White Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Nicolai

We’ve had request for care information on the "White Bird of Paradise", and did some research. Quite frankly there wasn’t much out care info out on the net. Hopefully we can fill in some blanks.

When most of us hear of the "Bird of Paradise" we think of the commonly grown orange cut flower Strelitzia reginae not the white variety. Although it is not as well known, Strelitzia nicolai commonly known as the "White Bird of Paradise", has grown in popularity for indoor use over the last 20 years.

The "White Bird" has been grown for many years but it took a little Madison Ave. to bring it to center stage.

In the late 70’s the magazine "Architectural Digest" did a photo shoot of an apartment… the famous clothing designer (Haltson I think) in New York. They needed very tropical looking plants to frame the apartment, which faetured a Central Park as the backdrop. What do you think they used? You guessed it! The "White Bird". The shoot was featured on the cover of the magazine and people have been asking for the "White Bird" ever since.

The "White Bird" is native to South Africa. It is used outdoors in both Florida and California as a landscape plant, where it can reach a height of 20 or more feet.

The flowers can reach a size of 10-12 inches, but plants need to be a few years old before they will flower. Don’t expect flowers indoors.

Nicolai can handle a wide variety of soils and can grow in a variety of conditions. One condition that it cannot take is having extremely WET soil so it is best to keep it on the dry side.

It also likes a "salt free" diet so make sure that you use good water and stay away from the fertilizers.

The "White Bird" isn’t a small plant, but it is a very upright plant so it can fit into some tight spaces. Their large banana-shaped leaves add a rich tropical look to almost any interior and ouside they create cool effects when lit.

Growers usually use multiple plants to get a fuller plant. Sizes normally found are 10" pots 3-4 feet, and 14" pots 5-7 feet in height. Indoors, it is best to give Nicolai as much light as you can.

Most disease and pest problems occur when the plants are young and being grown in the nursery. But, always examine the plants and wipe the leaves clean.