Bird of Paradise Plants

White Nicolai is Strelitzia nicolai, with large, banana-like leaves and the greatest space requirements. Orange Reginae has narrower leaves and can produce orange-and-blue flowers. Mandela Gold is a yellow-flowered form of Strelitzia reginae. The Reginae forms grow smaller than Nicolai, but still need room to develop.

Choose a bright position close to a large window, with room above and around the leaves. These are poor choices for a dim hallway or a cramped corner. Introduce stronger direct sunlight gradually, especially after moving a plant from a shadier spot. Compare the listed size with your room and allow for future growth, particularly with White Nicolai.

It can, but flowering depends on maturity and growing conditions, especially light. A young plant may take years, and an indoor plant may never flower. Choose a plant you enjoy for its leaves rather than expecting blooms on arrival or on a fixed schedule. The flower colour in a variety’s name describes its potential blooms.

Check the potting mix before watering rather than following a weekly schedule. Allow the upper mix to dry, then water thoroughly and empty any water collected in the outer pot or saucer. Drying speed changes with light, warmth, pot size and season; the plant will usually need less water when growth slows. Use the selected product’s care notes as your starting point.

Bird of Paradise plants are not a pet-safe choice for cats or dogs that chew plants. Keep them out of reach, or explore our pet-friendly plants for alternatives suited to your home. If your pet eats part of a plant, contact your veterinarian.