Origin
The Strelitzia Nicolai, commonly known as the White Bird of Paradise, has its origin in South Africa. It mainly grows in the eastern coastal regions from Kwazulu-Natal to the Eastern Cape. The plant is named after Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, in tribute to his contribution to botany.

Characteristics
As a member of the Strelitziaceae family, the Strelitzia Nicolai has unique identifying characteristics. This large, evergreen plant can grow up to 6 metres tall, with leaves that can reach up to 2 metres in length and 1 metre wide. These leaves are elongated and spoon-shaped and the plant develops striking white and blue flowers that resemble the head of a bird of paradise.

Care
A Strelitzia Nicolai generally requires a lot of sunlight to grow well, although it can also survive in semi-shade. A well-draining soil is essential for the plant's health, where stagnation of water should be avoided to prevent root rot. For optimal growth, it is recommended to fertilise the plant once every two weeks during the growing season.