Strelitzia nicolai is part of the Strelitziaceae family and its native range is E. Zimbabwe to KwaZulu-Natal. It has clumping stalks and a fan shaped crown, leaves are simple and oblong shaped with a single main vein and multiple perpendicular lateral veins. In their native environment they can grow up to 12m and 4m wide, their leaves will split to tolerate high winds.
Sir Joseph Banks named this plant Strelitzia in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III and Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who lived at Kew for many years.
Light: Bright indirect light, 6 hours of light per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain. 4-5 hours of direct sun is tolerable also.
Water: Strelitzia prefer evenly moist soil; providing that the plant is receiving adequate light, water when the top inch of mix has dried out. Reduce watering in winter.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed your plant with a cactus fertiliser every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 21-24˚C. No lower than 15˚C.
Humidity: Strelitzia nicolai would prefer higher humidity (above 60%) but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Strelitzia nicolai are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.