Strelizia Nicolai

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Strelitziaceae

Order

Zingiberales

Genus

Strelitzia

Species

nicolai

Description

Evergreen perennial plant used for indoor ornamental purposes but can also be grown outdoors in warm temperate zones, where it can reach heights of more than 3 metres. Tolerates low temperatures, but not frost, only if watered very sparingly. Wind damages the leaves, which break easily.
Flowering, representative of the species, manifests itself with distinctive inflorescences defined by several spathes and generally only occurs in outdoor conditions. The oblong, leathery leaves also give the plant decorative value.

curiosity and special features

The name of the botanical genus was dedicated by the botanist J. Banks to England's Queen Charlotte Sophie of Mecklenburg-Strelitz while the specific epithet nicolai honours the Grand Duke of Russia Nikolai NikolaeviÄ, a plant collector. Commonly, Strelitzia nicolai is called the 'Giant Bird of Paradise' because of the size it has attained and the peculiar inflorescences resembling the beaked head that distinguishes this family of birds (Birds of Paradise or Paradiseidae).

Origin and Diffusion

A native species to a range extending from eastern Zimbabwe to KwaZulu-Natal and eastern Botswana; it was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century.

Leaf

The leaves, evergreen and opposite, have oblong lamina on long petioles.

Leaf color

Solid colour, glossy deep green.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.5 to 3 m, depending on cultivation conditions.

Lifespan

Evergreen Perennial Species.

Suggested planting locations

In relation to the climatic conditions present, it is suitable as a pot plant , large pots, tubs indoors, in flowerbeds in temperate zones, depending on the temperatures described in the relevant section.

Stem/stem

The pseudosteles are herbaceous and hollow.

Flower

The flower is semi-double in shape and large in size. The petals are bi-coloured. It is arranged in compound spike inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days. It is attractive to beetles and butterflies.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus visually reinforced by its large leaves.

pH

A substrate pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is recommended for proper vegetative growth.

soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flower bed in early spring, if the temperatures are suitable, remove any weeds and bulky pebbles, also bury slow-release organic fertiliser evenly. If the soil is compact and poorly draining, sand should also be added.

sun exposure

It is an indoor plant in the cold season, light source indoors, half shade, full sun.

Ensure optimum light for full flowering and proper vegetative growth.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a warm and humid climate. In cold climates it is an indoor plant, but does not require high temperatures but rather high luminosity. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C.

Use

Strelizia nicolai has had strong commercial success in recent years as a plant for indoor spaces, both residential and public.

Depending on the climatic conditions, it is widely used in:
Outdoor ornamental area Indoor ornamental area

Hardiness

Medium hardy species. It fears winter frost and intense wind.

Soil/medium

Use a new substrate specifically for green pot plants.

For possible cultivation in beds, the soil must be peaty and well draining.

Maintenance

Given the right conditions, the cultivation of Strelitzia nicolaiis fairly easy.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation tips for best growth and flowering results:
Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Put outside when there is no longer a risk of frost Prefers warm and humid climate

planting

For possible cultivation in beds, in warm temperate climate areas, apply a density of 1 plant per square metre in consideration of the size achieved.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication can be by seed or by division of adult stocks.

Irrigation

Water not cold directly into the soil or pot in quantities and frequencies commensurate with the climatic pattern, i.e. more during the vegetative period when new leaves are released and more sparsely in winter. Avoid heavy watering by allowing water to remain on the sub-pot in cold rooms below 13/15 °C. Prevent water stagnation leading to root rot. Severe water stress leads to yellowing of the basal leaves. If the air is warm but dry, light foliar sprayings with non-calcareous water can be used.

Fertilization

Fears over-fertilisation, especially in conjunction with water stress. To achieve good foliage colour and balanced development, fertilise regularly during the growing season by adding a liquid fertiliser specifically for green plants to the substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water without excess.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

advise 1

Avoid watering the plant a lot, especially not to let water remain on the underpot in cold rooms below 13-15 degrees. It has particularly fleshy roots that fill up with water and easily rot under these conditions. It tolerates excess light very well if acclimatised. It should be fertilised regularly to ensure good foliage colour and regular development. It bears water poorly on the roots, therefore it should be watered and not kept under the pot.