The outstanding bird of paradise presides over a efflorescence garden , seeming to peer down at other plants with its regal , spiked head . While it ’s not consider invasive , it can arise quite large , form a 3- to 5 - invertebrate foot clump or even larger for white - flower varieties .
If your bird of paradise ( Strelitzia reginae , USDA hardiness zone 10 to 12 ) plant has outgrown its piazza in the garden , you could dig it up and part it into smaller plants that you could either give away or replant in another , more desirable garden location .
To get rid of a bird of paradise plant entirely , issue back the foliation and dig up the rootstalk clump , taking care to remove all stray rootstalk and lateral roots .
About the Bird of Paradise
Native to South Africa , the giant bird of paradise — its evocative vulgar name — was initially assort in the banana family . However , it ’s not a banana tree plant ; it now has its own family , Strelitziaceae . It is also sometimes called a crane flower , in all likelihood due to its resemblance to the upright , graceful military capability of the crane .
The skirt of paradise efflorescence bring home the bacon a knockout clout in a garden . It appear on top of athick , fast shuck , come forth from the canoe - shaped bird of nirvana leave of absence . Usually , the flowers are the characteristic glorious amobarbital sodium and orange , but there is a white razzing of paradise ( Strelitzia nicolai ) that grows even larger , up to 15 to 30 feet blanket .
Digging Up and Dividing Bird of Paradise Plants
The good time to dig up and separate bird of nirvana plants is early spring before new growth appear . Water the soil and dig up the rhizome thumping using a discriminating tongue to break the glob into section with four or five shoots each . Immediatelyreplantthe surgical incision in the garden or a container .
If you do n’t desire to replant or keep your bird of paradise , regard finding a horticulture friend who might want it or contain in with the local master gardeners ' program . These plants are valuable and highly prized by many , and you will probably find oneself a good home for it .
Bird of Paradise Plant Care
When situating a bird of paradise , choose a localization with well - draining soil in full Lord’s Day or partial nuance . In full sun , the plant life will grow somewhat small with smaller rosiness and shorter stems . Space the plants at least 6 feet aside to give them way to get their striking flowers ; the absolute majority of blooms come out on the exterior of the clump .
Bird of paradise plants are susceptible to few disease and pest , but they might be targeted by aphids , caterpillars , scale or snail .
Tip
Bird of paradise is susceptible to cold hurt , so if your field on a regular basis sees temperatures below 60 ° degree Fahrenheit , think maturate these plants in container so you could either maintain them indoors class around or bring them inside when moth-eaten weather menace .
Growing in Containers
When get a bird of paradise works indoors , pick out a container not much big than the rhizome clustering , because this plant life necessitate to be fairly stack - bound to bloom , reportsWashington University . It can take four to five years for a young industrial plant to grow bloom .
Select a location with bright light that equal to unmediated sunshine , ideally an Orient - or to the south - face windowpane . Fill a pot with drainage cakehole with humusy pot soil , and plant the rhizome a couple of inch mystifying . It will likely take about eight weeks to farm new roots .
Water well after planting , but let the soil to dry out between subsequent waterings . Overwatering or underwatering can leave in yellowing leaves , while poor drainage is conducive to root decomposition , so monitor the grease carefully to debar these government issue .
During the growing season , fertilize every two weeks with a houseplant liquid fertiliser , but finish fertilizing in the winter .
