Strelitzias are absolutely stunning flowering plants that always steal the show with their unique blooms. Because those flowers look just like a colorful bird’s head, most of us know them by their common name: the Bird of Paradise. These exotic beauties are fast growers, which means they usually need a new home (a bigger pot!) every two to three years.
Time to Repot
Since this exotic plant loves to spread its wings, repotting is a key part of its care routine. You’ll know it’s time for a new pot or planter when:
- Your plant stops blooming due to a lack of nutrients
- Roots are poking out of the drainage holes or creeping over the top of the soil
- The soil has become waterlogged and you’re worried about root rot
- The pot just looks way too small for all those heavy leaves and flower stalks
- Growth has slowed down to a crawl
The best time to repot is in the spring, right after the winter dormant period. However, you can also move your Bird of Paradise to a new pot in the summer once it’s finished blooming.
Getting Ready to Repot
First, you’ll need a planter that is significantly larger than the current one. Make sure it’s deep enough to accommodate the Strelitzia’s long taproot. Next up: the soil. If you want to keep it simple, a high-quality commercial potting mix for container plants works great. If you prefer a DIY blend, try mixing compost with some sand or lava granules and coco coir (a high-quality, peat-free option).
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting
Once you’ve gathered your materials and tools, you’re ready to get started:
- Carefully remove the Strelitzia from its old pot, taking care not to damage those sensitive roots.
- Gently shake off the old, tired soil.
- If the root ball is very large and healthy, this is a great time to divide the plant.
- Add a drainage layer of clay shards or gravel to the bottom of the new pot to prevent soggy feet.
- Fill the new pot about one-third of the way with fresh soil.
- Place your Strelitzia in the center.
- Fill the rest of the pot with soil and give it a light watering.
Aftercare Tips
You don’t need to do anything too drastic after repotting. The most important thing is to skip the fertilizer for the next few weeks. Your fresh soil already has plenty of nutrients to get the plant started. Only water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Remember, the Bird of Paradise is used to drier climates, so it only needs moderate watering (ideally with soft rainwater). However, they do love humidity! Give the leaves a misting every now and then, or use a humidifier if you’re keeping yours as a houseplant.
