Strelitizia nicolai – Medium – Bird of Paradise –

Description

house plant Strelitzia – Bird of Paradise – S. nicolai – Tree of Paradise- Natal Wild Banana – Giant Bird of Paradise – Wild Banana – This clump forming perennial from South Africa grows 20-30′ feet tall and 12-15′ feet wide. It produces oblong dull green leaf blades, over 5′ feet long, rounded or heart shaped at the bases, on leaf stalks 6′ feet long. In late spring and early summer, bears 3-5 brownish red spathes, 16-18″ long, and white flowers, 8″ long, with light purplish blue corollas. Need ample space. Leaves are easily damaged. Indoors, grow in large container in soil based potting mix. Provide full light with shade from hot sun, and ventilate freely when temperatures exceed 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Top dress annually and repot every second year. Zones 12-15.