pruning bird of paradise houseplant

Keep in mind that your White Bird of Paradise will need some grooming. Bird of Paradise flowers won’t naturally shed dead stems after the flower is removed, so it’s important to remove as much of the stem as possible. Remove root suckers or sprouts that grow at the base of the plant in order to control the growth. Cutting back into bare wood is also OK, as dormant leaf/stem buds below the cut eventually sprout. Pruning bird of paradise Pruning is not required beyond removing dead or damaged leaves and flower stalks once they have finished. Excess plant food deposits salts in the soil and these salts cause leaf tip burn. Removing Sago Palm Pups - I have read articles describing the removal of the pups from sago palms. You can divide it with a shovel and saw for replanting elsewhere. Make sure to remove leaves from time to time. These instructions were very clear.". Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Pruning at this point will encourage new growth in the plant later in the season. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Fertilize a bird of paradise indoors with a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing period. It is relatively hardy and adapts to a wide spectrum of light conditions from direct … Any time you cut into a plant you should have sharp implements, safety garb, and sanitized equipment to prevent introducing and spreading disease. If the plant isn’t growing well throughout the year, prune at least half of the stems to the ground to allow the plant to grow healthy. For more tips from our Horticulturalist co-author, including how to keep Bird of Paradise plants safe during frosts, keep reading! This is the first opportunity for pruning birds of paradise, but not the last. Apply the trimming and pruning techniques and assess the effect. There are five species of bird of paradise, in Strelizia genus, and not all of them are suitable for growing indoors.. There are also desert-thriving bird of paradise plants found in another genus – red bird of paradise (Caesaepinia pulcherrima), yellow bird of paradise (C. gilliesii), and the Mexican bird of paradise (C. mexicana). Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is one of those plants that you don’t forget. % of people told us that this article helped them. Larger leaves can be ragged from winds. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Look for brown, dead flowers, and cut the stem of these growths as close as possible to the base of the plant. If you hit a particularly dense area, use your pruning shears to pre-cut some of the stems to make the area a little easier to cut through. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. A Bird of Paradise that is trimmed in this way will normally grow back within 1-2 blooming seasons if treated with water and fertilizer. Pruning for Height. For more tips from our Horticulturalist co-author, including how to keep Bird of Paradise plants safe during frosts, keep reading! Bird Of Paradise don’t require much pruning at all. Feeling lonely and sad? Last Updated: April 23, 2020 Larger species like S. nicolai or S. alba grow up to 30 feet tall, which makes them difficult to grow in your home unless you live in a mansion with an enormous, well-lit foyer.. Retain any leaves with more than 50% live tissue. Bird of paradise can be cleaned up and trimmed at any point, but serious pruning should wait until early spring. Near life-sized crane’s heads in bright, exotic plumage are the focal point of this extraordinary tropical plant. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Sign up for our newsletter. Failure to remove dead leaves can result in rotting and fungal infections that can kill the plant completely, so make sure you dispose of the dead foliage completely! Do not use hedge trimmers on your Bird of Paradise because this can cause irreversible damage to the plant. You may wish to reduce the size of an older plant or remove leaves and stems that bar a pathway or window. By using our site, you agree to our. Bird of Paradise Pruning The bird of paradise pruning should be done in early spring. There’s something tropical and exotic about the upright stalks, the banana-shaped leaves, and the unique flowers that look like a crane. Feed monthly in the spring and summer when a Bird of Paradise is actively growing; use a balanced plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. It allows air and light into the center of older plants, increasing flowering and reducing fungal disease. Need to know how to prune a bird of paradise? However, if you remove the stalks you will also remove the flower buds, destroying what makes the plant striking. Gardening on the Web since 1997 Spraying with mist is appreciated in the warm months. The plant is native to South Africa and requires a steady climate between 50-72 degrees Fahrenheit (10-20 degrees Celsius) to thrive. Water from the bottom so the soil stays loose and remains well aerated. However, they grow best in organically-rich, loamy soil that drains well with a pH of 5.5-7.5. Make the pruning cut 1/2 inch above a lower branch junction or leaf. Always try to remove any dead foliage as close to the stump of the plant as possible to maintain the trimmed appearance of the plant. References. Pruning your Red Bird of Paradise, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, which is what I have, should be in late winter or early spring. Water: In the spring and summer keep the soil moist but never soggy. These flowers can grow to be extremely large, and they require regular maintenance to stay healthy. Pruning is one of the most important maintenance tasks for the landscape, but every plant has a different time and method. Removing just damaged material to where it connects to the main body of the plant is how to trim a bird of paradise cleanly. The goals of bird of paradise pruning are to remove old plant matter, thin the leaves, and take out damaged stems. It sits in a south window, so it gets plenty of sunshine. As mentioned in our introduction, you can't easily prune a Bird of Paradise plant without ruining its look and future growth so all you can do is to be prepared to accommodate its large size. However, it’s a good idea to know the type of paradise plant you have, as bird of paradise pruning tips vary slightly between varieties. "I needed to understand the process of dead-heading my Bird of Paradise. The Bird of Paradise flower is brightly colored with spiky-looking blooms that are eye catching and exciting in any garden. No-dash-here, you've found The Real Garden Helper! Remove dead flowers to the base of the plant and clean up any old vegetation that has dropped in or around the plant. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Here’s the picture I said that I’d try to find in the video. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. ... Q. Cut off the leaves that grow very low on the plant. Both Yellow and Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers should be pruned sparingly when flowers and stems begin to die. Dubbed the queen of houseplants, the bird of paradise is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of indoor plants. These plants can easily grow to be up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter, so refrain from planting other flowers in the surrounding area. These plants also have large green leaves that can die and brown once blooming is over, so cut or pull any excess brown foliage. This involves harder pruning and should be attacked in early spring. Water that has a high salt content burns the leaves. With proper care, a bird of paradise can grow to over six feet tall, even indoors. Many … Prune spent flowers and flower stalks in the early spring. If the center of the plant is still too crowded, use long handled pruners and remove selected stems and leaves. Try to maintain the shape of the flower in a circle to ensure easy access to all sides of the flower. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You can trim a bird of paradise at any point since you are only removing a small amount of plant matter, so damage potential is minimal. Wondering how to prune Bird of Paradise plant that has grown too wide, too tall, or has damaged leaves? The flowers will last 2 to 3 weeks before dropping petals and dying. The goals of bird of paradise pruning are to remove old plant matter, thin the leaves, and take out damaged stems. Thinning is another way of cleaning up a bird of paradise. While most people know how to grow a bird of paradise, how to trim a bird of paradise plant is another thing.Since these plants are vigorous growers, in the right conditions, pruning birds of paradise is oftentimes necessary. It’s not just their sheer size and impressive foliage but the plant’s namesake blooms. When using the saw, work slowly. Begin pruning Yellow and Mexican varieties in late winter and early spring. Keep bird of paradise (Strelitizia reginae) and white bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) looking trim and tidy with regular pruning.Regularly tidying up the dead flowers and leaf debris also helps keep fungal diseases from getting established. This article has been viewed 53,659 times. There are three species of bird of paradise (Caesalpinia) grown in the Southwest, red (C. pulcherrima), yellow (C. gilliesii), and Mexican (C. mexicana). This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Q. Bird-of-Paradise Houseplant - My bird-of-paradise is 4 years old and has never bloomed. It’s okay to begin pruning before all of the blooms on the plant have died. This article has been viewed 53,659 times. This is done for the same reasons as trimming, but the goals are more intensive and combined. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) … In general, the pruning of bird of paradise shrubberies is necessary only to remove frost-damaged limbs or to remove dead, crossing or damaged branches. The Bird of Paradise is considered the queen of the indoor plant world. Always wear thick safety gloves when pruning because you will be working with sharp shears. This will give you the space to clear out old foliage and let new growth begin. Take all leaves and stems back to just above the ground. Prune dead or broken branches of croton any time of year. An expert weighs in on how to feel better. Red Bird of Paradise flowers are very hardy and can handle heavy pruning two times per year if the plant is healthy. Just be sure to take the stems all the way down as close to the base of the plant as you can. Q. Bird-of-Paradise Houseplant - My bird-of-paradise is 4 years old and has never bloomed. If you want to limit the height of a Bird of Paradise, you can selectively prune its … Birds of paradise are large, relatively easy to grow plants that lend a bold tropical flair to any indoor space. If your plant is in a pot, bring it indoors during very cold temperatures to prevent freezing of the leaves and flowers. Bird of paradise, or strelitzia reginae, produces thick, leathery leaves and colorful flowers that resemble the shape of a bird's head. Here’s how to care for birds of paradise to keep them at their best. It is a crucial part of rejuvenating a neglected plant. You may trim it here and there if it gets too crowded. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. They will become full-sized, mature bird of paradises and create a massive clump that ruins the landscape. This leaves no dead stems to mar the beauty of the plant. If you have even 2 or 3 dead blooms, removing them can help the remaining flowers live longer. The plants can briefly tolerate temperatures as low as 24°F, although freezing temperatures will … It sits in a south window, so it gets plenty of sunshine.… Q. Never remove more than one third of plant material per season and follow up with good cultural care. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Step 5 Water the plant after pruning. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. You’ll want to remove the dead flowers & any unsightly foliage. Bird of paradise plants are pretty forgiving and will grow in a range of soil types. Always wear thick gardening gloves when pruning. The Bird of Paradise flower is brightly colored and can grow extremely large as long as you prune it after it has finished blooming. You might need a friend or neighbor to hold it steady while you’re trimming to avoid getting hurt with the shears. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Look carefully at the stem bases for spider mites and mealy bugs when pruning the white bird of paradise. Getting Started. Read more articles about Bird Of Paradise. If any are present, use a household insecticide and disinfect the pruning tools before using them on any other plant. Bird of paradise pruning is a more serious affair. pruning bird of paradise houseplant December 2, 2020 / 0 Comments / in Uncategorized / by / 0 Comments / in Uncategorized / by Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. You can prune your Bird of Paradise easily when they’ve finished blooming! If your plant is simply growing too large, remove the outer edges of the plant by cutting the stem and leaf to the base. Trimming is when you remove just a bit of the plant where it is damaged, dead, or diseased. The best food for the white bird of paradise is balanced plant nourishment during spring and summer until mid-autumn using controlled-release fertilizer. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-pruning.htm, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/cut-back-bird-paradise-40632.html, https://www.green.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LNR-SOP-703-Pruning-Bird-of-Paradise.pdf, http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/bird-of-paradise.html, https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1898, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Generally speaking, there is very little pruning required for White Bird of Paradise plants. For dense plants, use a pruning saw to cut the entire plant to about 1 foot off the ground. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 53,659 times. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. A Bird of Paradise plant needs less water in the fall and winter. This helps your plant to look clean and colorful year round! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. After cold winter weather ends, you can start assessing your Yellow and Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers to prune them. Always be careful on the ladder! What Are The Different Types Of Bird Of Paradise Plants, Feeding Bird Of Paradise Plants – How To Fertilize Bird Of Paradise Plants, What Are Loppers Used For: Tips On Using Garden Loppers For Pruning, Garden Inside During Winter: How To Plant An Indoor Winter Garden, Growing Food For Christmas: How To Grow Christmas Dinner, Boxwood Wreath Ideas: Tips For Making Boxwood Wreaths, Black Walnut Tree Compatible Plants: Plants That Grow Under Black Walnut Trees, Growing And Planting Smoke Trees In The Landscape, Information On How To Prune Roots On Houseplants, Fresh-Cut Pine Tree Smell: Perfect Christmas Tree Memories, Norfolk Island Pine - The Perfect Christmas Tree, Winter Survival Guide: Creative Ways To Garden In Winter, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees. Use loppers, hand pruners or a pruning saw, but never hedge trimmers which will make rough cuts and leave ragged, damaged edges. Remove new growth at the base of the plant. The diluted liquid fertilizer is applicable for a couple of weeks helping to bloom the flower. You can also opt for a fine quality of coarse-grained fertilizer three times in a year period. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Its broad, arching leaves make a dramatic, graceful statement in your home. The Garden Helper is a free gardening encyclopedia and guides to growing and caring for gardens, plants and flowers. The distinctive bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae or Strelizia nicolai) is one of the best known of all the tropical flowers and is a cousin to the banana.Surprisingly, the bird of paradise is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. Home / Gardening / How to Prune a Bird of Paradise : Great Gardening How to Prune a Bird of Paradise : Great Gardening Posted by: admin in Gardening January 29, 2014 0 208 Views Major Pruning Of Large Bird Of Pardise Plant - I have an over grown Bird of Pardise plant in front of my house that is about 15 feet tall. ... Q. Bird Of Paradise Leaves Are Turning Brown - The established plant is 5 years old. You can of course prune out the flowers once they are finished, just cut them off as close to the base as you can. Helping gardeners grow their dreams since 1997. In the dormant period, water less, about once a month, allowing the top 2 … To my mind, trimming is different than pruning, and thinning is another thing altogether. Red Bird of Paradise is sometimes called Mexican Bird of Paradise I pruned mine a few weeks ago with a sharp pair of garden sheers. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Bird of paradise can be cleaned up and trimmed at any point, but serious pruning should wait until early spring. This large, upright plant adds a rich, tropical flair to your space as its glossy, banana-shaped leaves fan out. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Prune-a-Bird-of-Paradise-Plant-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-a-Bird-of-Paradise-Plant-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Prune-a-Bird-of-Paradise-Plant-Step-1.jpg\/aid9830044-v4-728px-Prune-a-Bird-of-Paradise-Plant-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"