Bird of Paradise

20 years ago

Hello everyone,

Another question from a very inexperienced gardener!!

I was walking past a demolition site recently and discovered a smallish (about 8 leaves and a flower that had finished) bird of paradise plant which had obviously got in the way of the bulldozers lol. It was on a heap of sand fortunately which was being constantly dampened down by a sprinkler to reduce dust.

I went back in the afternoon after machines and workers had finished to see if it was still there and it was so I brought it home. I don't know if it will grow or die though as there are no roots to speak of on the bottom, just a large white bulbous section where it had obviously snapped off from the root base.

If I plant it, will it sprout roots and continue to grow or do you think it will die? How can I maximise it's chances of success?

Ange

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Comments (12)

User
20 years ago
HI Ange I am sure they are as tough as old boots.
I would plant that bulb and just wait and see what happens you never know
There may just be enough energy left in it to grow more roots.
Cheers...MM.
User
20 years ago
Hi Angelee,
Just remember that they are a native of South Africa, therefore are very tough, so don't OVERWATER it. More of those plants die from overwatering than just about anything else, because the roots just rot away. Make sure whatever you plant it in is free draining and don't have a saucer under the pot. Good luck,
Cheers,
Dee.
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Jennie60
20 years ago
Also remember that they can become huge, with a root system to match. A bobcat is needed to remove them, which you will probably want to do eventually.
angelee
Original Author
20 years ago
Well if it does survive, (and I cut off all the excess foliage to minimise the energy spent supporting leaves) so it's now only 2 leaves lol) is there a way of pruning it so it doesn't become too large?

Ange
meggs
20 years ago
No you can't prune it it becomes a huge CLUMP. Digging it out is a big job. You might keep it in pots, I have seen some kept in big pots, then you can replant them every few years remowing part of the clump. Just be careful to dispose of it so that it does not escape.
angelee
Original Author
20 years ago
Now I'm wondering if I should just not bother, rip it out and bin it now, it seems like a bit of a pest!

Is it a slow grower or rapid? Like will I have a problem after a year or are we talking decades to grow here? Our garden will be demolished I'd guess within the next 10 years as our suburb is going through the ol' sub-divide and build units phase (large blocks close to the city). So while we want a pretty garden for now (as we have 2 small boys who love being outside) we know in a few years we will be building another house in our backyard and everything we plant will be dug up and moved or disposed of...

So what do you think? Plants for free is our motto because obviously they won't be here long, but is the Bird of Paradise more trouble than it's worth? even though it was a freebee) ;)

Ange
calthrop
20 years ago
Strelitzia reginai I think that is the smaller of the two the Nicolai can grow bigger than a house.
Grow it in a pot and see how it goes.If you do plant it in your garden plant away from your foundations.I speak from experience.DOn't toss it just because....
Think of it as a wee plant needing a rescue .
I think the flowers are beautiful.
good luck
goldhills
20 years ago
You can keep them in pots for years and are very easy to grow. They do get to be a large clump eventually but the flowers are worth it and they aren't really invasive, just have a mass of strong roots so don't plant too close to structures or pipes.
cconn_gmail_com
15 years ago
Not sure what plant we are talking about here. Many people refer to the Strelizia when they are thinking of a bird of paradise.... but the big mother of Bird of Paradise is one of the most exotic plants. The flowers are enormous and yet so delicate. What ever you are doing... STOP now. I have just spent thousands of dollars having this 'creature' removed. They break concrete, brick walls, starve all other plants around them. And when you admit that it is time is has to go, the impact of the vacant 'air space' is lamentable. Please choose another plant
hlobsta
13 years ago
Good afternoon and Happy Easter to all! I've enjoyed my 2 potted Bird of Paradise plants for over 15 yrs now.. I started with one clump but then divided it into 3 clumps, giving one away. My job takes me away for periods of time and I have someone care for my plants.. Well something happened to my birds. Today I took them out of the pots...I suspect over watering because most of the roots are mushy and brownish red on the inside. One clump, however, has tubers which seem alive..They snap like carrots and are whitish in color or milky, even on the inside.. I'm wondering if anyone thinks this clump could shoot more leaves? I've read some of the feedback from people as too the hardiness of B of P's
hlobsta
13 years ago
Hi again, I'm following up on a post of a week ago, or so. I have two potted BofP which I've head now close to 15 yrs, Something happened to them while I was away...I believe over watering. I depotted and salvaged 2 plants. My other pot has many roots which look whitish as opposed to the maroonish looking parts. I imagine the maroon is the dead. I'm wondering if the white roots will flourish or is this a waste of time? Thanks for any input.
mvpmom3
11 years ago
I have a few of the large birds of paradise plants along a block wall. Is there a possibility that the roots will damage the wall?