Bird of Paradise 'Nicolai' – 1.3 Litre Pot

Bird of Paradise 'Nicolai' – 1.3 Litre Pot
Botanical name: Strelitzia nicolai

Create a lush, tropical look with Strelitzia nicolai, the Giant White Bird of Paradise. It's loved for its huge, glossy, banana-like leaves that fan out from upright stems, giving a dramatic, resort-style feel. Mature outdoor plants produce striking white and blue flowers shaped like a bird's head, which is where the name comes from.

Strelitzia nicolai is one of the most popular statement plants for both indoors and out. Indoors, it grows into an impressive feature plant for bright living rooms and offices. Outdoors in warm, frost-free areas, it's perfect for tropical gardens, poolsides, courtyards and screening. The 1.3 litre size is a young plant that's great value and ready to grow on.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Strelitzia nicolai
• Common name: Giant White Bird of Paradise
• Pot size: 1.3 litre
• Foliage: Large, glossy, banana-like green leaves
• Flowers: White and blue bird-like flowers on mature outdoor plants
• Habit: Upright, clumping, tree-like with age
• Mature size: Indoors, approx. 1.5–2.5m. Outdoors, it can reach 4–6m or more.
• Light: Indoors, bright light with some direct morning sun. Outdoors, full sun to part shade.
• Water: Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. Water less in winter and avoid soggy soil.
• Hardiness: Frost tender when young. Protect from frost and strong winds, which can tear the leaves.
• Feeding: Liquid or slow-release fertiliser in spring and summer.
• Care tip: Natural splits in the leaves are normal and part of the plant's tropical look. Wipe indoor leaves occasionally to keep them glossy.
• Note: Toxic to pets if eaten.