Where can I buy white bird of paradise plants?

Question

I live in S.California

Answer 1

Many of their salespeople do not realize it, but Strelitzia nicolai, the White Bird of Paradise, is available at many Home Improvement Stores in the indoor garden section. They are a common indoor plant, but rarely bloom indoors. They look similar to a small banana tree, but the leaves feel thicker and more substantial. You may find one labeled with the scientific name, but you don't very often see them labeled White Bird of Paradise.

Answer 2

My garden is full of Strelitzia nicolai as they are native to KZN. Just bear in mind that they like full sun or at worst semi-shaded conditions and they grow huge. Mine are about 10m high and they are about 22 years old. You need to have a big garden to accommodate these plants. Keep away from your home and swimming pool as the base spreads laterally. They like well drained soils and I have never watered mine. Host plant to a wide range of fauna.

Answer 3

Probably mealybug not fungus. The bugs make a fluffy coating they live under, and if you look carefully you will see it in all the leaf joints. They are very hard to kill as the fluff protects them, I find one of the organic sprays made with oil works best as the oil clogs up the fuzz and they can't breathe. If I'm wrong and it is really fungus, you need better air circulation and might be watering too much

Answer 4

I occasionally see them offered on eBay; the ones I've seen are pretty reasonably priced, although I prefer the "normal"-colored ones, myself.