Strelitzia nicolai

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Prior to sowing chip or scarify seed and soak for 2-3 days. Change water daily. Drain, surface sow onto a moist but well-drained sandy seed compost. Ideal temp. 24-27°C. Bottom heat may be beneficial. Keep moist but not wet. Prone to damping off, ensure good sowing hygiene. Germination takes 1-6 months. Even under ideal conditions germination can be erratic. Transplant seedlings when they have 3-4 true leaves to individual pots and grow on under glass.

Growing

Requires a min. temp. 10°C. Best grown under glass in the UK although it can be tried outside in a warm, sheltered garden. Prefers a compost with added coir, grit and bark. Water well when in growth but keep almost dry in winter. Will take several years to flower from seed.

Cultivation

Hand pollination is required for seed to be set, even with hand pollination seed is rarely set. Best to propagate by division. If container grown do not re-pot too often as the roots dislike disturbance. The plant prefers to be slightly pot-bound.