Strelitzia reginae

South African Range and Cultivation History

Strelitzia reginae is native to South Africa from the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal. It grows as a rhizomatous perennial in subtropical thicket, scrub, riverbanks and openings rather than developing the tree-like stems of S. nicolai.

Its flowers are adapted to bird pollination: visiting birds use the rigid floral structure as a perch and contact the pollen-bearing parts. The species entered European horticulture from southern Africa in the eighteenth century and later became an internationally cultivated ornamental. Strelitzia parvifolia is an older botanical name for the same species.

Care for broad-leaved tropical growth

Light, settling in and temperature: Strelitzia reginae needs full sun to very bright light for compact growth and eventual flowering. Acclimatise nursery foliage before placing it in intense direct sun. During the growing season it accepts warmth, while a cooler, bright, frost-free winter can support its flowering rhythm.

Root care, watering and temperature: Plant the rhizome in a structured loam-based substrate with complete drainage. Water deeply after the upper layer dries while leaves are actively growing, then let excess leave the pot. In the cooler season, allow a greater dry-down and never keep a cold rhizome saturated. Some root crowding can coexist with flowering, but a pot so congested that water cannot enter or roots cannot function needs attention.

Feeding, seasonal care and leaf care: Feed moderately to generously during the bright active season and stop or reduce feeding during the winter rest. Remove spent flower stalks and fully dead leaves at their bases. Repot or divide only when necessary, since major rhizome disturbance can postpone flowering. A division must retain roots and a living fan; seed propagation is slow and produces variable offspring.

When Bird of Paradise Has Problems

Failure to flower usually comes from insufficient sun, an immature plant or the absence of a suitable seasonal rhythm. Give Strelitzia reginae very bright light and allow a healthy plant time to mature. Extra fertiliser cannot replace light or maturity, and frequent dividing can delay flowers further.

Drooping or yellowing leaves call for a root check. When the mix is dry around firm roots, soak the root ball thoroughly and allow free drainage. Dark soft rhizomes in wet mix should be cleaned back to firm tissue and placed in a mix with more air. If the plant was recently divided or repotted, wait for the boundary between healthy and damaged tissue to settle before trimming further.

Mites and scale live beneath the leaves and around the bases. Pale speckling or webbing points to mites; fixed covers reveal scale. Splits that follow the veins and occasional dry edges are normal. The oldest outer leaf can also yellow and die without signalling a wider problem. Seed-grown plants can also differ in flower colour and shape.

Strelitzia reginae is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs, especially when it carries fruit or seeds.
• Digestive irritants occur throughout the plant, with the fruit and seeds posing the greatest concern.
• Swallowing plant material may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or drowsiness. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

What does the name Strelitzia reginae mean?

Strelitzia commemorates Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The Latin epithet reginae means of the queen.

Joseph Banks established the genus Strelitzia in 1788 in Icones Strelitziae Reginae.

Joseph Banks first described Strelitzia reginae in 1788 in Icones Strelitziae Reginae.