinds of Strelitzia are there?
There are several kinds of Strelitzia. Here are the three most popular:
- Strelitzia Nicolai: this variety has large green leaves with subtle splits. It is a beautiful, full-growing plant that gives any room a tropical feel.
- Strelitzia Augusta: this sturdy variety has one thick trunk with several large leaves growing out of it. The leaves naturally show large splits and brown edges.
- Strelitzia Reginae: the Reginae has narrow, pointed leaves that grow on separate stems, which gives it a distinctive look. It is also the only one that can produce flowers, though that is never guaranteed.
How do you choose the perfect Strelitzia?
When you are choosing the perfect bird of paradise, these are the points to bear in mind:
- Space: think about how much room you have for the plant. The Strelitzia Nicolai, for instance, is a larger, wider-spreading plant that needs plenty of space, while the Strelitzia Reginae is a more compact variety.
- Light: make sure you know how much light your plant needs. The Strelitzia needs a lot of sunlight, so a spot by a south-facing window is ideal.
- Time for care: if you haven't much time to look after your plant, the Strelitzia Reginae is a good choice, because it needs less water than the larger species.
Want to be sure you're making the right choice? Then make use of our Personal Plantshopper! Send our Personal Plantshopper a message and you'll receive photos of the Strelitzias we have in stock. We'd be delighted to help you choose the perfect plant for your home.
Caring for the bird of paradise
The Strelitzia is an easy plant to look after. These tips will keep it looking its best!
- Watering: water the plant regularly in summer, but make sure the soil isn't too wet in winter. Always keep the soil slightly moist. Use a moisture meter if you like, certainly if the plant has been repotted.
- Light: put the Strelitzia somewhere sunny, ideally by a south-facing window, as the plant needs plenty of sunlight.
- Feeding: feed the bird of paradise once a month from March to September with Strelitzia food or houseplant food. From September to March you don't feed it at all.
- Repotting: repot the Strelitzia when the roots fill the pot, or when the plant starts leaning to one side. That gives the roots more room and keeps the plant healthy.
On the Strelitzia care page you can read more about looking after this beautiful houseplant!
Common problems with the Strelitzia
The bird of paradise can suffer from various ailments, such as mealybug. These pests are easy to deal with by wiping them away with a damp cloth or dabbing them gently with methylated spirits. Don't leave pests untreated for long, because they can damage your plant quickly. You can read more about mealybug in our detailed blog post.
Buying a bird of paradise at Green Bubble
Are you looking for a beautiful bird of paradise? Then Green Bubble is the place to come! At Green Bubble we work directly with growers, so we can guarantee how fresh our houseplants are.
Would you like to pick out your own Strelitzia? You can! Send our Personal Plantshopper a WhatsApp message and you'll receive photos of the plants we have available. We deliver your bird of paradise straight to your home, as far as the first front door at ground level.
Easy ordering and gorgeous plants, that's what Green Bubble stands for. Fancy buying a large Strelitzia? Join our Green Bubble!
