Which variety of Strelitzia to choose?

The Strelitzia genus offers two main varieties with very different characteristics. Here’s how the Strelitzia Reginae stands out from the Strelitzia Nicolai:

• Strelitzia Reginae (this plant): spectacular orange and blue flowers, compact to medium size (40-150 cm), elegant oval foliage, easier and faster flowering. Perfect for medium spaces and to enjoy the iconic flowers.
• Strelitzia Nicolai: white and blue flowers, very large size (up to 200-300 cm), giant banana-like foliage, majestic habit. Perfect for creating a spectacular XXL focal point in large spaces.

Why choose the Strelitzia Reginae? If you’re looking for the iconic orange and blue flowers of the bird of paradise with a more compact size and easier flowering, the Reginae is the perfect choice. It offers the spectacular exoticism of the Strelitzia in a format better suited to medium spaces.

Exposure & location

The Strelitzia Reginae enjoys full sun to partial shade with bright light to encourage flowering. The more light it receives, the more it will bloom.

• Exposure : full sun to partial shade, bright indirect light, tolerates a few hours of direct sun.
• Ideal : sunny balcony, terrace, bright veranda, living room near a south- or west-facing window.
• Temperature : 15 to 25 °C, tolerates down to 5 °C in winter (above freezing).
• Substrate : rich, well-drained, universal potting soil with perlite or sand.

Verdeia tip: the more bright light it receives, the more likely it is to produce its spectacular flowers.

Watering & care

• Watering: moderate; let the substrate dry on the surface between waterings.
• Frequency: about 1-2 times per week in spring-summer, reduce in winter.
• Drainage: essential — use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining substrate.
• Humidity: prefers 40-60% humidity, occasionally mist the leaves.
• Fertilizer: once every 2-3 weeks in spring-summer with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.
• Cleaning: gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to preserve their shine.

Patience for flowering — young plants usually bloom after 3-5 years once well established.

Decor ideas & plant pairings

With its elegant tropical foliage and future spectacular orange and blue flowers, the Strelitzia Reginae brings a touch of exoticism and elegance to your urban jungle. It creates a sophisticated tropical focal point.

• To pair with: Monstera, Alocasia, Philodendron, palms, or other tropical plants to create an exotic urban jungle.
• Ideal pot: decorative pot in white ceramic, terracotta, gray, or recycled plastic to highlight the graphic foliage.
• Ambiance: perfect on a sunny balcony, terrace, veranda, bright living room, or as a spectacular tropical accent.

Its graphic foliage and spectacular flowers make it a statement plant perfect for creating an exotic atmosphere.

Verdeia Tips

• Easy to care for — perfect for tropical plant enthusiasts.
• Spectacular orange and blue flowers — iconic and exotic (after 3-5 years).
• Bright light essential — more light = higher chances of flowering.
• Moderate growth — patience to see the plant grow and bloom.
• Avoid excess water — prefers a slightly dry substrate over a waterlogged one.
• Regularly dust the leaves — improves photosynthesis and aesthetics.
• Repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger decorative pot.
• Tolerates temporary drought — resilient once established.
• Toxic to animals — keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
• Cut flowers last 2-3 weeks in a vase — spectacular in bouquets.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical name: Strelitzia reginae
• Common name: Strelitzia Reginae, Bird of Paradise, Bird of Paradise flower
• Family: Strelitziaceae
• Origin: South Africa
• Dimensions at delivery: Ø12 × H40 cm
• Adult size: up to 100–150 cm indoors
• Exposure: full sun to partial shade, bright indirect light
• Watering: moderate, allow surface to dry between waterings
• Care: easy (perfect for tropical plant enthusiasts)
• Toxicity to animals: toxic
• Decorative style: Tropical / Exotic / Elegant
• Particularity: spectacular orange and blue flowers, graphic tropical foliage, moderate growth, easy to care for

Each plant is unique: the photos show an example of its appearance. Flowering usually appears after 3-5 years once the plant is well established.