The Strelitzia nicolai - Bird of paradise flower

Frequently asked questions / FAQ

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What does Strelitzia also mean?

The Strelitzia is also called the paradise flower, but is actually called the bird of paradise flower, because the flower head looks a bit like a bird of paradise. In some countries this plant is also called the bird's head flower. And in South Africa, they call it Crane Flower.

Are Strelitzias poisonous to cats or dogs?

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Strelitzias are slightly toxic to animals, but adult varieties are not easily eaten by dogs or cats, and so can be placed just fine in places where dogs and cats also frequent.

Are the roots of the Strelitzia pressing/growing?

Roots of the Strelitzia are quite invasive and are best kept away from buildings, or plants with weaker root systems. Otherwise, the Strelitzia can cause damage. Root limiters or a pot can help with this.

Is the Strelitzia hardy? Can it withstand freezing temperatures?

The Strelitzia cannot handle freezing temperatures. Near freezing temperatures, a Strelitzia should be brought inside.

Can the Strelitzia grow in a pot

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The Strelitzia can be kept in a pot just fine. It may not grow as large or as fast as it would in full soil, but with proper care it will become a beautiful plant. After all, we sell the most beautiful specimens in pots!

Can the Strelitzia grow indoors?

The Strelitzia has no problem growing indoors, but does like a lot of light. So put it in a place with lots of sunlight. And always make sure the root ball is moist.

What is the difference between the 'nicolai' and the 'reginae'

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The difference can be seen mainly in the leaves. The nicolai gets wider, smoother leaves of a lighter color. The reginae gets narrower, stiffer leaves that are more upright.

Can a Strelitzia be propagated?

Yes, Strelitzias can be pricked. You do this with clean tools. You prick this plant by cutting off shoots from the root system. The wound created should be helped with cutting powder.

Can you divide a Strelitzia

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Yes, splitting is the way the Strelitzia is propagated.

Can you grow a Strelitzia from seed?

Yes you can grow a Strelitzia from seed, but it requires a lot of patience. In fact, germination of the Strelitzia takes a very long time.

Should a Strelitzia be pruned?

When the Strelitzia gets brown tips, or dry leaves, you can cut them off. We recommend cutting at least 2cm from the core, because if an infection should occur, the plant will shed 2cm. If you cut at the stem the infection will move deeper into the plant resulting in possible damage.

How should a Strelitzia be cared for?

A Strelitzia likes a good nutrient soil, which is why we recommend Florentus Mediterranean nutrient soil. Then it can root well and is provided with the right nutritional base. We also recommend regular watering with Ultra Focus, special nutrition for Mediterranean plants, which helps to make them strong, keep them strong and maintain their beautiful colors. Always keep the root ball well moist, but never soaking wet. At lower temperatures, the plant needs less moisture. Always cut off thirsty leaves as described above.

How to get a Strelitzia to flower

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Under good conditions, the Strelitzia will flower. To make this optimal, we recommend the following: Give the Strelitzia a spot with as much sunlight as possible. Provide good nutrition during the growing season. And make sure the roots are bounded, then they tend to flower more.

What kind of soil do Strelitzias need?

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The Strelitzia can already grow and flower with average quality potting soil, but you can enhance its health and make its color most beautiful by using high-quality Mediterranean nutrient soil and supplemental feeding (Ultra Focus).

Does a Strelitzia also need additional nutrition?

In principle, a Strelitzia can grow and bloom well without additional nutrition, but it does help to apply nutrition. However, we do not recommend agents such as Pokon, as they provide a boost for a while in the beginning, but over the long term they actually cause damage. High-quality complex nutrition such as Ultra Focus for Mediterranean plants, on the other hand, works very nicely over the long term.

Where should a Strelitzia be planted?

The Strelitzia likes a warm light spot with little wind. Also remember that a Strelitzia should not be planted in freezing temperatures.

What is the best place to buy a Strelitzia?

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To this question we have a very simple answer. Teeninga Palms is a specialist in hardy Mediterranean plants and trees, offering them at the lowest price and the highest quality, so the choice is easy!

What is the growing range of the Strelitzia?

The Strelitzia grows mainly in the Eastern coastal areas of South Africa. There they grow wild in strelitzia forests miles wide and long.

The Strelitzia is a beautiful tropical plant that produces super beautiful flowers that resemble the bird of paradise. That is why it is also called the bird of paradise flower. Its leaves are very similar to those of a banana plant, only they are a bit stiffer.

This exclusive houseplant comes from South Africa. It likes a sunny spot, and should definitely not dry out, but also not stand soaking wet.

It can also be placed in the garden in the spring and summer months and can remain outside up to +6 degrees.

This plant is also called Bird of Paradise, Bird of Paradise flower, Bird of Paradise plant, Birdhead flower or Strelitzia.

After flowering, it may take 12 months for it to start producing new flowers. Minimum temperatures are 14 degrees during the day and 6 degrees at night.