Giant White Bird of Paradise
Giant white bird of paradise
Giant White Bird of Paradise

Giant White Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai

Giant White Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia nicolai, is an impressive Full Sun / Semi Shade Tropical Plant. Huge fan-like leaves create a stunning visual. Grows to 6M

Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the Giant Bird of Paradise or White Bird of Paradise, is a dramatic, tropical plant known for its impressive size, lush foliage, and striking white-and-blue flowers. Native to South Africa, this plant is a close relative of the iconic Strelitzia reginae but much larger in scale, making it a popular choice for large gardens or as an indoor statement plant.

Key Features:

Appearance:

  • Form: A clumping, tree-like perennial with a multi-stemmed habit and large, banana-like leaves.
  • Height and Spread: Reaches 6–10 meters (20–33 feet) tall in outdoor settings, with a spread of 3–4 meters (10–13 feet). Indoors, it generally grows to about 2–3 meters (6–10 feet).
  • Foliage: Enormous, glossy, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 meters (6 feet) long. The leaves often split in the wind, which is a natural characteristic.
  • Flowers: Produces dramatic, bird-like flowers with white petals and a dark blue “beak” structure. These blooms are held on tall stems above the foliage and resemble a crane in flight.

Growing Conditions:

Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Indoors, it needs bright, indirect light or a sunny spot.

Soil:

  • Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
  • Improve poor soils by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.

Watering:

  • Outdoor Plants: Requires regular watering during the growing season (spring and summer) but prefers the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Indoor Plants: Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Hardiness:

  • It can tolerate brief periods of light frost but prefers warm, frost-free climates.
  • Can survive temperatures as low as -2°C (28°F) but may experience leaf damage in colder weather.

Advantages:

  1. Impressive Size: Creates a bold and tropical statement in gardens or large indoor spaces.
  2. Low Maintenance: Once established, it is relatively easy to care for.
  3. Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round lush greenery.
  4. Tropical Flowers: Its bird-like flowers add exotic beauty to outdoor landscapes.

Care Tips:

  • Planting: Choose a location with enough space for the plant to spread and grow to its full potential. Protect from strong winds, as the large leaves are prone to splitting.
  • Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (every 4–6 weeks) to promote healthy growth and flowering.
  • Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance.
  • Repotting: For indoor plants, repot every 2–3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.

Uses in Landscaping:

  • Specimen Plant: A striking focal point in tropical or subtropical gardens.
  • Privacy Screen: Its large leaves and dense growth make it ideal for creating a natural screen or windbreak.
  • Poolside Planting: Perfect for adding a tropical vibe around pools and patios.
  • Indoor Statement Plant: Makes a dramatic addition to interiors with high ceilings or bright spaces.

Potential Issues:

  • Overwatering: Can lead to root rot. Ensure soil has good drainage and avoid waterlogging.
  • Leaf Splitting: This is natural due to wind or age and doesn’t harm the plant.
  • Pests: May occasionally attract spider mites, scale insects, or mealybugs, especially indoors. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Lack of Blooms: Plants grown indoors or in low light may not flower. To encourage flowering, provide sufficient sunlight and feed regularly.

Companion Plants:

  • Tropical Shrubs: Combine with hibiscus, crotons, or bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) for a lush, layered look.
  • Ferns: Pair with ferns like Blechnum or Asplenium for texture contrast.
  • Ground Covers: Add low-growing plants like mondo grass, creeping thyme, or liriope around its base for a polished appearance.

Interesting Facts:

  • It is closely related to banana plants (Musa species), which is evident in its similar leaf structure.
  • In its native habitat, Strelitzia nicolai is pollinated by birds, specifically sunbirds, which perch on the flowers to access nectar.
  • Mature plants grown outdoors in ideal conditions can produce clusters of flowers throughout the year.

$32.25 – $452.25 inc. GST

In stock

SKU: Strnic Categories: , , , , ,

Melbourne Metro deliveries cost $44.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

The Mornington Peninsula ** Mt Eliza to Portsea ** and Geelong deliveries cost $66.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $132.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 7 business days.

Regional Victoria deliveries cost between $143.00 – $264.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Call David Direct on 0427 047 857 to

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