Flower Library
Strelitzia
Strelitzia reginae · Strelitziaceae
Strelitzia (also 'bird-of-paradise') are the most exotic cut flower in standard ranges. Orange-blue, bird-head-shaped blooms on stiff stems — unmistakable.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 10–21 days
- Latin name
- Strelitzia reginae
- Colors
- Orange-blue, White
Year-round from South African and Dutch cultivation. One of the longest-lasting cut flowers — 10–21 days vase life.
Strelitzia as accent in modern bouquets — one to three stems suffice for a full statement. Alone in a tall vase they read sculptural.
Florist trick: if the next bloom won't open, gently press open the lateral seam of the sheath with clean fingers. The second bloom then emerges.
Is Strelitzia toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs. Strelitzia contain gastrointestinal irritants — mainly in the seeds and seed pods. Possible signs include drooling, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; poisoning is usually mild to moderate. Keep the vase out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and drowsiness after ingestion — especially of seeds and seed pods.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut at an angle.
- 02Water medium-deep, change every 4–5 days.
- 03Keep warm (above 18°C) — no cold draughts.
- 04Direct sunlight is fine.
Frequently asked
- Are strelitzia suitable for weddings?
- Only for very modern or exotic-themed weddings. Bad fit for classic weddings — the form is too placard.
- Do strelitzia grow as houseplants?
- Yes — if they get enough light. Blooming takes 4–6 years though. Robust plant, blooming potted plant is rare.
- How long do strelitzia last in a vase?
- Exceptionally long: 10–21 days is among the highest of any cut flower. Keep them warm above 18°C, in medium-deep water, and change it every 4–5 days. Cold draughts shorten vase life noticeably.
- Are strelitzia toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes, strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae) are classed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The seeds and seed pods in particular irritate the gastrointestinal tract and can cause drooling, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Poisoning is usually mild to moderate, but keep the vase and stems out of pets' reach to be safe.