Strelitzia Nicolai - Bird of paradise

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 regions.

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

Care

Every week the Bird of Paradise flower wants a good splash of water, just make sure that there is no layer of water in the soil. Also regularly spray the leaves so that the leaves remain beautifully green. Halve watering in winter!

Also in the winter give the plants a place where the temperature does not fall below 10 ° C and preferably in a light place. Furthermore, keep the plants fairly dry during this period.
The Paradijvogelbloem wants a light and warm place in the full sun in the summer. To prevent evaporation, preferably in a wind-free place. The birds of paradise will thank you on the terrace or balcony with many beautiful flowers. These flowers are not only very beautiful for the garden or terrace, but you can also use them as a cut flower for a vase or for processing in a flower arrangement where they stay fresh for a very 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 encounter as a houseplant or cut flower. They are plants with strikingly shaped and colored flowers that are naturally pollinated by hummingbirds and can give a unique atmosphere here as a tub plant to the balcony, terrace or garden.

Diseases hardly know the plant. In terms of teasing, the bird of paradise flowers sometimes has to deal with aphids indoors. These are hard, brown shields that attach themselves to the bottom of the leaves. You can easily wipe it with a finger from the leaves in the event of a minor attack.

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