Bird of Paradise (Nicolai)Strelitzia Reginae or the Bird of Paradise plants has arching emerald banana like leaves to bring the jungle into your home. These are slow growing plants, so buy them as big as your budget allows. Nicolai has white and midnight blue flowers that look like the head of an exotic bird, but these only develop in more mature plants that are 3 years or older and about 2. 5m tall.