Strelitzia is not the same as a Strelitzia. This plant is available in a wide variety of designs, growth heights and flower colors. Below you will find an overview of the 5 species, all of which belong to the Strelitzia family and originally come from South Africa.

The King's Strelitzia (Strelitzia Reginae) is the best-known species

The King Strelitzia - Strelitzia reginae

This species is probably the best known and is often used as a houseplant in pots in this country. It is also known as the bird of paradise flower and the parrot flower, thanks to its colorful flowers.

Here are their characteristics:

  • Flowering period: December to May
  • 10 cm long flowers
  • Flowers in blue-orange (also varieties with yellow-blue flowers)
  • is considered the most beautiful species of all Strelitzia
  • Growth height: up to 2 m
  • up to 50 cm long, narrow, long-stalked leaves

The rush strelitzia - Strelitzia juncea

This species of Strelitzia reaches a growth height of between 1 and 2 m and stands out from the other species above all with its different foliage. The leaves are rush-like (without a discernible blade). They reach a length of 2 m. The flowers appear between May and October and are very similar to those of the king's Strelitzia.

The Mountain Strelitzia - Strelitzia caudata

The mountain Strelitzia, which grows like a tree, is less well known. It grows up to 6 m high, is also evergreen and has leaves up to 2 m long. Its flowers stand out with the blue color of the bracts.

The White Strelitzia - Strelitzia alba

This Strelitzia also grows like a tree and grows up to 10 m high. It flowers from May to June and lives up to its name with its white sepals and light-colored petals.

The Tree Strelitzia - Strelitzia nicolai

The tree strelitzia (also known as natal strelitzia) has the following characteristics

  • Growth height of up to 12 m
  • tree-like growth
  • larger leaves than any other species
  • 40 cm long bracts in purple-blue
  • white sepals and blue stamens

Properties that all Strelitzia have in common

  • not hardy
  • large, persistent and herbaceous
  • form clumps with their rhizomes
  • alternate, large, entire leaves
  • erect inflorescences
  • boat-shaped bract
  • hermaphrodite, tripartite flowers
  • woody capsule fruits
  • Seeds with orange aril

tips

Attention: All Strelitzia species are slightly poisonous in all parts!

Category:

Indoor plants