Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia nicolai — The Large-Leaf Structural Statement
Light
Medium to bright light — best near a window, out of direct afternoon sun.
Water
Apply gentle organic fertilizer every 1-2 months during growing season — one of the few office plants that benefits from regular feeding. Goes fully dormant Nov-Mar; reduce watering and stop fertilizing entirely.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity. Leaf edges brown in dry winter heating.
Temperature
18–27°C (65–80°F). Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.
Difficulty
Moderate
Sizes
Tabletop · Mid-floor · Floor specimen
White bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai, carries large, banana-like leaves on a clumping, fast-growing plant that can reach around 1.8m indoors, taller in high-light atriums. Leaves split naturally as the plant matures — a normal trait, not damage, worth explaining to anyone who asks.
In the Office
It does best in medium to bright light near a window, out of direct afternoon sun. It benefits from gentle organic fertilizer every one to two months during the growing season — one of the few office plants that responds well to regular feeding — but goes fully dormant from November to March, when watering and fertilizing should both be cut back. New leaves are delicate while unfurling, and any damage at that stage is permanent, so handle it carefully.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Large, banana-like leaves give strong structural presence, reaching around 1.8m indoors
- One of the few office plants that benefits from regular feeding during the growing season
- Fast-growing clumping habit, so it fills a space more quickly than many floor plants
- Natural leaf splitting is a normal, attractive trait rather than a sign of damage
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Beside windows in lobbies or atriums, where the medium to bright light supports its fast growth
- 2
Open floor areas rather than tight corners, since its large leaves need clearance
- 3
Stable spots away from direct afternoon sun, which can stress the foliage
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Handle new leaves with care while they're unfurling — damage at that stage is permanent
- Remove dead outer leaves at the base, cutting damaged leaves cleanly rather than tearing them
- Cut back watering and stop fertilizing from November to March, when the plant goes dormant
- Check where leaves meet the stem for mealybugs, the primary pest to watch for
Want Bird of Paradise in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.