White Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

Image: PlantoScan

White Bird Of Paradise Plant Care

Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Körn.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Strelitzia nicolai, also known as Giant Bird of Paradise or Wild Banana Plant, is an evergreen clumping plant with large leaves that resemble a banana tree. It produces stunning white flowers with blue tongues.

🪴Houseplants🌴Tropical Plants
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for White Bird Of Paradise?

Plant White Bird Of Paradise in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the White Bird Of Paradise Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the White Bird Of Paradise?

White Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) belongs to the Strelitziaceae family within the Strelitzia genus. White Bird Of Paradise is native to Eastern South Africa.. White Bird Of Paradise is also known as Giant Bird of Paradise, Natal Wild Banana, Wild Strelitzia.

White Bird Of Paradise displays a clumping, evergreen growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. White Bird Of Paradise produces large, white and blue flowers that resemble a tropical bird in flight.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

How Often Should You Water a White Bird Of Paradise?

Water a young or newly planted White Bird Of Paradise every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the White Bird Of Paradise Need?

White Bird Of Paradise thrives in bright indirect light. The optimal light range is 2,000–5,000 lux. Avoid placing White Bird Of Paradise in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect

2,000–5,000 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the White Bird Of Paradise Prefer?

Strelitzia nicolai tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. White Bird Of Paradise prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a White Bird Of Paradise?

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for White Bird Of Paradise to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Where Should You Plant a White Bird Of Paradise?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

White Bird Of Paradise is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a White Bird Of Paradise?

White Bird Of Paradise can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a White Bird Of Paradise?

Prune White Bird Of Paradise while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a White Bird Of Paradise in Winter?

White Bird Of Paradise is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a White Bird Of Paradise?

White Bird Of Paradise can be propagated through division or seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bird of paradise plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the White Bird Of Paradise Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic to cats and dogs. Moderately toxic to humans.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the White Bird Of Paradise?

White Bird Of Paradise is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the White Bird Of Paradise Need?

White Bird Of Paradise grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. White Bird Of Paradise is native to Eastern South Africa.. In cooler regions, grow White Bird Of Paradise as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

White Bird Of Paradise is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Strelitzia genus — compare its care with other Strelitzia species on PlantoScan.

Strelitzia is part of the Strelitziaceae plant family — browse all Strelitziaceae genera and species.

White Bird Of Paradise thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Körn., family Strelitziaceae (first published in Gartenflora 7: 265 (1858)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
  • Pet toxicity: White Bird Of Paradise is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: © PlantoScan.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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