Bird Of Paradise Nicolai 250mm

Botanical Name:  Sterlitzia Nicolai

Description : 

Bird of paradise Nicolai is famous for its beautiful shape and exotic flowers. Closely related to the banana plants, Bird of paradise Nicolai forms a clump of large, banana-shaped, long-stalked, and dark green leaves. Under optimal living conditions, they can reach 2-3m in pots and 6-10m in height when planted on the ground. Known as the most popular and fast-growing houseplants, the paradise Nicolai bird is perfect for interior design and tropical outdoor gardens.

Size:

Pot size: 250mm pot 

Width: 50-60cm  

Height: 1.7-1.9M including pot 

Weight: 5kg

Care Guide:

1. Lighting

• Ideal:  Bright, indirect sunlight. They need a lot of light to grow well and produce flowers.

• Direct sunlight:  A few hours of direct sun each day is acceptable and can encourage better growth. However, too much, especially in summer can scorch the leaves, especially if the plant is not acclimated.

• Placement:  Place it near a south or west-facing window, or a spot with plenty of natural light.

2. Watering

Bird of Paradise plants like consistently moist soil, but they don’t like to sit in water.

• When to water:  Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly, allowing water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. 

In the warmer months: water 1-2 times a week. 

In winter months: water less frequently, every 7-14 days.

• Note:  Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to find a balance.

3. Temperature

Bird of Paradise plants prefer warm temperatures. Avoid cold drafts, air conditioners, and sudden temperature fluctuations. Do not place the plant near heating vents or radiators, as they can dry out the air.

4. Humidity

Bird of Paradise plants thrive in higher humidity

• Ideal humidity:  50-60% is best, but they can tolerate lower levels if necessary.

• Increase humidity:  If you have dry indoor air, increase humidity by misting the leaves, placing the plant on a humidity tray, or using a humidifier.

• Note:  While humidity is important, avoid over-wetting the leaves, which can cause fungal issues.

5. Soil

A well-draining potting mix is essential for the health of a Bird of Paradise plant.

• Ideal soil:  Use a rich, well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for aeration. A general-purpose houseplant mix will work fine as long as it drains well.

• pH:  Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.5).

6. Fertilizing

• When to fertilize:  Feed your plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer.

• Avoid:  Fertilizing during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down. Excessive fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, harming the roots.

7. Repotting and Maintenance

• Repotting:  Repot in spring when the plant outgrows its current pot or when the roots become root-bound. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure the pot has good drainage.

• Pruning:  Trim off any brown or dead leaves with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

• Cleaning leaves:  Dust the large leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust and encourage better light absorption.

8. Common Issues

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Bird of Paradise plants:

• Yellowing leaves:  This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Make sure you’re not watering too often (in winter) and that your pot has good drainage.

• Brown leaf tips:  This is often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increasing humidity or more consistent watering may help.

• Leaf burn:  If leaves turn brown or develop scorch marks, this could be from too much direct sunlight or exposure to drafts. Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.

• Pests:  Bird of Paradise can sometimes attract common pests like spider mites, aphids, or scale. Regularly inspect the plant, and treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or a natural remedy like neem oil.

Pet-friendly:  Bird of paradise Nicolai is mildly toxic to pets so should be kept away from animals and small children.