The Strelitzia is native to South Africa and South America. These are tropical and humid areas and the plant will thrive in such areas. It can be grown outdoors but in other parts it is best grown as a potted plant that can be brought indoors for the fall and winter months. With proper care and diligence it can be grown in much colder environments both as an indoor potted plant and in glass houses. Indeed the Strelitzia Nicolai tolerates mild frost. This species likes to be grown in a rich soil in sun or partial shade. Good drainage is essential.
Other species of Strelitzia are the:
Strelitzia Alba, the white Bird of Paradise. This is a large tree like Bird of Paradise and is not suitable for the small garden as it can reach up to 20ft.
Strelitzia Caudata, the African desert banana. This Strelitzia is difficult to find and difficult to grow. It is also a very large specimen.
Strelitzia Reginae, Bird of paradise, or Crane lily is a much more manageable plant but patience is needed as it can take up to six years before it will bloom. It can grow up to 5ft. tall and it requires full sun but not intense summer sun.
Strelitzia Juncea. This is a slow grower and differs from all other Strelitzia in that the leaves over time will disappear and become a reed or a rush like a waterside plant of the Juncaceae family. This species, like Strelitzia Nicolai will tolerate a slight frost.
The Strelitzia problems is the propagation that is mainly done by suckering. This can be very invasive and it is unwise to plant a Strelitzia too close to a house. The invasive suckering process can easily knock down low garden walls especially if the foundation is slight to begin with. In some cases the charming and spectacular Bird of Paradise is even considered a pest and it is hacked and pruned away with impunity. A Strelitzia grown in a glasshouse bed can overpower everything else within reach in a short space of time.