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Fiddle Leaf Fig, or Ficus lyrata, is a large-leaved member of the fig family and a popular floor-standing houseplant.
Latin name
Strelitzia nicolai
Pronunciation
(“stre-LITZ-ee-uh NIK-oh-lie”)
Common name
Giant White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana
Origin
Eastern South Africa and Mozambique
Strelitzia nicolai is the giant relative of the Bird of Paradise plant. It forms clumps of tall stems that can reach 6 m in the wild, though usually smaller indoors. The large, banana-like leaves emerge in fans and can tear naturally in wind or with age, creating a distinctive tropical look. In ideal conditions, mature plants produce striking white and blue, bird-shaped flowers.
Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The seeds and flowers contain tannins and hydrocyanic acid derivatives, which may cause nausea or digestive upset. The leaves are generally considered low risk.
caring for your plant
Light
This plant thrives in the sun. Bright, full light is recommended.
Watering
Soil should be moist, particularly in the warm months. Water whenever the top two inches of soil are dry.
Pruning
Dead leaves and spent blooms should be cut off with a sharp knife or secateurs. Otherwise, no pruning is necessary.
Feeding
A liquid plant food can be applied every four to six weeks.
pest & diseases
Prone to attack by mealybugs and other sap-sucking insects.
Where the Strelitzia Nicolai originates from
Eastern South Africa and Mozambique, typically found in coastal subtropical forests.
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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