how to cut down a giant bird of paradise

This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. It is a crucial part of rejuvenating a neglected plant. Bird of paradise plants are beautiful, but they can get out of control. You can also rock the plant back and forth to help free it. My first step into creating a tropical backyard. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, North Dakota University Extension Service: Transplanting Trees and Shrubs. I cut them down to the ground, and tried (with help) digging up the roots. Cut down your giant bird of paradise. When using the saw, work slowly. The rhizome/root can be divided like a banana plant. 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. For more tips from our Horticulturalist co-author, including how to keep Bird of Paradise plants safe during frosts, keep reading! This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Pruning and Trimming Keep giant bird of paradise looking tidy by trimming out the dead leaves, leaf stalks and flowers throughout the year. In these cases, many owners elect to remove the plant from the premises much in the same way one would remove a tree (in fact, often with a chainsaw). It allows air and light into the center of older plants, increasing flowering and reducing fungal disease. I couldn't resist picking up two Giant Birds of Paradise today at Costco. Trimming off old leaves and stems occasionally is pretty much all that's necessary for a white bird of paradise. Got many of them, but was just impossible to get them all, … Always wear thick gardening gloves when pruning. Be aware, Travellers Palms are NOT giant bird of paradise (Strelizia Nicholae). Propagation Growing bird of paradise plants from seed can take three to 10 years, but propagating them … We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If it is, you'll likely kill it. … If your plant is simply growing too large, remove the outer edges of the plant by cutting the stem and leaf to the base. If the plants are allowed to grow too large, they may actually start interfering with housing structures or take over a yard. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Step … This will give you the space to clear out old foliage and let new growth begin. Compare this to a regular bird paradise plant that only reaches about 5 feet in height, and you understand why it is called “giant.” Whether you are having difficulties with your giant bird of paradise plant, or it’s time for a change, the best method to get rid of it is by physically removing it from your garden or yard. Cut down your giant bird of paradise. If you want to create a tropical feel in a cooler climate, Giant Bird of Paradise is a great choice. Step 1 Wear garden gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the plant. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Bird of Paradise Relocation Tips. Discard the plant, and fill your hole back in. 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. If you cut a bird of paradise bloom with a flower bud that is not fully open, Calyx Flowers recommends soaking the bud in warm water for 20 minutes. The multi-stemmed trunks of the plant often grow up to 18 inches in diameter. Drier soil is usually easier to cut through than extremely wet soil. Use an herbicide stump and root killer (provided you plan to stop the plant from growing completely) and soak all of the new cuts with the herbicide. Whatever the reason, be prepared for a big job. The giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) towers 30 feet in height. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Always be careful on the ladder! This article has been viewed 57,072 times. Use chain saw to cut plant stems down to about a foot above the ground. Bird of paradise seeds take up to a year to germinate, and young plants may not flower for seven years. A giant bird of paradise plant (Strelitzia nicolai) can grow to a height between 15 and 30 feet and width of 15 feet. Starting on an outer side of the plant that has at least a 5 feet of clearance; cut down and around a section of the plant / root ball (not too big about 1') with reciprocal saw. Over time it forms clumps which are a lovely feature in a garden, and will grow as big as a tree or can be thinned and pruned to keep it smaller. Step 1. 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. The bird of paradise needs to be trimmed to remove any clumps from the base of the plant and to remove invasive leaves and flower blooms. After trimming, give your tool blades a five-minute soak in a 50:50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water to sanitize them. Dig up the root clumps of your giant white bird of paradise if you are dividing a plant that is growing in an outdoor location. This article has been viewed 57,072 times. Remove the bird of paradise broken stalks during pruning. Try to maintain the shape of the flower in a circle to ensure easy access to all sides of the flower. The Bird of Paradise flower is brightly colored with spiky-looking blooms that are eye catching and exciting in any garden. The bird of paradise is a beautiful, showy plant that can grow very large. This week looks like its coming back from the 5 ft round base. Q. Bird Of Paradise Leaf - I have one leaf on my bird of paradise that has a point, all the other leaves are rounded. These plants also have large green leaves that can die and brown once blooming is over, so cut or pull any excess brown foliage. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. A hard prune should be done every few years as a reaction to the bird of paradise's growth rate. My giant bird of paradise froze in Feb, we just cut it down last weekend. Push down on the handle of the spade near the bottom to lift the giant bird of paradise out of the soil. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a dramatic plant with distinctive iridescent orange and midnight blue flowers that resemble an exotic bird peeking out from the broad leaves in autumn, winter and spring.Although this flower is often associated with tropical places, like Hawaii, the plant is actually native to South Africa. Remove the giant bird of paradise from its hole and allow it to lay on its side on the tarp. The white bird of paradise blooms, which are often hidden in the upper reaches of the plant, are blue and white. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Use a spade, pick ax or reciprocating saw to help cut through the roots (you won’t be able to get them all). … These flowers can grow to be extremely large, and they require regular maintenance to stay healthy. % of people told us that this article helped them. Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. With a sharp and clean knife, cut off a piece of rhizome from the birds of paradise broken stalk. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Is ... Q. Bird Of Paradise - What is best way to cut off dead flower and leaves Q. Bird Of Paradise - How long does the bloom usually last. Pull up on the plant as well. Do NOT do the advice below if it is a travellers palm. How to Remove the Roots of a Bird of Paradise Plant. Bird of paradise plants are beautiful, but they can get out of control. Dig about 12 to 18 inches, and cut in under the root ball. Like their cousin the banana, birds of paradise form large clumps of plants at their base. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), a native of South Africa, adds a lush look to your poolside landscaping, or anywhere you want a touch of the tropics. Be careful not to break the handle. Contact your local utility companies, such as gas, electric and cable, if you are going to dig further than 12 inches to get rid of your giant bird of paradise. Don't insert the tines directly under the plant, where they could damage the root system. Situate the plant into its new hole and begin filling the hole with soil. {"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":"