{"product_id":"strelitzia-nicolai","title":"White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) | plant","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLatin name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDanish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hvid paradisblomst, hvid paradisfugleblomst, hvid paradisfugl, hvid papegøjeblomst, hvid traneblomst\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e White Bird of Paradise, wild banana, giant white bird of paradise\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e is the impressive giant among the Strelitzia species. With its enormous, banana-like leaves and vigorous, upright growth, it creates an almost immediate tropical look. While the well-known \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/strelitzia-reginae\" title=\"Paradisblomst (Strelitzia reginae) | plante\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eStrelitzia reginae\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e remains relatively compact, \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e can eventually develop into a large, almost tree-like plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species originates from Southern Africa, where it grows in warm coastal areas and humid forests. There, mature plants can form impressive clusters with several thick stems. In Denmark, \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e is primarily grown as a houseplant, potted plant, or in a greenhouse and conservatory, where it can eventually become a fantastic focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and growth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e develops long, sturdy leaf stalks with very large, elongated leaves. The leaves resemble banana leaves and can become impressively large on older plants. New leaves emerge rolled up from the center of the plant and gradually unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith age, the plant develops thick, trunk-like shoots, and new shoots are continuously formed from the rhizomes. In its natural habitat, \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e can grow to be about 6–10 meters tall. As a potted plant, it usually stays significantly smaller, but it still requires plenty of space and can eventually grow into a very large plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is completely natural for the large leaves to develop cracks and splits over time. This is also seen in Strelitzia in the wild and makes the leaves less vulnerable to the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhite and blue bird of paradise flowers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowering of \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e is clearly distinct from the orange-flowered \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia reginae\u003c\/em\u003e. In \u003cem\u003eS. nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e, the inflorescence consists of a dark, boat-shaped spathe from which large white sepals and blue petals emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers have the same characteristic bird-like structure that gave the genus the name bird of paradise flower, but they are larger and more muted in color than those of \u003cem\u003eS. reginae\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt requires a large and well-established plant as well as very good growing conditions to achieve flowering. In ordinary indoor cultivation, it is therefore primarily the spectacular foliage and vigorous growth that make \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e attractive. Our own seed-grown \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e blooms every year, but it is also quite old and about 6 meters tall. So, it is possible :)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDifference between Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia reginae\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the two species may look similar as young plants, they develop very differently. \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia reginae\u003c\/em\u003e remains more compact and bushy and is known for its orange and blue flowers. \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e, on the other hand, becomes much larger, develops trunk-like shoots, and gets enormous leaves as well as white and blue flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you primarily want a large, lush plant with an almost banana-like appearance, \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e is an obvious choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultivation and care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Thrives best in very bright conditions and preferably with direct sunlight. Plants that have been kept indoors should be gradually accustomed to strong sun.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers warm conditions during the growing season and thrives well at normal room temperature. The plant should be protected from frost.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a nutrient-rich, airy, and well-drained soil that can both retain some moisture and allow excess water to drain away. You can mix your own by adding \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/perlite-3-liter-2-6-mm\" title=\"Perlite (3 liter) | 2-6 mm\"\u003eperlite\u003c\/a\u003e and clay to a good potting soil. Otherwise, we recommend our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/ficus-jord-mix-5-l\" title=\"5 liter Ficus jord blanding\"\u003eFicus soil\u003c\/a\u003e, which is suited precisely for Strelitzia plants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Water regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Let the top layer of soil dry out slightly between waterings, and avoid letting the plant stand in constant wetness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFertilizer:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e The vigorous growth requires good access to nutrients. Fertilize regularly throughout the spring and summer. We recommend a good \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/okologisk-godning-tropisk-500-ml\" title=\"Økologisk flydende gødning til tropiske planter\"\u003eorganic fertilizer for tropical plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eRepotting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Young plants grow quickly and may need regular repotting. Choose a stable pot, as larger plants become both tall and heavy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverwintering:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Best overwintered in a bright, frost-free location. In a cooler winter location, reduce watering and stop or limit fertilization.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\n\u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e as a houseplant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e has become a popular large houseplant, and it is not hard to understand why. The enormous green leaves provide an exotic and lush look, and the plant can develop into a striking green feature in a bright room in a relatively short time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the summer, the plant can benefit from being moved out to a warm and sunny terrace or placed in a greenhouse. Here, the combination of warmth, light, water, and nutrients can promote vigorous growth. Remember to accustom the plant gradually to direct sun after the winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAn impressive giant among Strelitzia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e is an obvious choice for those who dream of large exotic plants. From a relatively modest young plant, it can grow over the years into an impressive bird of paradise flower with enormous leaves and an almost tree-like growth habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with species and forms such as \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia reginae\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eStrelitzia nicolai\u003c\/em\u003e also shows how much variation exists within the Strelitzia genus. See also our other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/collections\/strelitzia\" title=\"Samling af forskellige strelitzia planter\"\u003eStrelitzia plants\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/collections\/eksotiske-planter\" title=\"Eksotiske planter\"\u003eexotic plants\u003c\/a\u003e if you want to explore more of the various bird of paradise flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e The images are intended as examples of the plant and do not necessarily represent the exact plant being purchased.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/strelitzia-nicolai-10-stk\" title=\"Frø af Strelitzia nicolai\"\u003eCan also be purchased as seeds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"a Piece of Nature","offers":[{"title":"Seedling (10-15 cm)","offer_id":44135838679308,"sku":"EP-SN-001","price":8.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small (20-30 cm)","offer_id":44135838712076,"sku":"EP-SN-002","price":13.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/6728\/8588\/products\/Strelitzianicolai_4.jpg?v=1676045536","url":"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.eu\/en\/products\/strelitzia-nicolai","provider":"a Piece of Nature","version":"1.0","type":"link"}