To grow Strelitzia in a pot

How to grow Strelitzia in a pot?

When to plant?

For container culture indoors, you can plant  Strelitzia all year round. Otherwise, you can place it from March until mid-May, taking care to protect it from possible frost by keeping it sheltered in a warm, bright spot until it can be moved out to the terrace or balcony.

Which pot to choose?

Strelitzia is a large perennial that forms an imposing clump. The smallest varieties do not exceed 80 cm in height, while the largest Strelitzia reach about 1.50 to 1.80 m tall in the ground. In a pot, plants remain somewhat smaller. Consequently choose a suitably large, wide and deep container, in any case big enough for it to develop well. Choose a large pot of at least 45 cm in diameter, one or two sizes bigger than the original pot, with a pierced base to allow water to drain away.

Strelitzias in large pots (photo on the right © KM)

Which substrate to plant it in?

Bird of paradise appreciates a rich, well-draining substrate. A good potting compost enriched with a little garden compost will suit it. Use a good-quality potting compost that retains sufficient moisture.

How to plant it?

• Spread a good layer of gravel, broken pottery or clay pebbles across the bottom of the pot for good drainage (10% of pot volume)
• Plant the rootball in a mix of potting compost and garden compost, lightened if necessary with a little river sand
• Set the plant without burying the collar
• Backfill with the rest of the mix
• Firm the mix lightly around the base with your hands and water

Where to place a potted bird of paradise?

While waiting for warmer weather, you can place the pot in a greenhouse, conservatory or inside the home in a very bright, cool room (ideally around 10–13°C maximum).

• Outdoors: From June to September, if temperature is above 20°C, you can move it onto your terrace or balcony. Avoid temperatures below 12°C. Place the pot in a warm, sunny position sheltered from the coldest winds. It will tolerate light shade in a warm climate. Three to four hours of sun per day are essential for good flowering.
• Indoors: it will thrive in a conservatory or living room near a window or patio door, as it needs a bright spot. Beware of very intense sun through glass which could scorch the foliage; prefer filtered light.

Strelitzias installed on a roof terrace (© Cultivar 413)

How to care for a Strelitzia in a pot Quick overview Strelitzia (e.g. Strelitzia reginae or S. nicolai) is a dramatic, architectural houseplant that thrives with bright light, regular feeding and good drainage. With the right care it will develop large leaves and may flower indoors. Light - Provide very bright light; a south- or west-facing window is ideal. Morning or late afternoon sun is beneficial. - Avoid prolonged hot midday sun through glass that can scorch leaves; some direct sun helps flowering. Temperature and humidity - Ideal temperature: 18–25°C. It tolerates slightly cooler conditions but avoid below 10–12°C. - Likes moderate to high humidity. Mist leaves occasionally, place pot on a pebble tray or use a humidifier if indoor air is dry. Watering - Keep compost evenly moist in spring and summer but never waterlogged. Allow top 2–3 cm of compost to dry out between waterings. - Reduce watering in autumn and winter; give just enough to prevent the compost from drying out completely. Soil and pot - Use a rich, well‑draining potting mix (multipurpose compost amended with perlite, grit or horticultural sand). - Ensure a pot with good drainage holes. Terracotta pots help the compost dry out faster; plastic pots retain more moisture. Feeding - Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 3–4 weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn) or use a slow‑release pellet feed in spring. - Stop regular feeding in winter when growth slows. Repotting and root care - Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Choose a pot only 3–5 cm larger in diameter to avoid excess compost that stays waterlogged. - Division is the easiest propagation method when repotting: separate clumps with several growth points and healthy roots. Pruning and maintenance - Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base with a clean knife or secateurs. Cut spent flower stalks down to the base after flowering. - Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and allow better light absorption. Flowering tips - Flowering indoors is easier with strong light, warmth and consistent feeding. Mature plants (several years old) are more likely to bloom. - Slightly drier period in late winter/early spring and plenty of light can encourage flower formation. Pests and problems - Watch for mealybugs, scale and spider mites; treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or an appropriate systemic product. - Yellowing leaves or soft base often indicate overwatering and poor drainage (risk of root rot). - Brown leaf edges can be caused by low humidity, salt build‑up from fertiliser or inconsistent watering—flush compost occasionally and adjust care. Practical checklist - Light: very bright, some direct sun. - Water: keep evenly moist in growth, reduce in winter. - Compost: rich, free‑draining. - Pot: good drainage; repot every 2–3 years. - Feed: balanced fertiliser in spring–summer. - Humidity: increase if air is dry. - Inspect regularly for pests. If you’d like, tell me which Strelitzia species you have and the conditions in your home (light, room temperature, pot size) and I can give tailored advice.

Watering

Throughout the growing season, pay particular attention to the water needs of your Bird of paradise in a pot, as substrate dries out more quickly than in the ground.

• In summer: Water regularly twice a week with rainwater if possible. Allow substrate to dry for 3 cm between waterings. Never let water stand in the saucer. Water preferably in the evening without wetting foliage.
• In winter: Allow a well-deserved period of dormancy by greatly reducing water. Water once every 15 days, very sparingly. Excess water at this time can cause rotting of roots or collar.

Fertilisation

In a pot, substrate becomes depleted more quickly than in the ground and Bird of paradise is a hungry plant! From March to the end of August: add a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants to the water and feed twice a month. Stop fertiliser applications in winter.

Protection against cold and frost

As Strelitzia is frost-tender, pots must be stored frost-free in winter, in a bright, cool (around 13°C) and ventilated place (such as a cold greenhouse or conservatory). You can return your pot outdoors in spring as soon as risk of frost has passed.

In very mild regions where temperatures do not fall below -3 to -5°C, you can leave pots outside. However, I recommend protecting them with horticultural fleece and insulating the container from cold with cardboard or bubble wrap, as potted specimens are more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.

Strelitzias growing in a large conservatory

Pruning

Indoors, clean leaves from time to time with a damp cloth to remove dust. Regularly cut off yellow, spotted or dry leaves and spent stems.

Repotting

Every 2 years, in spring, repot your Strelitzia into a slightly larger pot.

If pot volume and plant size make repotting impossible, simply top-dress once a year in spring. Replace old substrate in the top few centimetres with fresh potting compost and fresh compost.

Possible problems

In pots and indoors, it can be susceptible to infestations of mealybugs. To get rid of them, spray with rapeseed oil after removing these sap-sucking insects manually with a cloth soaked in alcohol.

Further reading

→ Discover everything you need to know about Strelitzia in our comprehensive guide.