Strelitzia nicolai, also known as white bird of paradise, is a large houseplant with broad leaves that split naturally over time. Choose from 70 cm to 2.5 metres tall, for a bright spot.
The plants in this collection go up to 250 cm tall, with prices from €29.95 to €319.95. A nicolai of 100 to 130 cm in a ø21 cm pot works well next to a sofa or by a bedroom window. Between 150 and 190 cm you get a plant that fills a corner or a bare wall. The XXL versions, 225 cm in a ø34 cm pot and 250 cm in a ø50 cm pot, are meant for rooms with a high ceiling, such as a loft or a double-height space. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf. Keep the width in mind too, because the leaves fan out a long way.
For a symmetrical arrangement there is a set of two 100 cm plants. Want several large plants in one go? There is a value bundle with a 225 cm Strelitzia nicolai, a 200 cm Kentia palm and a 200 cm Areca.
Nicolai or Augusta
Both are called the white bird of paradise and they look very much alike. The nicolai is the species you see most in interiors and the one that grows tallest indoors. We also sell the Strelitzia Augusta as a multi-stem plant, with several stems in one pot. If you want a bird of paradise that flowers, the reginae with its orange blooms is the better fit.
Light, water and care
A Strelitzia nicolai wants lots of light. Put it close to a large window. It handles direct sunlight well once it has had time to adjust. In a dark spot it grows slowly and new leaves stay small. Water as soon as the top few centimetres of compost are dry. In summer that is often once a week, in winter a good deal less. Do not leave water in the decorative pot, as it does not like wet feet.
Splits in the leaves are normal. In the wild the leaves tear in the wind so they do not snap off. Indoors the splits come from touching or moving the plant. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth now and then so they catch more light. The Strelitzia care guide covers brown edges and curling leaves in more detail.
Delivery
Every nicolai comes in a nursery pot, and you choose a decorative pot separately. We deliver upright in a sturdy plant box, within 4 to 5 working days in the Netherlands, with free delivery in the Netherlands from €99. If your plant is damaged in transit, send us a photo and we will send a new one free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a Strelitzia nicolai get?
In the wild the nicolai grows into a tree-like plant several metres tall. Indoors it grows more slowly, and the amount of light largely decides how fast. A large plant keeps growing with enough light, so choose a spot where it still has some height to spare.
Does a Strelitzia nicolai flower indoors?
Indoors the nicolai rarely flowers. For that the plant has to be old and large and get a huge amount of light. If it does flower, the blooms are white with blue, hence the name white bird of paradise. People mainly buy this species for its big leaves.
Why does my Strelitzia nicolai have brown edges?
Brown edges usually come from dry air, irregular watering or a spot next to a radiator. Keep the compost evenly and lightly moist and let the top dry out in between. An old leaf at the bottom turning completely brown is normal. Cut it off close to the base.
Can a Strelitzia nicolai go outside?
In summer the nicolai can stand on a sheltered, bright patio. Let it get used to the outdoors in the shade for a few days first, or the leaves will scorch. Pick a spot out of the wind, because wind tears the leaves. Bring it back in as soon as the nights turn cold, as it cannot handle frost.
Do I need to repot a Strelitzia nicolai?
Only repot when roots grow out of the bottom of the pot or the plant tips over easily after watering. Do it in spring, into a pot a few centimetres wider. A slightly snug pot is no problem for a nicolai and barely slows its growth.
Can a Strelitzia nicolai stand in full sun?
Yes, but carefully. Indoors it wants as much light as possible, and a few hours of morning or evening sun do it good. Harsh midday sun through glass can scorch the leaves, especially in the first weeks after a move. Let the plant settle in a bright spot first and only then move it closer to a sunny window.
Is it normal for the leaves of my Strelitzia nicolai to split?
Yes. The leaves split naturally along the veins. In the wild this lets wind pass through so the leaf does not break. It happens indoors too, for example when a leaf rubs against something. It is not a sign of disease and you do not need to trim the leaves.
What is the difference between Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia reginae?
Strelitzia reginae is the well-known bird of paradise flower with orange and blue blooms. It stays compact, around a metre tall, and flowers fairly easily indoors. Strelitzia nicolai grows much larger, forms stems and has white flowers with a blue tongue, which rarely appear indoors. It is mainly bought for its large leaves.
Is Strelitzia nicolai toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, mildly. The ASPCA lists the bird of paradise as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The fruit and seeds in particular can cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. Indoors the plant rarely forms fruit, but it is still best to place it where pets cannot chew on it.
Will a Strelitzia nicolai bloom indoors?
Rarely. Strelitzia nicolai only flowers once it is mature, and it needs a lot of light and space for that. In a bright conservatory or winter garden a large specimen may flower after some years, but in an ordinary living room almost never. If you want flowers, go for a Strelitzia reginae.
