White Bird of Paradise Plant (Strelitzia nicolai) Care Indoors, Propagation, Problems & Remedies
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Strelitzia nicolai also called White Bird of Paradise Plant or Giant Bird of Paradise Plant is among popular flowering plants on account of its large, paddle-shaped, grey-green leaves, arranged like a fan at the top of the stems.
Giant Bird of Paradise is frost-tender below 00C and is suited for the warmer climates. In the US, the plant is a common landscape plant in California and Florida where there is no threat of frost. It is ideal for USDA zones 10-11.
In colder climates, White Bird of Paradise is grown as an indoor plant or in containers which can be taken inside during the harsh winter weather where they can be sheltered from frost.
White Bird of Paradise Plant is a clumping plant which requires a large space to grow away from buildings as the roots are invasive.
Botanical name: Strelitzia nicolai
Family: Streltiziaceae
Common names: White Bird of Paradise Plant, Giant Bird of Paradise Plant, Wild Banana
Origin
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird of Paradise Plant) is native to the evergreen coastal forest and thickets of eastern South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It has been naturalized in eastern Mexico.
Size
Giant Bird of Paradise Plant is among tree-like plants which can grow to a height of about 20-30 feet and 6-10 feet wide outdoors and in its natural habitat. Indoors, it grows to about 6-7 feet high and about 3-5 feet wide.
White Bird of Paradise Plant is one of the large-leafed plants, with evergreen, large leaves which are about 3.5 feet wide, making it perfect for the large spaces in the home, office and other places.
Flower
Giant Bird of Paradise Plant inflorescence comprises of dark-blue bract, white sepals and a bluish-purple 'tongue'. The plant may take up to 4-5 years to mature and begin blooming. The flowers develop into triangular seed capsules.
The inflorescence is about 7 inches high by 18 inches long and is held at a point above where the leaf fan emerges from the stem. On account of its spectacular blooms, Strelitzia nicolai is a popular flowering plant for the indoors.
Symbolism
White Bird of Paradise flower symbolizes joy, freedom, excitement, anticipation and paradise. The flower also represents love, faithfulness and thoughtfulness. It is the official flower of the 9th wedding anniversary in Hawaiian culture.
Is Strelitzia nicolai poisonous?
Yes. Strelitzia nicolai is mildly toxic to humans and pets. If ingested, it can cause mouth and stomach irritation. Keep the plant away from children and pets.
Related Plants
Popular plants that are related to Strelitzia nicolai are Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise Plant) with vivid bright orange and blue flowers, and Traveller's Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) which is one of the most spectacular plants for home growing.
Where to Buy
White Bird of Paradise Plants are a great addition to any plant collection. You may obtain these plants online from Amazon (Link to Amazon) or from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How to Care for Strelitzia nicolai Indoors
To care for Strelitzia nicolai indoors, provide bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunshine, warmth of 18-270C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
White Bird of Paradise Plant requires repotting every 3 years when pot-bound as it blooms best when the roots are confined. Pruning is needed to keep the plant neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Keep on reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Water Requirements
How often should I water Strelitzia nicolai?
Water Strelitzia nicolai deeply in spring and summer to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and drooping leaves.
Decrease watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist since growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a long period of time as underwatering can lead to wilting, drooping, yellowing and browning of tips and edges.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant as it can result in stunted growth. The water should also be chlorine-free to prevent brown, speckled leaf marks.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil drains easily to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to root-rot, indicated by yellowing and drooping leaves.
Light Requirements
Does Strelitzia nicolai need direct sunlight?
Yes. Strelitzia nicolai grows best in bright light with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine; place it next to a very bright window or in a brightly-lit spot.
If the plant does not get adequate light, it will grow slowly and will not bloom. Where the natural light is too low, use full spectrum grow lights to increase it.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent lopsided growth.
Outdoors White Bird of Paradise can be grown in direct sunlight but it needs to be protected from hot midday sunshine. Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight before acclimating it to prevent scorching (brown leaf spots). It is among the sun-loving plants for the sunny locations.
Temperature & Humidity
White Bird of Paradise Plant thrives in a warmth of 18-270C with a minimum of 130C. Keep it away from sources of drafts like hot air vents, radiators, heaters, windy doors and others, to prevent temperature changes which can lead to stunted growth, drooping and yellowing leaves.
Strelitzia nicolai prefers a humidity of 60-70%. Low humidity will result in brown leaf tips and edges. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to elevate humidity. Maintain proper ventilation to discourage fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Strelitzia nicolai with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season to promote flowering. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time therefore the plant does not need it. Excess feeding can result in brown speckled leaf markings.
Regularly, flush out excess salts (which may have arisen from the water or fertilizers) by running a steady stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times.
Potting Soil
The best potting soil for White Bird of Paradise Plant should be acidic, rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent sogginess. A combination of 50% potting soil, 30% peat moss or coco coir and 20% perlite is good for this plant.
Repotting
Repot the young Strelitzia nicolai at the beginning of the growing season in a pot one size larger to provide adequate space for growth. The mature plants require repotting every 3 years as the plant prefers to be root-bound as it enhances flowering.
Use a pot with a drainage hole and free-draining soil to prevent sogginess which can lead to root-rot. Take a look at these pots with multi mesh drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning & Maintenance
Pruning White Bird of Paradise Plant involves removal of dead blooms and yellow leaves to maintain the plant neat as well as discourage pest and disease infestations. Cut the dead leaves at the base with sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
Always use sterilized tools to prune your plants to minimize cross-contamination. Ensure that the cutting tool is sharp enough inorder to make clean cuts to avoid unnecessary injuries which can lead to disease infestations.
Once in a while, clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust to ensure adequate surface area for light absorption and also minimize pests infestation.
Strelitzia nicolai Outdoor Care
- Strelitzia nicolai can be grown outdoors in the warm climates (USDA Zones 10-11) where there is no threat of frost, though it can tolerate upto -20C for a short period without much damage.
- Grow the plant in full sun to light shade. However, protect the plant from harsh hot sunshine to prevent scorching (brown leaf spots).
- Where the summers are very hot, grow Strelitzia nicolai in a shaded spot or in containers which can be easily moved to a shaded area when the sun is too hot.
- Position the plant in a sheltered place away from strong winds as they cause the leaves to be torn and ragged.
- Ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils as they retain too much water which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
- For optimum growth, keep the soil consistently moist through out the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Cut down on watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is reduced at this time.
- Fertilize the plant with a phosphorous-rich, fertilizer monthly during the growing season to enhance flowering.
- Withhold fertilizer in the cold season as growth is reduced at this time and excess fertilizer can lead to salts buildup in the soil.
- Provide adequate space for plant as it is a large clumping plant. Keep it away from buildings as the roots are invasive.
Strelitzia nicolai Propagation
White Bird of Paradise Plant is propagated at the beginning of the growing season by plant division at repotting time or by seeds germination.
Propagating White Bird of Paradise by plant division
- During repotting, divide a large plant into several sections while ensuring each divison has some roots to hasten establishment.
- Pot the sections in moist, free-draining soil in individual pots. Ensure that the crown of the sections is above the soil level to prevent rotting.
- Position the pots in a well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist until when new growth emerges on the sections.
- Once the new plants are well established, transplant them into pots one size larger and begin routine care.
Growing White Bird of Paradise Plant from seeds
- Sow the seeds about 0.5-1 inch deep in moist, free-draining soil.
- Cover the set up with clear polythene to create warm, humid conditions to hasten germination and establishment of the plants.
- Place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist thorough out and avoid soggy soil to prevent rotting.
- Germination should occur in about 8 weeks. Allow the new plants to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
Strelitzia nicolai Problems & Solutions
White Bird of Paradise Plant problems are plant dying, lack of blooms, yellow leaves, drooping leaves & stems, brown leaf tips & edges, pests among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Plant dying
Why is my Strelitzia nicolai dying?
Your Strelitzia nicolai is dying due to root-rot which is promoted by soggy soil. The disease is characterized by general yellowing and browning accompanied by rotting followed by plant collapse.
How to fix it
- Slip the plant out of its pot, wash off the soil and inspect the roots.
- Cut away brown-black, mushy roots as they indicate root-rot. In addition, cut away any stems showing any signs of rot.
- Treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicide as indicated by the manufacturer.
- Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant in fresh soil.
- Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent soil sogginess.
- Water the plant with the fungicidal solution and position it in a warm, well-lit spot.
- Stop watering until new growth appears, avoid overwatering and soggy soil thereafter.
Lack of blooms
Lack of blooms on White Bird of Paradise Plant is caused by too little light, nutrients deficiency, dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil or temperature stress.
How to fix it
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with 6-8 hours of sunshine or instal grow lights if the natural lighting is not enough.
Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant monthly with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer in the growing season.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together to raise humidity.
Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out and do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a prolonged period.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, open doors, drafty windows, hot air vents, heat sources among others.
Yellow leaves
Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Strelitzia nicolai are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, low light, dry air or salts buildup.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry to touch; do not water on a schedule.
Soggy soil: Use a well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like open doors, drafty windows, hot air vents, AC units, heat sources among others.
Low light: Position the plant in bright light with 6-8 hours of sunshine or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Dry air: Group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use cool mist humidifier to upscale humidity.
Salts buildup: Occasionally, leach out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage hole.
Drooping leaves & stems
Drooping leaves and stems on White Bird of Paradise Plant are caused by low humidity, incorrect watering, soggy soil, drafts or pests infestations.
How to fix it
Low humidity: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to heighten humidity.
Incorrect watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Drafts: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like hot air vents, AC units, heat sources, open doors, drafty windows among others.
Pests infestations: Regularly inspect the plant for pests and take timely control measures.
Brown leaf tips & edges
Brown leaf tips on White Bird of Paradise Plant are caused by dry air or underwatering.
How to fix it
Dry air: To increase humdity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Underwatering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Brown leaf spots
Brown leaf spots on White Bird of Paradise Plant are scorching marks due to exposing the plant to hot direct sunlight before acclimating it.
How to fix it
Gradually acclimate the plant before exposing it to hot direct sunshine. Move it to a slightly brighter spot every so often until when it can withstand direct sunshine.
Brown speckled leaf markings
Brown speckled leaf markings on White Bird of Paradise are caused by salts buildup from the water used or from overfertilizing.
How to fix it
To get rid of these excess salts, run a steady stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage holes.
Pests
Common pests of White Bird of Paradise Plant are spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and scale insects which are more common in dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Seperate the infested plant to prevent spread to other plants.
- Treat the infested plant with a neem oil or an insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and take timely control measures.
- Keep the plant well pruned to depress the pests populations.
- Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a humidifier to up humidity as it discourages the pests.
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