| Houseplant
Cultural
information: The "Great White Bird of Paradise" will add
a tropical feeling where ever it may land. Unlike its cousin the Orange Bird, I doubt that you
will ever see
its
beautiful white flower. I have only seen one plant in 30 years
grown in a container with a flower. That plant was very old and over 16 feet tall. It
was growing in an atrium at the convention center in Orlando,
Florida.
White Birds of Paradise are usually only found as larger specimens.
The pictured plant which is about 4.5' to 5' tall is growing in a
10" container, which is usually the smallest size available.
White Birds have a fairly wide spread in one direction... but the
plant is narrow the other direction. Look at one at your local garden
center and you'll see what we mean.
Place your White Bird in a bright
location just shy of direct sunshine. Hot dry sun tends to burn
and curl the leaves.
Check for water weekly until you become accustomed to your plants
watering needs. It's better to keep your White Bird of Paradise a little dry... than
a little to wet. Allow the surface soil to dry to the touch
between waterings. Then water all the way around the plant until
water runs from the drain holes into the drip tray. Remove any
excess water from the drip try to help prevent root rot.
Feed your Great White Bird monthly with Peter's Houseplant
Food if the plant is actively growing. During the winter months
White Birds may stop growing. If so feed quarterly.
White Bird of Paradise is difficult to propagate and not
recommended. Propagation is done by dividing the smaller plants
from the sides of the parent plant. In our dry climate dividing a
White Bird can easily become a big problem for the plants and for
yourself.
Common houseplant pests can include: Foliar Mealy bug and
Spider Mites.
Strelitzia nicolai is usually only available in larger pot
sizes with the smallest being a 10" pot. Larger specimens can
be found in 12", 14", 17" and even larger
containers.
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