---
title: "How to water a Strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae)"
description: "Keep your Strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae) hydrated without overwatering. Learn how to tell when your plant needs water and discover effective top-down, bottom, and bath watering methods."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/strelitzia"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:40.081Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:09:29.052Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/KwoZf-A0R2GlnY_JMrlKKA.webp?size=large"
---

# How to water a Strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae)

## How to water

Feel the soil; it should be a bit moist but not wet when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, if water seeps out it’s still wet.

Strelitzia likes moisture but doesn't want to stay wet during a long time so it actually needs a soil that drains well and can withhold water at the same time. It's also important that it's planted in a pot with drainage holes. If all this is done properly but it still doesn't dry up: make sure that it gets enough light (at least 6 hours of sunlight each day).

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/KwoZf-A0R2GlnY_JMrlKKA.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Perfect draining soil that also can withhold some moisture = perfect for the Strelitzia  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/ZRHFwrnLTSywxRcYUKFTgw.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

## Ofte stillede spørgsmål

### How do I know when my Strelitzia needs watering?

Feel the soil to check its moisture. Your Strelitzia is ready for water when the soil feels a bit moist but not wet. If water seeps out when you squeeze the soil, it is still too wet.

### Why is good drainage essential for my Strelitzia?

Strelitzia plants enjoy moisture but should not sit in water for extended periods. A well-draining soil mix that also retains some moisture, along with a pot that has drainage holes, helps prevent root issues.

### Can a Strelitzia get enough light if its soil stays wet?

If your Strelitzia's soil remains wet despite proper drainage, it might not be receiving enough light. Ensure your plant gets at least 6 hours of sunlight every day to help the soil dry out appropriately.

### What should I do if water collects in the plant's tray after watering?

Always remove any collected water from the tray under your Strelitzia after watering. Your plant should never sit in standing water, as this can lead to overwatering and rot.

### Is bottom watering alone sufficient for my Strelitzia?

While bottom watering is effective, it does not wash away accumulated salts and minerals from the soil. You should also water your Strelitzia from the top every now and then to flush out these residues.

### How long should I wait for the soil to absorb water when bottom watering?

When bottom watering, let your Strelitzia soak for about 10 minutes initially. Check the soil, and if it's still dry, add more water to the tray and wait another 20 minutes before removing any excess.

## How to water a Strelitzia from the top

1. Pour water over the soil using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.
2. Continue adding water until it begins to run out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
3. If you have a tray beneath the pot, ensure you remove all collected water afterward to prevent the plant from sitting in water.
4. If you watered under a tap, wait until water has completely stopped running from the bottom before moving the plant back.

---

_Planta (https://getplanta.com), plantepleje-appen til iOS og Android. Download appen: https://getplanta.com/download_