Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) green leaves plant reaching up toward the blue sky.
Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) with large, green leaves stretching toward a clear blue sky.

Botanical name: Strelitzia nicolai

Common names: Giant Bird of Paradise, White Bird of Paradise

Family: Strelitziaceae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Zone: 9-11

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large bush or small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
White, off-white flowersUnusual colorFlower color: White and off-white; unusual color
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

It has become very popular for indoor use over the last 10 to 15 years. 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. 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. Growers usually use multiple plants to get a fuller plant.

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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/strelitzia_nicolai.htm