Plants

White bird of paradise care: light, water & problems

Scientific name: Strelitzia nicolai · Common name: White bird of paradise

A large plant with banana-like leaves; mature flowers are white and dark, unlike those of S. reginae.

Editorial revision: 2026-10-01

Care at a glance

Light: Give ample light and room for its leaves; acclimatise to direct sun.
Watering: Water with drainage in active growth and check moisture before repeating.

A large plant with banana-like leaves; mature flowers are white and dark, unlike those of S. reginae.

Give ample light and room for its leaves; acclimatise to direct sun.

Water with drainage in active growth and check moisture before repeating.

Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.

Avoid cold; large leaves can tear from contact or movement without a pest being present.

Use a draining mix that retains some moisture, matched to pot size and the drying rate in your home.

During active growth, follow a suitable feed label. First check light, water and roots if the plant is declining.

Distinguish mechanical tears from root-related brown edges before treating.

Do not assume so: maturity, space and good light are needed.