How to care for Strelitzia Nicolai

Native to subtropical South Africa, the Strelitzia Nicolai, or White Bird of Paradise brings a touch of the tropics indoors with its glossy, long, and broad leaves that resemble birds in flight. A royal plant, if there ever was one, it received its scientific name, Strelitzia Nicolai, from Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz of England - a passionate lover of botany and the arts.

With easyplant’s self-watering system, caring for your Strelitzia Nicolai is effortless. Simply check the easyplant reservoir once a month and top it up when it’s empty! 

Strelitzia Nicolai thrives in bright, direct light where sunlight streams in, but it can also adapt to bright, indirect light where sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in low-light areas or spaces without natural sunlight.

During its first few days at home, you may notice one or two leaves turning yellow - this is completely normal. Simply trim any dying leaves and new, healthier growth will follow. As the plant matures, older leaves will naturally yellow and die off.

For optimal growth, dust the leaves occasionally and rotate the pot by a quarter turn once a month to ensure even light exposure.

Indoors, Strelitzia Nicolai plants grow slowly, producing new leaves about once a month, less so in winter. They typically grow up to 90 cm wide and 1.5 m tall but can reach heights of 2.5 m after several years. It takes approximately five years for the plant to reach full maturity.

The ideal temperature range for Strelitzia Nicolai is 16°C to 27°C, though it can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below -2°C. During the evening, maintain a temperature between 10°C and 13°C. Wherever you place your plant, keep it away from heat or cold sources like radiators, air conditioning vents, draughts, heaters, and similar appliances.

Since it’s a tropical plant, Strelitzia Nicolai thrives in high humidity. Crispy, brown edges indicate low humidity, try placing a tray of water nearby or use a humidifier. Grouping your plant with others or positioning it in a kitchen or bathroom can also increase humidity levels. Keep in mind that too much direct sunlight can dry out the plant.

Though stunning, the Strelitzia Nicolai can be mildly toxic to pets and children if ingested. If you have curious pets or small children, it’s best to keep the plant out of reach. The plant's leaves and stems are mildly toxic if ingested in large amounts. However, the flowers and seeds can cause dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, and vomiting in humans, cats, and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of the Strelitzia Nicolai, take them to the vet immediately. This plant is no more toxic to cats than dogs and vice versa; both will experience the same effects if ingested. Luckily, Strelitzia Nicolai contains a chemical called tannins, and the bitter taste should deter your pets from ingesting large amounts of the plant.

Some areas to look out for when caring for the Strelitzia Nicolai are sunlight, watering, and humidity. The condition of the leaves, in particular, will let you know how the plant is fairing in your home. If your Strelitzia Nicolai’s leaves are wilting or curling, try moving it to a brighter spot. Brown spots on the leaves can indicate too much direct sunlight, so you may want to move it to a location with diffused light. If the leaf edges turn brown and crispy, it could be a sign the humidity levels are too low—consider increasing moisture in the air. Although pests are uncommon, it’s a good idea to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth if you notice any.