Strelitzia pot size: which pot suits a bird of paradise?

A strelitzia (bird of paradise plant) does best in a pot 30 to 40 cm in diameter for a plant of 80 to 120 cm, and 40 to 50 cm for a fully grown specimen. Choose a pot with a drainage hole that is heavy enough to carry the big leaves.

What pot size does a strelitzia need?

The strelitzia has a sturdy root system and large, heavy leaves. It does not want too much room, but it should not be cramped either. As a rule of thumb, pick a pot whose diameter is roughly a third to half the height of the plant. For more on stepping up from size to size, read our guide on choosing the right flower pot size.

A few concrete examples, based on the diameter at the top of the pot:

• Plant of 50 to 80 cm: pot of 25 to 30 cm diameter.
• Plant of 80 to 120 cm: pot of 30 to 40 cm diameter.
• Plant of 120 to 180 cm: pot of 40 to 50 cm diameter.
• Plant over 180 cm: pot of 50 cm or more, with a wide, stable base.

Look at depth too. Strelitzia grows thick, fleshy roots that go deep, so a pot at least as tall as it is wide works better than a shallow bowl. A low, wide bowl is lovely for succulents, but usually too shallow for a bird of paradise.

When should you repot a strelitzia?

Repot in spring, when the plant starts growing again. Signs it is time: roots coming out of the drainage hole, water running straight through without soaking in, or a plant that leans because the pot has become too light. A strelitzia actually flowers better when slightly root bound, so do not rush. Once every two to three years is enough for most plants.

Go up one size only: 5 to 8 cm more diameter than the previous pot. A much bigger pot holds too much moisture around the roots, which is exactly what a strelitzia dislikes. The general steps are in our article on repotting a houseplant.

Which soil and drainage suit a bird of paradise?

Use a loose, airy potting mix with some perlite or coarse sand, and make sure the pot drains well at the bottom. A hole in the base is no luxury for this plant. If it sits too wet, the roots rot and the leaf edges turn brown. Water again only when the top 3 to 5 cm of soil feels dry.

A decorative pot without a hole works fine, as long as the plant sits in a nursery pot with holes inside it. How that works is explained in using an inner pot inside a decorative pot. Always let excess water drain away after watering and empty the outer pot.

How heavy is a large pot with a strelitzia?

A 40 cm pot with wet soil and a sizeable plant easily weighs 15 to 25 kilos. That helps, because a tall plant with broad leaves tips over easily in a light pot. On a wooden floor you can place a non-slip mat or a thin board under the pot. A heavy mosaic or pottery piece gives the plant extra stability.

At Masr Potten & Vazen every piece is handmade, with hand-laid glass mosaic, and no two pieces are identical. That makes a pot for a strelitzia a lasting piece of furniture rather than disposable packaging. Colour variation and small irregularities are part of handwork.

Where do you place a strelitzia indoors?

A strelitzia loves light, ideally a spot by a south or west facing window with a few hours of sun. In a spot that is too dark it grows slowly and will not flower. Turn the pot a quarter turn now and then so the leaves grow evenly.

Do not put the pot directly above a radiator or in a draught. A bright living room or bay window works well. If the plant stands in a large pot in a room with lots of glass, choose a colour that sits calmly against the green. Blue, turquoise and sand tones are popular here, as you can read in our article on choosing mosaic colours.

Can a strelitzia stay outside in summer?

Yes, from mid May into autumn a strelitzia can stand outside in a sheltered spot with partial shade or morning sun. Acclimatise the plant gradually and bring it inside before night temperatures drop below 10 degrees. For current temperatures and frost data, check the KNMI. For more on big indoor pots, see our article on a large indoor flower pot.

A terracotta or pottery pot is porous: moisture evaporates faster than from plastic. That suits this plant, because it dislikes wet feet. Not all terracotta is frost resistant, so do not leave the pot outside in winter unless it is made for that, with a drainage hole.

Can you have a pot made to size for a large strelitzia?

Yes. Masr Potten & Vazen offers custom work in colour, model and size, up to amphorae of about 120 cm. A custom piece takes six to ten weeks on average from approval to delivery, with progress photos along the way. The collection starts from about €135, with larger sizes on request. You can request a no-obligation quote; you get a proposal within two working days. Also have a look at the collection of pots and vases.

We deliver in the Netherlands and Belgium, right to the spot where the piece will stand. That matters with a heavy pot, because you will not carry it up the stairs on your own.