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White Bird of Paradise Strelitzia nicolai
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 « Return |
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| Exposure |
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Sun to shade |
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| Average Height x Width |
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25’ T x 10’ - 15’ W |
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| Typical Height |
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20’ |
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| Water Requirements |
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Water regularly as needed |
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| Spacing |
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10’ apart |
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| Cold Hardiness |
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20° - 30° F |
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| Hardiness Zone |
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10B - 11 |
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| Growth Rate |
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Fast |
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| Origin |
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South Africa |
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| Salt Tolerance |
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Moderate |
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| Drought Tolerance |
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High to dry |
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| Soil Requirements |
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Widely adaptable |
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| Light Requirements |
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Sun to shade, needs mid-day shade |
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| Nutritional Requirements |
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Moderate |
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| Uses |
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Specimen tree, color accent, container, interiorscape |
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| Propagation |
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Seed, germinating in 3 - 10 months |
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| Human Hazards |
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None |
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| Major Pest Problems |
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None |
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| Major Disease Problems |
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None |
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When most of us hear of the ”Bird of Paradise” we think of the common grown cut flower Strelitzia reginae. Although it is not as well known,m Strelitzia nocolai commonly known as the ”White Bird of Paradise”, has become very popular for indoor use over the last 10 to 15 years.
The ”White Bird” is native to South Africa. It is used outdoors in both Florida and California as a landscape plant, where it can reach a height of 20 or more feet. The flowers can reach a size of 10 - 12 inches, but plants need to be a few years old before they will flower. Don’t expect flowers indoors.
Nicolai can handle a wide variety of soild and can grow in a variety of conditions. One condition that is cannot take is having extremely WET soil, so it is best to keep it on the dry side. It also likes a ”salt free” diet, so make sure that you use good water and stay away from the fertilizers. Learn a little about ”salts” and how they can affect your plants here.
The ”White Bird” isn’t a small plant, but it is a very upright plant, so it can fit into some tight spaces. Their large banana-shaped leaves add a rich tropical look to almost any interior. Growers usually use multiple plants to get a fuller plant. Sizes normally found in 10” oists yeild 3’to 4’, and 14” pots, 5’ to 7’ in height. Indoors, it is best to give Nicolai as much light as you can.
Most disease and pest problems occur when the plants are young and being grown in the nursery. Always examine the plants and wipe the leaves clean. |
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