White Bird of Paradise Plant (Strelitzia Nicolai)

White Bird of Paradise Plant (Strelitzia Nicolai)

 

The Bird of Paradise plant, also known as Strelitzia Nicolai, is a striking and majestic houseplant that gets its name from its distinctive flowers that resemble birds of paradise. With its large, showy leaves and impressive height, this plant adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space. The leaves are elongated, dark green and have a striking structure, making the plant a real eye-catcher.

 

Care:

 

• Light: The Bird of Paradise plant likes bright, indirect light. Preferably place it near a window without direct sunlight, although it also thrives in light shade.
• Water: Moderate watering is ideal. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid allowing the plant to stand in water as this can cause root rot.
• Temperature and Humidity: Keep the temperature around 18-24 degrees Celsius and ensure moderate humidity. This plant thrives at normal room temperatures.
• Nutrition: Provide the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). In autumn and winter the plant needs less nutrition.
• Repotting: Repot the Bird of Paradise plant when necessary, for example when the roots fill the pot. Preferably do this in the spring.

 

With these simple care guidelines, you can enjoy the beautiful Bird of Paradise plant and maintain its lush greenery in your home.

 

 

About the Botanical Garden Zuidas

 

The Botanical Garden Zuidas, known before August 2016 as Hortus Botanicus Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, is a botanical garden in Amsterdam South.

 

The garden is located between the hospital and the university campus at Van der Boechorststraat number 8. The fence, made by artist Ruud-Jan Kokke, forms the entrance to the garden. The garden is maintained by permanent employees with the help of volunteers.

 

The garden was originally established in 1967 as a system garden of the Vrije Universiteit, in which the plants were organized by relationship. It was designed by the renowned Amstelveen parks manager C.P. Broerse and consisted of an outdoor area and a greenhouse complex. The outdoor area features a fern garden and a Chinese penjing-style garden. The greenhouse complex includes a tropical greenhouse, currently converted into a winter garden, and a succulent greenhouse.

 

Cacti

The Zuidas Botanical Garden manages a number of collections that are registered with the National Plant Collection Foundation (SNP), including the most extensive collection of cacti in the Netherlands, succulents, hardy ferns and orchids. The cactus collection is impressive with genera such as Mammillaria, Opuntia, Copiapoa and Echinopsis side by side in a packed greenhouse. There is also an unheated greenhouse with somewhat hardy cacti. The flowering period starts in May, after they are first watered, until August. Many cacti are protected and threatened with extinction and are therefore on the red list.

 

Penjing

The Botanical garden is the only one in the Netherlands to have a collection of penjing and bonsai, a gift from 1982 from the then director of the Floriade. Penjing is a Chinese art form that uses miniature stones and plants to portray nature in a concentrated form. Penjing has been practiced in China for over 2,000 years – at least 800 years before Japan copied the art and gained worldwide fame with bonsai. The bonsai in the Botanical Garden can only be admired in the summer months, when they are placed outside. The penjing stones, modeled after centuries-old traditions, are permanently on display: part of the complex is designed as a Chinese garden.

 

Welcome to the garden

Over time, the Hortus has become less important from a scientific point of view (for research and education at the Vrije Universiteit). However, the Botanical Garden has not lost its importance as a beautiful attraction. In this green oasis between the hospital and the Free University, you as an employee can escape the hectic pace of everyday life.

 

The Zuidas Botanical Garden is freely accessible from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.