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Strelitzia “Bird of Paradise”

Related to, and resembling, a banana plant, Strelitzia reginae is a compact, clump-forming perennial.

Latin name
Monstera adansonii

Pronunciation
(“mon-STIR-rah ad-an-SO-nee-eye”)

Common name
Adanson’s monstera

Origin
Northern half of South America, most of Central America and the Caribbean

It grows up to 1.5m and has long, lanceolate, grey-green leaves.

The most impressive feature of the plant is its strikingly exotic and long-lived inflorescence. Long-stemmed flowers emerge from a boat-shaped, red-margined, spathe resembling the head of a bird. The individual flowers have three bright orange tepals surrounding three shimmering peacock-blue petals, two of which are fused to form a nectary. The plant is pollinated by humming birds.

Did you know?

Native to South Africa, this plant symbolises freedom and joy.

Strelitzia reginae is mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains tannins and hydrocyanic acid derivatives that can cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness in cats, dogs and people.

caring for your plant

Light

Bright, but diffused, light is necessary. This plant does well in a conservatory.

Watering

Quite a heavy water user, but the compost should be allowed to dry out a little between watering.

Pruning

Dead leaves and spent blooms should be cut off with a sharp knife or secateurs. Otherwise, no pruning is necessary.

Feeding

A dilute solution of fertilizer can be added to the water every time you water the plant. Add more fertilizer in the spring and summer.

pest & diseases

Prone to attack by mealybugs and other sap-sucking insects.

Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.

According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.

Find out more about Ecoponic here.

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Did you know?

Research from the University of Exeter found that offices with plants can increase productivity by up to 15% while also improving concentration and job satisfaction.