Strelitzia Maintenance & Care Checklist
1. Plant Family Overview: Strelitzia
In the office environment, Strelitzias (Bird of Paradise) are chosen for their dramatic, large-scale impact and tropical feel. These are high-energy plants that move towards the light, grow quite fast and drink heavily in summer.
Appearance: Large, paddle-shaped leaves resembling banana plants. They grow in a clumping formation. The most common office variety (Strelitzia nicolai) can grow very tall and wide.
Common Varieties: Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird of Paradise - typically used as large floor plants), Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird of Paradise - smaller leaves but still very impactful).
Office Characteristics: High visual impact. Important Note: As the leaves mature, they naturally split and fray at the edges. This is a genetic adaptation to wind and light, not a sign of damage.
Key Sensitivities: High light requirement (will not survive in dark corners).
2. Ideal Conditions
Light: High light requirement.
Target: Within 1–2 metres of a bright window or atrium.
Tolerance: Can handle some direct sunlight (unlike most office plants). Will slowly decline in low light/shade.
Temperature: Standard office climate.
Ideal: 18°C – 28°C.
Limit: Avoid cold drafts below 12°C (e.g. near revolving doors in winter).
Humidity: Prefers higher humidity (50%+), but adapts to office air.
Water Quality: Tepid (room temperature) water. If possible, let tap water sit in an open container overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.
Potting Mix: Nutrient-rich, loamy soil that retains moisture but drains well.
Feeding: Heavy feeders during summer months due to rapid growth.
3. Weekly / Fortnightly Maintenance Checklist
Perform these tasks on a consistent day (e.g. every Wednesday).
Watering Check (Soil Plants): (The "Finger Test")
Insert a finger into the soil up to the second knuckle (approx. 3–5 cm deep), or use a moisture meter (recommended).
Action:
If soil is damp/sticky: DO NOT WATER.
If soil is dry/crumbly: Water generously.
Quantity: These plants are thirsty. Apply water until it just begins to trickle out of the grow pot, then stop.
Signs of Thirst: If the leaves curl inward (like a taco shell), the plant is dehydrated.
HydroCare Plants: Leave for 7-10 days on minimum before topping up, never go above optimum on the water level indicator.
Cleaning:
Dust: The large leaves are major dust magnets. Wipe them weekly with a damp microfiber cloth (dust gloves) to ensure the plant can photosynthesize.
Debris: Remove dried husks from the base of the stems to prevent pests hiding.
Positioning & Environment:
Rotation Check: Strelitzias grow rapidly toward the light. If the plant is leaning heavily to one side, rotate the pot.
Space Check: Ensure the large leaves are not obstructing fire exits or being hit by opening doors.
Quick Health Scan:
Scan for "Stickiness": Run a hand over a lower leaf. If it feels sticky, look for "Scale" insects (small brown bumps).
Scan for Splits: Remember, splitting leaves are normal. Do not panic.
4. Monthly / Bi-Monthly Tasks
Fertilising (Feed):
When: April to September.
What: Soil Plants; General-purpose liquid houseplant food. HydroCare Plants; Hydroponic liquid plant food.
Frequency: Once a month. These plants grow big leaves and need energy.
Rotation:
Rotate the pot 90° (quarter turn) every month. This is critical for Strelitzias to prevent them from becoming unstable and toppling over.
Pot Maintenance:
Soil plants: Check that roots are not growing out of the bottom drainage holes of the grow pot.
Pruning:
Oldest leaves at the bottom will eventually turn brown and ugly. Cut these off as close to the soil line as possible using sharp shears.
5. Seasonal Adjustments
Spring / Summer (Active Growth)
Watering: High demand. Check weekly. Large plants may need 1–2 litres of water per week depending on heat.
Growth: New leaves will emerge as tight spikes. Do not help them open; let them unfurl naturally.
Autumn / Winter (Dormancy)
Watering: Reduce. The plant slows down. Allow the soil to dry out significantly more than in summer (top 5–7 cm dry).
Feeding: Stop completely.
Lighting: Maximise light. If blinds are usually closed, try to open them for the plant during these darker months.
6. What NOT to Do
Don't tape or glue split leaves back together. It damages the plant tissue.
Don't place in a windowless room or dark corner. It will slowly die.
Don't use leaf shine (gloss spray). It clogs the large pores of the leaf.
Don't force a new leaf spike open by hand; you will tear it.
Don't overwater in winter. Cold wet soil leads to fungal issues quickly.
7. Red Flags & Early Warning Signs
Use this troubleshooting guide to catch and treat issues.
Leaves curling inward
Dehydration / Heat Stress
Water immediately. Check AC vents.
Brown edges on leaves
Dry air / Low humidity
Mist the leaves. Ensure soil isn't bone dry.
Sticky "honeydew" on leaves
Scale Insect or Mealybug
Escalate. Clean with soapy water or use Pest Treatment.
Stems turning black/mushy
Root Rot
Stop watering. Isolate plant.
New leaves not opening
Low light / Low humidity
Wipe leaf with warm damp cloth.
Plant leaning dangerously
Uneven light exposure
Rotate pot. Stake if necessary.
Leaves splitting
Natural genetics
No action. This is normal.