With its large , vibrant leaves and tropical feeling , the Strelitzia nicolai plant , also eff as the elephantine whitened bird of paradise , makes a sensational houseplant . Native to South Africa , this arching plant can rise up to 20 animal foot tall in its natural home ground but typically reaches 3 - 8 foot indoors .
Light Requirements
Strelitzia nicolai thrives in bright , unmediated light . These works favour at least 4 - 6 hours of unmediated southern , eastern , or western sun exposure every day . Insufficient light leads to small , drooping leave-taking and leggy growth .
set your bird of paradise in a sunny spot near a windowpane where it will get the vivid visible light in your home . Watch for sign of deficient light like excessive foliage splitting and slow growth . revolve the plant periodically for even sunshine reporting .
Watering
condition the soil wet before watering your Strelitzia nicolai . These industrial plant relish grunge that is moist but not soggy . reserve the top few inches of soil to dry out out between waterings then inebriate the pot completely until water drains from the bottom .
Aim to water when the top 50 % of the soil becomes ironic . The orotund leaves pledge up moisture , so your plant may want piddle every 5 - 7 day in brighter twinkle or less often in lower illumination . Never countenance the soil full dry out out .
Always pour off any urine that collects in the saucer to keep soggy soil . adept drain is central to forbid ascendent rot in these wet - do it plants .
Humidity
High humidity is a must for Strelitzia nicolai plants . Their tropic origins mean humidity of 60 % or above is idealistic . lead a humidifier nearby , mist the leaf often , and radical other plant together to boost moisture in the melodic phrase .
Low humidity make excessive leaf splitting and tip browning . Mist the leaves daily or several time a calendar week if your home ’s humidness is very dispirited . Setting the Mary Jane on a pebble tray also adds evaporative humidness .
Temperature
Daytime temperatures of 65 - 80 ° fluorine and above 50 ° F at night befit the Strelitzia nicolai best . Avoid draughty areas as these plant dislike frigid and fluctuating temperatures . Move away from air vent , door , windows , or air conditioning .
If temperatures set down much below 60 ° F , you may see slowed emergence . Over 80 ° F can also stress the plant . Stable indoor temperature keep your bird of paradise happiest .
Soil
Use a well - draining potting intermixture for Strelitzia nicolai works . A lineament potting soil containing perlite , barque , peat moss , and compost materials furnish the fast drain these plants need .
you may also amend regular potting soil with perlite , orchid bark , or horticultural charcoal . The end is a loose , airy mix that wo n’t get waterlogged . permit the top few in dry between lachrymation .
Re - deal every 2 years into a container just 2 - 4 inches larger . These plants like being more or less potbound . Too large a mass curb redundant wet .
Fertilizer
Feed your genus Strelitzia nicolai with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 - 4 calendar week during spring and summer . Dilute to half strength and implement when water your plant . Look for a nitrogen - morning star - K or NPK ratio like 10 - 10 - 10 .
These heavy feeders thrive with steady fertilizer . you may use an all - aim houseplant formula or something specifically for flowering plant . Stop fertilize in fall and wintertime when growth slow down .
Pruning
Remove any beat , damaged , or unsightly leaves at the base as involve to keep a healthy appearance . Healthy green leave can also be trimmed to concentrate the overall sizing and manageableness of your plant .
Pruning is specially helpful for leggy industrial plant to encourage bushier unexampled ontogenesis . Cut the stems back above leaf nodes or emerge bud . Wipe pruning shears with alcohol between cuts to prevent disease spread .
Common Issues
know how to name and plow potential problems will keep your bird of paradise expand :
Drooping leaves – From too little water or humidness . Increase both .
leafage tip browning – Due to low humidness . Mist leaves often .
foliage splitting – make by low humidity or inconsistent watering . Increase humidity and water good .
Few new leaves – Not enough sunlight . Rotate plant life or move to a brighter localization .
Leggy development – Needs more lightheaded . Prune leggy parts and move to a sunnier spot .
source decomposition – Overwatering number . Allow soil to part dry out before watering .
Propagation
you could circulate Strelitzia nicolai plants from seed or by dividing the rhizomes when re - potting . Here ’s how to get young plants for free :
Division – Gently separate rooted shoot from the main works . Re - plant life in a small pot .
source – Use invigorated ripe ejaculate from a bloom seedcase . Sow in moist germ starting mix . Keep tender .
Suckers – Remove suckers or pups growing off the principal stem . Pot separately in seedling mix .
Misting and warmth serve new divisions , seeds , and suckers take root quicker . Keep them moist but not intoxicate as they lay down . Pot up plants once several Modern leaves emerge .
Varieties
There are a few motley of this large , white boo of paradise mintage :
Strelitzia nicolai – The coarse whitened bird of paradise houseplant . Grows up to 20 feet marvelous !
Strelitzia nicolai ‘ Gigantea ’ – A cultivated variety with even larger leaves growing up to 4 feet long .
Strelitzia ‘ Mandela ’s Gold ’ – A loan-blend with chickenhearted and white variegate parting . Slower mature .
FAQs
Get extra response to common question about like for these formal plants .
How often do I water Strelitzia nicolai?Water deeply whenever the top few inch of dirt become dry . let the soil to partially dry out between waterings .
What size pot does a Strelitzia nicolai need?Use a container 2 - 4 inches wider than the current nursery potbelly . These plant like being moderately rootbound .
Where should I place my Strelitzia houseplant?Give it the brightest light in your place , near a Dixie - face window if potential . Rotating for even sun is helpful .
Why are the leaves splitting on my bird of paradise?Low humidity causes the leaves to split and dry out out on the edge . Mist and use a humidifier to increase humidness to 60 % or above .
How do I get my Strelitzia to flower indoors?These plant rarely flower as houseplants . Very bright igniter , gross precaution , and maturity may coax blossom , but it ’s uncommon indoors . Enjoy the foliage .
Bring the Tropics Indoors
A bit of industry to provide shiny light , frequent humidity , warm temperature , and quick drainage will help this South African native thrive indoors . Your bird of paradise will reinforce you with huge , vivacious parting and a unique tropic facial expression .
Things Not To Do
Do n’t overwater your works or get it sit around in weewee . Always check the bottom of the ceramic and pour any supernumerary water away . If you irrigate too much , brown spot may appear on the folio . If you irrigate too small , dry , brown leaf edges may come out .
Avoid dark corners or too much tad , as this will slow down maturation . Also , do n’t put your works near a radiator or in a draft , as this could dry out out the leaves too quickly .
It ’s not common for the plant to bloom outside of its natural habitat , unlike Bird of Paradise bring down flower . This plant necessitate at least six hours of sunlight a day to bloom .
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Strelitzia Nicolai Care Guide
The Strelitzia Nicolai is , without a doubt , one of our favourite plants here at The Little Botanical . With vast glossy leaves , it ’s a stunning indoor industrial plant that flourishes with a bit of TLC .
The industrial plant is also called the Crane Flower , the Bird of Paradise , and the Wild Banana Plant . It ’s a cousin of the banana , which is why it looks so standardized .
interpret more over on our web log : The Beautiful Bird of Paradise | Strelitzia
irrigate your plant life once a week or when the top layer of soil is dry
Increase humidity in the winter months when the heating is on and the melody is drier
Position in a bright blot but avoid direct sunlight
The Strelitzia Nicolai is happiest when most of its soil is dampish . Before watering , only allow the top level of stain dry out first . you’re able to see this by dipping your finger’s breadth about two inches into the dirt . Aim to irrigate your plant once a week- 10 days count on the meter of year . Before you water again , please check to see if the top bed of soil is still wet . If it is , give it a few more days .
Your hoot of paradise enjoy plenty of sunlight , so place it somewhere bright and cheery . In the midsection of summer , do n’t have the leafage get too much Sunday . They could get fire and turn brown .
The Strelitzia does best when there is more humidity , so mist your plant when the air is teetotal and the heat is on in the winter .
Do n’t vex if you acknowledge your works ’s leaves splitting at the ends . In the wilderness , this is normal and happens all the fourth dimension . It allow luminousness reach the lower office of the plant .
To encourage even growth , we recommend rotating your flora monthly , so all parts of the plant receive light .
disperse those big paddle shaped leave . The plant life will be happiest being able-bodied to absorb as much light as potential .
If you eat this plant , it could be harmful , so keep it away from kids and pets that are curious .
