Strelitzia Nicolai Nicolai Bird of paradise flower

Strelitzia Nicolai

Origin

The Strelitzia reginae or Bird of Paradise flower is originally from South Africa, but in the meantime the plant has spread to almost all tropical and subtropical areas.

Strelitzia belong to the banana family (Musaceae) and are closely related. Yet the differences between Musa and Strelitzia are at least as numerous as the similarities. For example, the leaf shape of both plants is approximately the same, but the leaves of bananas are rather thin and tear easily, while the leaves of the bird of paradise flower are very thick, strong and unbreakable.

Care

The Bird of Paradise flower wants a good splash of water every week, just make sure that no layer of water remains in the bottom. Also regularly spray the leaves so that the leaves remain beautiful green. Halve the watering in the winter!

Also in winter, give the plants a place where the temperature does not fall below 10°C and preferably in a bright place. Furthermore, keep the plants fairly dry during this period.
In summer, the Paradijvogelbloem likes a light and warm place in full sun. To prevent evaporation, preferably in a wind-free place. The bird of paradise flowers will thank you on the terrace or balcony with many beautiful flowers. These flowers are not only very beautiful for the garden or the terrace, but you can also use them as cut flowers for in a vase or to process in a flower arrangement where they stay fresh for a long time.
Who does not know the colorful flowers of the bird of paradise flower? It is one of the most exotic flowers that you will come across as a houseplant or as a cut flower. They are plants with strikingly shaped and colored flowers that are naturally pollinated by hummingbirds and can give a unique atmosphere to the balcony, terrace or garden as a container plant.

Diseases are hardly known to the plant. In terms of pests, the bird of paradise flower sometimes has to deal with scales indoors. These are hard, brown shields that attach themselves to the bottom of the leaves. You can easily wipe it off the leaves with a finger in the event of a minor infestation.

The strelitzia Nicolai is very popular as an indoor plant because of its large leaves.