bird of paradise root system

The root system of bird of paradise plants is a tuberous one that can eventually reach over 2 feet in length if given proper space. Often, the Strelitzia nicolai root system ends up with a dense, heavy root ball in which the roots are so badly compacted that it affects the life of the plant.

Are bird of paradise roots invasive?

Bird of Paradise - invasive roots? The root system isn't the problem with the Nicolai its the girth of the trunk/s. The trunk width and basal structural roots will wreck your concrete. Keep it well away from concrete and they are fine.

How deep do bird of paradise roots go?

Cut Around the Roots

Dig straight down to a depth of at least 18 to 20 inches, which is the depth of most older bird of paradise root systems.

How do you dig up a bird of paradise?

Start to dig a circle around your giant bird of paradise plant with a spade. Dig about 12 to 18 inches, and cut in under the root ball. Try to get as much of the roots as possible, so adjust your digging depth and width as you feel the roots.

Can you cut bird of paradise roots?

Bird of paradise has thick, almost carrot-like roots that can sustain the plant if you choose to cut it back severely. ... When faced with overgrown “birds,” most gardeners choose to dig the plants up, cut or chop the old plant into sections, and replant one of the divisions.

Can you cut and replant birds of paradise?

Bird of paradise propagation is not difficult and is most easily achieved by plant division. Propagating bird of paradise cuttings should take place in early spring by severing a piece of rhizome with a sharp, clean knife. Sprinkle some rooting hormone on the open cuts.

What can I plant next to Bird of Paradise?

Companion Planting and Design

For taller plants try bougainvillea, Carolina jasmine, and Osmanthus or sweet olive shrub. Plant shorter flowers in the foreground, such as agapanthus, sea holly, red hot poker and alstromeria. Of course, bird of paradise is beautiful in its own container.

Do you prune birds of paradise?

Bird of paradise can be cleaned up and trimmed at any point, but serious pruning should wait until early spring. The goals of bird of paradise pruning are to remove old plant matter, thin the leaves, and take out damaged stems. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is one of those plants that you don't forget.

How big do birds of paradise get?

These species can grow to 30 feet tall and do not bloom until the plants are quite mature. But the large, 18-24 inch wide and 3-4 foot long, banana tree-like leaves are attractive enough on their own to make this an excellent interior foliage specimen for a very tropical look.

Should I deadhead birds of paradise?

According to the University of Hawaii, failure to properly deadhead bird of paradise flowers can result in a shrub that is completely covered in dead organic matter. Fungal infections and disease are also common when the bloom and its leaves and its stalk are not cut back.

Do birds of paradise grow fast?

Bird of paradise is a rapidly-growing plant that needs to reach a certain size before it will bloom. Repot it every spring into a somewhat larger pot. A bird of paradise that is 3 to 4 feet tall grows well in a 10-inch pot.

Can I transplant bird of paradise?

Can you move a bird of paradise plant? Yes is the short answer, but you need to take care in doing so. Transplanting a bird of paradise plant is something you may want to do to give your beloved plant better conditions, or because it has grown too big for its current location.

What is the best fertilizer for bird of paradise?

Birds of paradise plants tend to be heavy feeders. They prefer a balanced fertilizer that has equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (1:1:1). Steer manure offers a natural option that provides this balance and makes a great bird of paradise fertilizer.

Will Bird of Paradise root in water?

Water the bird-of-paradise cuttings as often as needed to ensure that they stay moist but do not allow them to become waterlogged. Potted plants can go through water very quickly, so check your plants daily and water whenever the soil is dry to the touch.

Will Bird of Paradise open when cut?

Pruning Bird of Paradise Blooms

That's a lot of bird of paradise blooms for a flower arrangement or vase! The New York Botanical Garden reports that bird of paradise doesn't need traditional pruning, but does benefit from cutting back leaves and spent blossoms. Once the blossoms open and die, they wilt and turn brown.

How often do birds of paradise bloom?

Bird Of Paradise Bloom

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) unfurls boldly tinted blooms that resemble birds in flight. A healthy, mature plant can produce up to 36 flowers spikes each year. In ideal conditions, plants can bloom year-round.

How do you take care of a bird of paradise indoors?

How to care for an indoor Bird of Paradise plant

Keep the plant in a sunny, brightly-lit spot.
Water when the surface of the soil feels dry.
Be careful not to over-water, and reduce watering during the cooler months.
When soil is completely dry, water enough to saturate the soil then not again until completely dried out.

How do I save my bird of paradise plant?

If the leaves on your Bird of Paradise are curling inward, the cause is most likely also underwatering. To let your plant replenish its moisture, give it a good shower. Remove the plant from its decorative pot and place in a shower, bathtub, or outside.

Do bird of paradise like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds can be used as a fertilizer on bird of paradise plants, both the indoor and outdoor kind. ... If you do plant to add coffee grounds to your bird of paradise, or any other indoor or outdoor plant, do it only once every few months and only add a small amount.

How long do birds of paradise flowers last?

Showy bird of paradise flowers consist of orange, blue and white, which form to resemble an exotic bird's beak. There's also a variety that has all white flowers. Each bird of paradise flower can last up to two weeks on or off the plant. The plant's foliage is also dramatic.

Do birds of paradise attract bugs?

Tiny Sucking Insects

In Aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites are all commonly seen on bird of paradise plants–particularly in hot, dry conditions. Spider mites and scale are especially common on indoor, potted plants.