Bird of Paradise plants (Strelitzia) are vigorous growers that eventually outgrow their pots. If you’re a fan of these stunning tropicals, dividing them is the perfect way to turn one crowded plant into two (or more!) showstoppers for your home.
Why Should You Divide Your Bird of Paradise?
These impressive houseplants can get massive, both in height and width. Eventually, dividing them becomes a necessity rather than just an option. Here are a few signs it’s time to split them up:
- The plant is getting too tall for its space.
- It’s literally bursting out of its pot.
- Roots are poking out of the drainage holes.
- You’re seeing fewer flowers, or it’s stopped blooming altogether.
- The plant looks healthy and strong enough to be propagated.
How to Divide Your Plant
The best time to divide your Bird of Paradise is right when it comes out of its winter dormancy. If you miss that window, you can also do it right after the blooming season ends. Just a heads-up: try to wait at least three years between divisions so the plant stays strong and energized.
You’ll need to be gentle during this process. Even though the roots look thick and tough, they are actually quite brittle and snap easily. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
- Gently shake off the loose soil. You can rinse the rest away with a hose or in the sink to get a clear view of the roots.
- Look for “pups” or offshoots growing out from the main crown.
- Use your hands to gently pull these rooted sections apart, or use a clean, sharp knife to cut them away.
- Make sure each new section has at least three healthy leaves.
- Trim away any mushy, rotted, or badly broken roots.
- Pro tip: If you want to speed things up, dust the roots with some rooting hormone.
- Plant your new divisions in fresh, nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and move them to a great spot with the right light.
- Since the new soil is packed with nutrients, you don’t need to worry about fertilizer for the first five weeks.
- Keep the soil consistently moist—don’t let these little guys dry out while they’re settling in.
Caring for Your New Plants
Young divisions are a bit sensitive for the first few weeks. Keep them out of direct, harsh sunlight for now; a bright spot with filtered light or partial shade is perfect. Once you see new leaves starting to sprout (usually after about five weeks), your new Bird of Paradise is officially established and ready for its normal care routine!
