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Dividing the Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae

Robert Smout wrote:

I have a large bird of paradise which needs to be transplanted. I need info on how to do it, so I don't kill it. It seems to be splitting into two but I need to know if I separate when transplanting or leave as one. This is the first time it has bloomed since I got it ten years ago, and I would like to keep it this way. Considering I live at 9600 ft. in the rockies I thought this was a good sign.

Hi Robert, To someone living in L.A., the fact that your Bird of paradise bloomed, is just another ho-hum. However, since I live in the mountains of Washington, I assure you that you deserve an 'atta boy'. My Strelitzia regenia took 7 years to bloom, and it was in a hothouse!
Now you can be twice as proud.......Dividing the two plants is easy, once you have removed it from the pot. The roots are very thick and fleshy, so be careful, but don't be nervous, the plant is pretty tough. Try to seperate the roots coming from each division, and carefully cut between the two sections, with a CLEAN, sharp knife. It is advisable to then dust the cuts with a rooting hormone, such as 'Roottone'. Cut off any of the roots that may have been badly damaged during the operation. Repot each section in a sterile pot, using a good commercial potting soil. Keep in mind that Bird of paradise blooms best when it is rootbound, so keep the pots as small as is feasible. Do not water the plants for 2-3 days to give the cuts a chance to 'callous' over, and then only water moderately.
Give 'em a shot of all purpose fertilizer next spring, and watch them go. With luck, they will be blooming again in a year.

Growing Strelitzia from seeds

Strelitzia seeds must be sown while they are fresh, so plant them as soon as possible. Soak your seeds in warm water for 3-4 days prior to planting (change the water daily), then plant them about an inch deep and keep the potting mix moist and very warm (about 85 degrees F /30 degrees C) It doesn't matter which side of the seed is "up". Germination can take anywhere from 1-12 months depending on the temperature and freshness of the seeds, so be patient.

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