Description
Strelitzia – Bird of Paradise –
There are 4 or 5 clump forming, evergreen perennial in this genus. They are found naturally occurring in habitats ranging from riverbanks to open glands in the bush of South Africa. They have large, long stalked, mostly oblong to lance, banana like shaped leaves with woody bases forming a “trunk” that may reach 30′ feet tall. Their exotic inflorescences which resemble the head of a bird are produced intermittently but mainly in late winter and spring. The flowers consist of usually horizontal, waxy, stiff, boat shaped spathes, from the top of which crest like flowers arise sequentially, often in contrasting colors, they are very long lasting when cut. They are popular house plants.
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.
Prone to fungal spot, bacterial spot, and scale insects.
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.
Zones 12-15.
