Strelitza Nicolai - White bird of Paradise
- In stock, ready to ship
ADD A BEAUTIFUL FITTED POT (OPTIONAL)
We love Strelitzia nicolai for its bold, tropical presence and striking foliage. Also known as the White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, or Giant Bird of Paradise, this tall houseplant brings instant rainforest drama into your home. Native to the coastal forests of South Africa, it has cleverly adapted to its environment with leaves that naturally split to allow light through to the lower canopy. Indoors, its elegant form and lush green leaves make it a showstopper in any room.
Buying it as a gift? We’ll include a free handwritten card — just add your message at checkout. We’ll wrap it with care and leave out the paperwork or price tags, creating a lovely surprise for the recipient.
Native habitat and growth pattern
Strelitzia nicolai is native to evergreen coastal forests of South Africa, though it has also naturalised in parts of Mexico. In the wild, it grows tall and upright, producing dramatic foliage that towers above the forest floor. Indoors, it retains its height and elegance without taking up much floor space thanks to its slim, upright form.
Size
W19cm nursery pot x H100cm. Supplied in a plastic nursery pot.
Styling tips
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A statement floor plant for living rooms, conservatories, or offices
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Works well in tall planters to highlight its vertical form
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Perfect for creating a tropical or “holiday at home” vibe
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Pairs beautifully with other large-leaf plants such as Monsteras or Philodendrons
Strelitzia nicolai care guide
Light requirements:
Loves bright light and thrives in direct sunlight. A sunny spot is ideal.
Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry.
Feeding:
Feed during spring and summer once a month. A balanced liquid fertiliser works well — we recommend our vegan, organic plant food for strong growth.
Humidity:
Enjoys moderate to high humidity but adapts to most household environments.
Pet safety:
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep out of reach of pets.
Propagation:
Best propagated by division, though this can be tricky indoors.
Why choose this plant?
Strelitzia nicolai is one of the most dramatic houseplants you can grow. Its tall, tropical leaves and elegant upright shape make it a natural statement piece in any home. Despite its exotic appearance, it’s relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want a big-impact plant without complicated maintenance.
This plant also has a fascinating natural adaptation — its leaves split to allow light to filter through, protecting the lower foliage. It’s both practical and beautiful, a perfect example of nature’s ingenuity.
As a gift, the White Bird of Paradise is unforgettable. It’s a plant that brings the feel of the tropics indoors, making it a stunning present for anyone who loves bold greenery and modern interior style.
FAQs
Why are the leaves of my Strelitzia splitting?
This is natural — the splits help the plant survive strong winds and allow light to reach the lower leaves.
Can Strelitzia nicolai flower indoors?
It’s rare indoors, but in the right conditions, mature plants can produce striking white and blue flowers.
How tall can it grow inside?
Indoors it typically reaches 1–2 metres, but in its natural habitat it can grow much taller.
Does it need direct sun?
Yes — this is a sun-loving plant that thrives best in bright, sunny conditions.
Explore More
Looking for more vibrant and easy-to-grow greenery? Browse our Easy Care Houseplants for beginner-friendly options, or explore our Tropical Indoor Plants for bold foliage and rainforest style. For detailed plant care guides, tips on watering and dormancy, and expert advice, visit the Happy Houseplants blog.
To keep your plant thriving, feed once a month during spring and summer with our vegan, organic Original Plant Food, specially formulated for healthy growth and lush foliage.
Happy Houseplants delivers live houseplants across the UK with fast, carbon-neutral tracked service.
At Happy Houseplants, we ship all live plants via DPD’s 24-hour tracked carbon-neutral service. Delivery usually takes 7–10 working days, but in most cases your plants will arrive much sooner. You can read more about delivery here.
We post to most of the UK, but we’re unable to deliver to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands because of higher shipping costs.
When we list a plant’s height, it always includes the grow pot, stem, foliage and living root system — not just what you see above the soil. Because every plant is unique, yours may arrive a little smaller or larger than the size listed.
Happy Houseplants is the UK’s leading online plant shop for rare and unusual houseplants. At Happy Houseplants, we’re more than just a shop. We’re a family-run business, proud RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners, and home to the UK’s number one houseplant blog. Plant lovers across the country trust us for beautiful, healthy plants and expert care.
We specialise in everything from easy-care houseplants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors. Every order is hand-packed by our small team in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered through DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and consistently praised for the quality of our plants, the care we take with packaging, and our friendly, knowledgeable service. When you choose Happy Houseplants, you’re choosing sustainability, knowledge and a genuine passion for plants.
Looking for more vibrant and easy-care houseplants? Check out our Easy Care Houseplants collection or browse our Pet Friendly Houseplants if you’ve got furry friends at home. And why not read the Happy Houseplants blog for more styling ideas and plant care tips?
Happy Houseplants runs the UK’s number one houseplant blog with expert tips and guidance.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe buying a plant is only the start — helping it thrive is what really matters. That’s why we run the UK’s number one houseplant blog, filled with expert advice on watering, light, feeding, pest care and more.
Every plant we sell comes with straightforward care tips, and if you’d like to dive deeper you’ll find hundreds of helpful guides and styling ideas on our blog. Explore them here: Happy Houseplants Blog.
Whether you’re just starting out or building a collection, you’ll always find support and inspiration from us.
Happy Houseplants makes plant gifting simple with handwritten cards and nationwide delivery.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe plants make the perfect living gift — thoughtful, long-lasting, and always a joy to receive. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, a houseplant grows and thrives, becoming a lasting reminder of your care.
Sending a gift is simple. Just add your message at checkout and we’ll handwrite it on a card for you. We never include prices or invoices, so your plant arrives as a pure surprise.
Our carefully chosen range includes everything from easy-care indoor plants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors — ideal for birthdays, thank-yous, housewarmings or simply to brighten someone’s day. Every gift is hand-packed in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered nationwide with DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
When you send a gift from Happy Houseplants, you’re not just giving a plant — you’re sending a beautiful, meaningful gesture that lasts.
Happy Houseplants makes it easy to find pet-safe and easy-care houseplants in the UK.
At Happy Houseplants, we know every home is different. That’s why we make it easy to find plants that fit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for pet-safe options or low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal fuss.
Our Pet-Friendly Houseplants are carefully chosen so you can add greenery to your home without worry around cats or dogs.
Our Easy Care Houseplants are perfect for beginners or busy households, with varieties that don’t demand constant attention but still bring life and beauty to your space.
