Strelitzia Plant Care
Learn All About Strelitzia Plant Care with our Guide
Strelitzia is known for its beautiful flowers and is named after their resemblance to the tropical bird of the same name. Native to South Africa, it is a close relative of the banana plant and can quickly grow to 5-6 feet tall. Strelitzia enjoys bright light, direct sun and warmth and will need to mature for 3 to 5 years before flowering.
Caring for your Strelitzia
Sunlight
Strelitzia loves direct sunshine, so place it near an East, South or West facing window. Aim for at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. It is a good idea to move your Strelitzia outside in the warm summer months, but too many hours of full sun may cause damage to the leaves of a young plant if it doesn't have time to acclimatise. Your Strelitzia will tolerate a spot with bright indirect sunlight, but it will not need as much water and growth will be slow, so be careful not to overwater.
Soil & Nutrients
Strelitzia plants need a lot of nutrients, so make sure that your plant is in a large enough pot with an organically rich potting mix. Good drainage is important so you can keep the soil moist without it going soggy. To keep these hungry plants satisfied, use a liquid fertiliser during the growing season (May to August) or add slow-release pellets to the soil in spring. It is a good idea to re-pot into a larger pot with new compost each spring.
Water
Strelitzia varieties aren't drought tolerant and their soil should be kept moist, but not soggy, throughout the year. In the hottest months, your Strelitzia may need to be watered daily. Make sure the water drains through the pots drainage holes each time. It is important not to overwater your Strelitzia and it should never sit in a pool of water. Crunchy brown leaves are a sign of too much water, whilst yellowing leaves are a sign your bird of paradise is thirsty.
Climate & Humidity
Strelitzia plants prefer consistently warm temperatures and are sensitive to temperature extremes. Avoid exposing your Strelitzia to cold or dry conditions. To increase humidity try misting your plant every day, especially if you are running the air conditioning or heating as these can cause the air to dry out.
Maintenance
Strelitzia is a slow grower and will need 3 to 5 years to mature before it will flower. Keep the leaves clean of dust by wiping them with a damp cloth and prune any dead growth. It is common for leaves to split and this isn't a cause for concern if the leaves are otherwise healthy.