Strelitzia reginae

South African story of Strelitzia reginae

Strelitzia reginae is native to South Africa, from the eastern Cape region into KwaZulu-Natal, where it grows in coastal bush, thicket and vegetation along rivers.

The plant was introduced to Europe in the eighteenth century and named in honour of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Its orange-and-blue flowers later inspired the familiar name bird of paradise.

Growing Strelitzia reginae for strong growth and flowering

• Light: Provide very bright light with several hours of sun, increasing direct exposure gradually.
• Water: While growth is strong, water thoroughly as the top of the compost starts to dry. Let more of the compost dry when growth slows.
• Potting mix: Use fertile peat-free loam-based compost with added grit for reliable drainage.
• Feeding: Regular feeding helps mature plants build toward flowering. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth.
• Root space: Repot once the roots are tightly packed or watering the whole pot becomes awkward.
• Temperature: Warm room conditions are suitable. Keep it above about 10–12°C during long cool periods.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity works well. Wipe the broad leaves occasionally to remove dust.
• Propagation: Rooted shoots can be separated from an established clump and potted individually.

Flowering and health problems in Strelitzia reginae

• An established plant remains leafy with no flowers: It may still need stronger light, regular feeding or more time to mature. Improve the light where possible and keep feeding consistent during active growth.
• Leaves yellow while the compost stays persistently wet: Rot may be developing around the roots. Give the compost more time to dry, then check the roots. Remove rotten sections with a clean, disinfected blade, cutting until only firm healthy tissue remains, then repot in fresh free-draining mix.
• Mite webbing, cottony colonies or hard scale marks appear: Set the plant apart from others, check whether mites, mealybugs or scale are present and choose a labelled control. Use the repeat interval stated on its label.
• Brown or black spots continue appearing: Leaf spot is more likely when foliage stays wet. Remove badly affected leaves, direct water onto the compost and improve airflow.

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.