Statement Indoor Bird of Paradise Plants (Strelitzia)
Discover the dramatic Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)—also known as 'wild banana', 'giant bird', and sometimes referred to as 'wild banana plant'—at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town. This plant belongs to the Strelitziaceae family and is renowned for its bold architectural leaves and striking, bird-like flowers. In the wild, Bird of Paradise originates from South Africa, where it grows along riverbanks and forest edges, thriving in its natural, wild habitat. This iconic plant brings an instant tropical feel to modern interiors, thriving in bright light and adding height, structure and lush greenery to living rooms, studios and open-plan spaces.
At Boma, we stock premium Strelitzia varieties chosen for strength and quality, along with expert advice on placement, watering, feeding and encouraging future blooms. The Bird of Paradise is a popular house plant, perfect for anyone seeking a sculptural, impactful houseplant that elevates any London home.
About Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) at Boma
The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) is one of the most striking and sculptural indoor plants, admired for its bold paddle-shaped leaves and dramatic tropical presence. At Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, Strelitzia is a top choice for London homes seeking height, structure and a contemporary interior statement.
There are several species within the Strelitzia genus, each with unique characteristics and care requirements, making it important to identify the species for optimal growth and desired appearance. With its elegant, upright foliage and potential for vivid bird-shaped flowers, this plant adds a sense of luxury and calm to living rooms, studios, hallways and open-plan apartments.
Native to South Africa, Strelitzia thrives in warm, bright conditions and adapts well to indoor life when given good light, space and consistent care. Its large, architectural leaves create instant visual impact, softening corners and bringing an organic, modern aesthetic to interior design. Though flowering indoors is less frequent, mature plants grown in bright conditions can produce the iconic orange and blue blooms, rewarding patient plant lovers with a showstopping display.
Popular Bird of Paradise Varieties
Strelitzia reginae
The classic Bird of Paradise known for its vibrant orange-and-blue flowers resembling a tropical bird in flight. Compact compared with nicolai and ideal for bright indoor spaces.
Strelitzia nicolai
Often called the “Giant White Bird of Paradise,” this variety features tall, banana-like leaves and white-and-blue flowers on mature plants. Perfect for large rooms and high ceilings.
Strelitzia juncea
A rarer, grass-like form with thin, upright cylindrical leaves. Minimalist, sculptural and ideal for architectural interiors.
Strelitzia reginae ‘Mandela’s Gold’
A unique cultivar with soft yellow flowers. Highly decorative and prized by collectors.
How to Care for a Bird of Paradise
| Care Aspect | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Light | Prefers bright light with several hours of direct sunlight daily. A south- or west-facing room is ideal. Good light is essential for future flowering. |
| Watering | Water when the top soil feels dry. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good drainage and reduce watering in winter. |
| Humidity & Temperature | Thrives in moderate humidity and warm temperatures (18–25°C). Avoid drafts and radiators; mist occasionally to refresh leaves. |
| Feeding | Fertilise every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced feed. A high-potassium fertiliser supports flowering in mature plants. |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Wipe leaves to remove dust and prune damaged leaves. Natural leaf splitting is normal and not a sign of poor health. |
| Repotting | Repot every 1–2 years in spring. Slight root binding encourages flowering. Choose a pot just larger than the nursery one with proper drainage. |
| Styling | Makes a striking statement plant. Pair with ceramic or woven pots to suit your décor. Great for brightening corners or open-plan spaces. |