Strelitzia Reginae

Beautiful Strelitzia Reginae plants

The Strelitzia Reginae, also known as the bird of paradise plant, is a striking plant native to South Africa. This plant is part of the Strelitzia family, but stands out because it is the only species that can grow flowers. These spectacular flowers resemble the head of a bird of paradise, with vibrant colours and a unique shape. Moreover, the Strelitzia Reginae has distinct stems, each with its own leaves, giving the plant a full and lush appearance. With its exotic charm, this plant brings a touch of tropical splendour to any interior.

What is the difference between a Strelitzia Reginae and Nicolai?

The Strelitzia Reginae and the Strelitzia Nicolai are both beautiful members of the Strelitzia family, but they differ in some important ways. For instance, the leaves of the Strelitzia Nicolai are much larger and these plants often grow from a number of cuttings, creating a lush and full appearance. In contrast, Strelitzia Reginae has smaller, pointed leaves, each growing from its own stem, giving the plant a more streamlined and elegant shape.

The most striking difference is the flowering. At around seven years of age, Strelitzia Reginae can produce the iconic bird of paradise flowers. However, these colourful flowers are not guaranteed as flowering depends on the conditions in which the plant grows.

How big can a Strelitzia Reginae grow?

The Strelitzia Reginae remains relatively compact compared to other members of the Strelitzia family, such as the Strelitzia Nicolai or the Strelitzia Augusta, which can grow considerably larger. This difference is because the leaves of the Strelitzia Nicolai are top-heavy and droop, which automatically makes the plant wider and more voluminous. This is not the case with the Strelitzia Reginae, as the leaves stand firmly on their stems. This ensures that the plant maintains a more upright and elegant shape. Nevertheless, even the Strelitzia Reginae can grow large and full, with a leaf length of about 1.2 metres, making the plant remain a lush and eye-catching feature.

When will my Strelitzia Reginae get flowers?

The Strelitzia Reginae can get flowers when it is about five to seven years old, provided it has been grown under the right conditions. As mentioned earlier, it is never a guarantee that your Strelitzia will flower. Here are some factors that can contribute to flowering:

Age: the plant should be mature, which is usually around five to seven years old.
Light: make sure there is enough bright light. The plant needs at least four to six hours of sunlight a day to flower.
Water: keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Let the top layer of the soil dry out between waterings.
Temperature: keep the temperature between 18-25°C. Protect the plant from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes.
Nutrition: fertilise the plant regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a special plant nutrition.
Space: give the plant enough room to grow. Repot if necessary to avoid root suffocation.

Please note: even under ideal conditions, flowering can vary and remains a natural process with no absolute guarantees.

Is the Strelitzia Reginae poisonous?

Like all other Strelitzias, the Reginae is mildly toxic when ingested. The sap from the stems and leaves can cause irritation and ingesting the leaves can cause health problems. It is therefore important to be extra careful with small children and curious pets. For safe choices, check out our collection of animal-friendly houseplants.

Caring for a Strelitzia Reginae

Fortunately, the Strelitzia Reginae is not a demanding houseplant. Although it doesn't need much care, there are some important points to consider. Because of its origin from warm areas, the bird of paradise plant grows best at a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and above. This robust houseplant likes plenty of sunlight and thrives well in moist soil.

Watering the Strelitzia Reginae

The Strelitzia Reginae likes slightly moist soil, especially during the summer months when it receives a lot of sunlight and absorbs water faster. However, it is important not to overwater, as excess water can lead to root rot. In summer and spring, watering once a week is sufficient in most cases, the plant is then in its growing season. In winter and autumn, the plant is in its dormant period and needs less water, once every fortnight is sufficient in most situations.

It is also a good idea to occasionally spray the large leaves with a plant sprayer. This not only helps to remove dust, but also increases the humidity around the plant and prevents the emergence of pests.

Choosing the perfect location

The Strelitzia Reginae does best in a spot with plenty of light, preferably near a south-facing window. Without enough daylight, the plant cannot grow optimally and the leaves may become less attractive. So make sure you give your Strelitzia Reginae a nice spot where it can shine brightly and develop well.

Feeding the Strelitzia Reginae

The Strelitzia Reginae gets the best results if you feed the plant during the spring and summer months. Use houseplant nutrition for this purpose. In winter, when the plant enters a dormant period, it is important not to feed it. Too many nutrients can then be harmful.

Pruning the Strelitzia Reginae

You can prune your Strelitzia Reginae as soon as the leaves start to show signs of ageing. Usually, the lower leaves are the oldest and begin to lose their freshness. Cut these leaves with sharp scissors or pruning shears as close to the stem as possible. Take care as the sap of the Strelitzia Reginae can be irritating. Wear gloves and be careful while pruning.

Repotting a Strelitzia Reginae

It is important to know when to repot your Strelitzia Reginae. If you notice the plant growing out of the pot and becoming unstable, it is time to repot. When doing so, use suitable materials, such as a waterproof inner sleeve, filling castrat and a moisture meter or water gauge. Choose a new ornamental pot that is about 20% larger than the current one, so that your Strelitzia Reginae has enough room to continue growing and develop comfortably.

Fight diseases and pests

While no plant is completely immune to pests, you can reduce the chances of problems in your Strelitzia Reginae by regularly spraying the leaves with water. This helps keep unwanted insects at bay and contributes to the overall health of your plant. If you do find that your Strelitzia Reginae is dealing with a persistent pest, we are here to help with expert advice and tips. Feel free to contact us for pest control support to keep your plant in top condition and growing beautifully.

Order a Strelitzia Reginae at Green Bubble

Looking for a Strelitzia Reginae? At Green Bubble, we work closely with reliable growers to always offer fresh and beautiful houseplants. We are committed to quality and strive daily to deliver healthy and high-quality plants to our customers. You can easily order your Strelitzia Reginae from our user-friendly website! With our Personal Plantshopper option, you can choose the perfect Strelitzia Reginae for you via WhatsApp based on photos.

At Green Bubble, order your Strelitzia Reginae directly from our webshop and we'll take care of delivery right to your front door. Experience the convenience of buying plants online with Green Bubble.