How To Care For Strelitzia

Strelitzia

☀️ - Thrives in bright, indirect light. You can allow some morning or afternoon sun but shield it from intense and direct as this will scorch the leaves.

💧 - Keep the soil a little more damp during summer, over winter allow it to dry out more. Increase frequency with increased light and hot weather. Prefers humid conditions particularly during winter.

🌡️ - Prefers warm temperatures from 21-28°C and we would recommend you don’t let these sit in cold rooms over winter. These plants would not handle temperatures lower than 13°C.

🪴- Prefers to be root bound but repot every couple of years using a rich, well-draining potting mix or as she outgrows her pot.

🐾 - Pet friendly.

Strelitzia, often known as the Bird of Paradise, is a striking tropical plant native to South Africa. It is prized for its broad, architectural leaves and its ability to develop into a tall, dramatic indoor specimen. The most known Strelitzia is Reginae with iconic orange and blue flowers, Strelitzia rarely blooms indoors unless given exceptional light levels. Even without flowers, its bold, upright foliage makes it a standout feature plant. The Strelitzia Nicolai has more arching large, paddle leaves and a white flower.

Care

Strelitzia grows best in bright, strong light. A south or west facing position is usually ideal, and plants placed in lower light will grow slowly and may not develop their characteristic large leaves. Keep temperatures between 18-28°C and protect the plant from cold conditions. Strelitzia appreciates moderate humidity but adapts well to typical indoor environments.

Water when most of the soil dries out, allowing excess water to drain freely. During warmer months, the plant benefits from consistent moisture, but overwatering should be avoided, especially in winter. Feed every four to six weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer to support steady growth.

Repot every 1-2 years, choosing a deep and stable pot to support its upright form. Larger, mature Strelitzia often prefer to remain slightly root bound and may only need fresh soil added to the top layer. Remove damaged or split leaves as needed, keeping in mind that natural leaf splitting is normal for this species due to wind adaptation.

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Problems

  • Yellowing leaves - Overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Curling leaves - Underwatering, low humidity or insufficient light.
  • Brown leaf edges - Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
  • Slow growth - Insufficient light or limited nutrients.