White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a stunning plant worthy of its name. It’s much larger than its similarly named cousin, reaching heights up to 30 feet in the right plant hardiness zone. The foliage is stunning on its own. However, the flowers are equally beautiful. We empathize with your disappointment if it's not blooming. Let's investigate the root cause.

Reasons for the Lack of Blooms

Examining the plant's origin provides valuable insights. The White Bird of Paradise originates from subtropical Africa. This evergreen species exhibits remarkable tolerance to various conditions, including salt, drought, and heat, making it low-maintenance.To achieve this size, a plant like the White Bird of Paradise requires time. This process is common, as seen with grape vines taking 3 years to bear fruit.

Lack of Sunlight

We mentioned where this plant originated. It has also been naturalized in Mexico. If you look at the solar irradiance data for this area, you see that it gets a lot of sun every day. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zones are 9b to 11. If yours isn’t blooming, it might not be getting enough light.

Plants require adequate resources like energy from photosynthesis to flower or bear fruit. Insufficient resources can lead to dormancy. Consider trimming branches blocking direct sunlight for optimal growth of your Bird of Paradise. Ensure proper spacing between branches to allow for optimal sunlight exposure for your Bird of Paradise.

Inadequate Growing Conditions

The White Bird of Paradise favors being pot-bound in well-draining soils and requires adequate water as a subtropical species. Allow the soil to dry slightly before watering to prevent mold and fungus growth. Ensure that your White Bird of Paradise is planted in a pot with proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Avoid stressing the plant. Try using fertilizer to stimulate flowering. Opt for a product high in phosphorus over nitrogen. Phosphorus promotes blooming, while nitrogen aids foliage growth. Flowering typically happens in summer to early fall, based on growing conditions. To ensure optimal blooming, be sure to provide the plant with consistent watering and adequate sunlight. 

Final Thoughts

The White Bird of Paradise is an excellent choice for a focal point in your landscaping or in a large container in a well-lit room. It will thrive in the right conditions. It may need more direct sunlight or a nutrient burst to encourage flowering if it isn't blooming.