Strelitzia

Strelitzia nicolai

Bird-Of-Paradise Tree

Strelitzia nicolai is a large, tree-forming species from the warm subtropical regions of southern Africa, where it grows as a robust evergreen in open, well-lit settings. It takes the brightest indirect light you can offer and tolerates a few hours of gentle direct sun once established, but appreciates protection from harsh midday glare indoors. Let the top two inches of mix dry before watering, then water deeply; its thick stems and roots store moisture, so erring toward dry is far safer than keeping it sodden.

Strelitzia reginae

Bird Of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae is a robust perennial from the warm, seasonally dry coastal regions of South Africa's Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, accustomed to strong sun and well-drained ground. Give it the brightest spot you can, ideally several hours of direct light, in a gritty, free-draining mix. Water when the top inch or two of soil has dried out, allowing it to approach dryness between waterings rather than staying constantly wet.

Strelitzia juncea

African Desert Banana

Strelitzia juncea is a perennial from the Cape Provinces of South Africa, with stiff, reed-like leafless stalks adapted to bright, open, seasonally dry conditions. Give it the strongest light you can — a sunny window or direct sun — and water deeply only once the top several centimetres of mix have dried out, letting it approach dry between waterings. Its rush-like form stores water and resents sitting wet, so err toward under-watering and ensure gritty, fast-draining soil.