| How can I safely transplant a bird of paradise that has been in the ground over four years and is about 3 feet tall? |
| If you decide to dig and divide the clumps, you can do so now, but blooming will stop until the plants become re-established, which could take a few years. If you just want to transplant rather than divide, water well the day before the move (moist soil makes easier digging). Try to take as much of the root mass as possible when digging and be sure to firm the soil well around the root mass after it has been replanted. Water regularly until the plant becomes established in its new home. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) produce long-lasting and quite striking flowers intermittently throughout the year, but bloom best during the cool season. You can cut the spent flower and stalk down to foliage level to keep the plants looking neat and tidy. Cut off dead leaves as they appear. Bird of Paradise blooms best when clumps are crowded, and the soil is watered deeply and frequently. |
