Log in or sign up

Strelitzia

Common name: Bird of paradise · Crane flower

Strelitzia is a genus of large, banana-leaved perennials native to South Africa. The best-known species, Strelitzia reginae, produces spectacular orange and blue flowers that resemble the head of a tropical bird. Indoors it is grown as an architectural foliage plant and needs abundant light to bloom.

Care summary

Sun Bright light to full sun
Water Moderate; let the top few cm dry out
Soil Rich, well-draining loam
Hardiness Zones 10–12
Mature height
Pet safe Mildly toxic if ingested

Fun facts

  • The flower's orange sepals and blue petals emerge from a beak-like bract, mimicking a crane's head in profile.
  • The genus was named in honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III and a patron of botany.
  • In the wild, sunbirds pollinate the flowers: a bird's weight on the blue petals springs them open to dust it with pollen.
  • The bird of paradise flower is the official floral emblem of the City of Los Angeles.

The Strelitzia Patch

1 on xylery

Kilowatt Priya Trimmed the dead tips, looking sharp again. Kilowatt Priya Found two new growth points after the feed. Kilowatt Priya Moved closer to the window — seems happier already.
Browse all 1 plants

Common problems

    • Let the top soil dry between waterings
    • Use a free-draining potting mix
    • Empty saucers after watering
    • Wipe pests off with soapy water
    • Apply horticultural oil spray
    • Check new growth regularly
    • Give the plant maximum light
    • Wait until the clump matures
    • Feed with bloom fertilizer in spring
    • Increase humidity around the plant
    • Keep away from heating vents
    • Water consistently during growth