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Strelitzia Nicolai: a tropical gem
The days are getting darker and the windows and doors are closing again. A good time to bring nature into your home! As the October Air Purifying Plant of the Month, the Strelitzia Nicolai stands out, especially this month. It is a gem to the eye, but also good for your health. This tropical plant with its large leaves and air-purifying properties is now a very popular houseplant. Open any interior design magazine and you'll come across this gem, and we understand why! Read on quickly to learn more about the origin, care tips, and, of course, the air-purifying qualities of this unique plant.
Origin of the Strelitzia
The Strelitzia Nicolai is native to tropical regions such as South Africa and feels at home in warm and humid climates. This plant has a rich history and has been cherished for centuries. The Strelitzia is related to the banana plant and also has several similarities to the banana plant.
In addition, the Strelitzia Nicolai is closely related to the Strelitzia Reginae, known for its colorful flowers. However, the Strelitzia Nicolai can grow large and has long, deep green leaves that add a tropical feel to any room.
With its lush green leaves, the Strelitzia is a gem in our range of air-purifying houseplants. This tropical plant is also called the White Bird of Paradise flower because of its unique flower shape, which resembles the graceful feathers of an exotic bird. Although this species rarely blooms as a houseplant, it has an impressive appearance that immediately attracts attention.
Types of Strelitzia
Because of its popularity and strong adaptability, there are several beautiful varieties of the Strelitzia available. Each species of Strelitzia has its unique charm and characteristics.
- Strelitzia Alba: The Alba is also called white-flowered wild banana or Cape wild banana. It is a fairly rare species and is very similar to the Strelitzia Nicolai, but is distinguished by its larger and more elongated leaves. Unlike the bright colors of the Strelitzia Reginae, the Alba has white-colored flowers. This species can grow huge, even up to 10 meters tall in the wild.
- Strelitzia Augusta: The Strelitzia Augusta is very similar to the Strelitzia Nicolai and they are also often confused. This large plant has broad, dark green leaves that give an impressive, palm tree-like appearance. The Augusta blooms with white flowers and purple highlights and can grow 6 feet tall as a houseplant.
- Strelitzia Caudata: The Strelitzia Caudata is found in the highlands of South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland. This species is less well-known than the other Strelitzias and has gray-green leaves. The flowers are smaller and more subtle, with a white-to-cream base and blue-purple highlights.
- Strelitzia Juncae: The Strelitzia Juncae is a unique species within the Strelitzia family because it does not have broad leaves, but thin, stem-like leaves that look more like reeds. This gives the plant a very different look than the classic Strelitzia species. The flowers are similar to those of Strelitzia Reginae, with bright orange and blue hues.
- Strelitzia Nicolai: The Strelitzia Nicolai, also called the “White Bird of Paradise Plant,” is one of the most popular species because of its impressive size and tropical look. This air-purifying plant has large, dark green leaves that look like those of a banana plant. The flowers are white with purple highlights but hardly bloom as a houseplant.
- Strelitzia Reginae: The Strelitzia Reginae is the best-known species within the genus. Also called the Bird of Paradise flower, this plant is known for its spectacular flowers in orange and blue, which resemble a bird of paradise. The Reginae is more compact than the other species, making it more suitable for smaller spaces.
Each species of Strelitzia brings its charm and characteristics. In Air So Pure's assortment, for now, you will only find the Strelitzia Nicolai, grown by our proud member Forever Plants Group and a proven strong air-purifying plant.
Grower of the Strelitzia Nicolai
The October Air Purifying Plant of the Month, or Strelitzia Nicolai, is grown by our member Forever Plants Group. This innovative family business grows the Strelitzia Nicolai in 6 different pot sizes, from 55cm to 180cm tall! At Forever Plants, they treat and package your air-purifying greenery with great care and love.
Whether you put a small Strelitzia in your home office or a large, eye-catching Strelitzia in your bedroom, there is a suitable Strelitzia Nicolai for every space at Air So Pure! With its large, glossy leaves, you'll quickly make an impression!
Care tips for the Strelitzia
Strelitzias are known for their easy care, ideal if you don't have a green thumb. With the right care, the Strelitzia Nicolai can also be by your side for years to come! Here are some important tips to keep your air-purifying plant healthy and happy:
- Light: This plant likes a lot of light, preferably direct sunlight. So put it in a bright spot, such as near a south or west-facing window. Do you notice that the leaves burn? Place it further away from the window or make sure it only gets a few hours of sun.
- Water: The soil should be kept moist, but make sure the roots are not in water for too long to prevent root rot. In winter, watering can be reduced slightly.
- Humidity: These plants like high humidity, just like in their natural habitat. Regular spraying of the leaves can help maintain humidity, especially in winter when the air in the house is drier.
- Temperature: This tropical pearl likes heat and thrives in temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. Avoid draughty places and make sure the plant is not too cold.
- Nutrition: During the growing period, from spring to fall, you can give the plant a little plant food monthly.
Is the Strelitzia Nicolai (Bird of Paradise flower) poisonous?
Yes, the Strelitzia is mildly toxic to humans and animals if a bite is taken from the plant. The fine is that the flowers of the Strelitzia are more toxic than the leaves, and flowers are not easily encountered with the Strelitzia. Still, pets and people can also get symptoms from the leaves. So be careful if your pet or child likes to reach the plants.
Air-purifying properties
We all know that plants produce oxygen. Plants are also capable of absorbing pollutants, scientific research, shows. Only a select assortment has very strong air-purifying properties. These are the plants from Air So Pure.
The Strelitzia Nicolai is not only beautiful to look at; it is also functional. Like all the other houseplants from Air So Pure, the Strelitzia helps purify the air in your home. They absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are often found in household products.
In addition, air-purifying plants increase humidity by releasing water through their leaves, which can be especially beneficial in dry indoor environments. An effective, air-purifying plant!
So especially in autumn and winter, when we spend more time indoors and air quality can deteriorate, the Nicolai comes in handy. The more plants, the greater the effect.
Air Purifying Plant of the Month October 2024
Why is the Strelitzia Nicolai, also known as the Bird of Paradise flower, the Air Purifying Plant of the Month October? In October, when temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, it is extra important to pay attention to air quality. The Strelitzia Nicolai is the perfect plant to do just that. Not only does this plant bring a piece of nature into your home, but it also makes the air cleaner and fresher, contributing to a healthier living environment.
- The Strelitzia is not just another houseplant; it is a trendy plant that will give your interior that extra something. Open Instagram or any interior design magazine and you will come across the Strelitzia. It exudes luxury but also does well in office buildings.
- The leaves of the Strelitzia are remarkably large, making it the ideal eye-catcher in the home.
- The Strelitzia is a proven strong air-purifying plant. In addition to its look and feel, this plant also offers health benefits. A real win-win situation.
Enjoy nature indoors too and experience the benefits of air-purifying plants, such as increased creativity, productivity, and concentration!
Check our store locator for all participating stores with the Strelitzia and score your Air-Purifying Plant of the Month in October now!
