Quick Answer
Yes, you can split up a bird of paradise plant. This is often done to propagate new plants or to control the size of a large, mature plant. The best time to divide a bird of paradise is in early spring before new growth starts. Use a sharp, sterile knife to separate shoots with their own root systems from the main plant. Replant divisions right away and care for them like a new plant until established.
When to Divide a Bird of Paradise
The ideal time to split up or divide a bird of paradise plant is in early spring, before the plant starts putting out new growth. This gives the divided sections time to develop roots before the plant goes into its active growing period. Attempting to divide a bird of paradise later in the growing season interrupts growth and can stress the plant. Here are the key times to divide this tropical plant:
– Early spring before new shoots appear
– In mild climates, late fall to early winter is another option
– Avoid summer divisions when growth is very active
Dividing in spring or fall prevents shock to the plant and allows the divisions time to establish before new growth begins.
Reasons to Divide Bird of Paradise Plants
There are several good reasons you may want to divide an established bird of paradise plant:
– To propagate new plants for free. Divisions of a mature plant grow much more quickly than starting from seed.
– To control size. Bird of paradise can grow over 6 feet tall in ideal conditions. Dividing keeps plants more compact.
– To rejuvenate overcrowded plants. Dividing congested, rootbound plants encourages new growth.
– To share plants with friends. Divisions make great gifts for fellow gardeners.
Propagation is the most common reason for dividing a bird of paradise. These tropical plants grow fairly slowly from seed, so taking divisions from a mature mother plant gets you larger, blooming-size plants much faster than starting from seed.
Propagation Through Division
Dividing an existing bird of paradise is one of the fastest ways to propagate new plants. Here are some key advantages to dividing versus starting from seed:
– Much faster growth – Divisions may bloom within a year while plants from seed can take 3 to 5 years
– Same flowering and traits – Divisions retain the same characteristics as the parent
– Larger starter size – Divisions have an established root system so start off larger
– Higher success rate – Divisions adapt readily to new containers and have less transplant shock
If you want more bird of paradise plants quickly, division is the best propagation method.
Controlling Size by Division
Bird of paradise can grow quite large in tropical and subtropical gardens, sometimes reaching over 6 feet tall. Dividing an oversized plant is an effective way to keep its growth more compact and manageable. Dividing results in smaller, younger plants that won’t grow as quickly.
Regular division, such as splitting a plant in half every few years, helps maintain a reasonable size. For example, dividing a 6 foot plant may yield two more manageable 3 foot sections. Dividing large container plants can also keep root growth under control.
Rejuvenation Through Division
Over time, bird of paradise plants may become overcrowded or rootbound. Growth can slow and the plant may not look its best. Dividing and replanting sections helps rejuvenate old plants by:
– Reducing root congestion – Dividing reduces crowded roots competing for space and nutrients.
– Encouraging new growth – Younger divisions grow more actively and flower more.
– Resetting to a younger plant – Divisions essentially start over as younger plants.
Dividing overcrowded, neglected plants every few years helps keep bird of paradise actively growing and looking their best. It gives them renewed vigor.
How to Divide a Bird of Paradise Plant
Dividing a bird of paradise is very straightforward. Follow these steps for a successful division:
1. Select a Mature Plant to Divide
– Choose a healthy plant that has filled its pot with roots and shoots.
– Larger plants with more shoots and roots divide into more new plants.
– Avoid weak or stressed plants, or dividing too frequently.
2. Prepare for Division
– Water the plant well 1-2 days before dividing. This makes root separation easier.
– Sterilize pruning tools to prevent disease transmission.
– Have new containers prepared with fresh potting mix.
3. Separate Plant Sections
– Remove plant from pot and loosen soil from roots with hands or garden fork.
– Identify vigorous shoots with their own root systems.
– Use a sharp, sterile knife to separate shoots from the main plant.
– Try to keep as much rooted soil intact around each shoot as possible.
4. Plant Divided Sections
– Plant each division in its own container with drainage holes.
– Use fresh potting mix suitable for tropicals.
– Bury root ball 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
– Water well until water drains from the bottom.
5. Provide Proper Care
– Place divisions in bright light, but avoid direct sun for a few weeks.
– Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy until new growth appears.
– Resume fertilizing at half strength after several weeks of new growth.
Follow proper Bird of Paradise care guidelines until the new plants are established. New divisions take 1-2 months to fully settle in before resuming active growth.
Caring for New Divisions
The new divisions you separated from the parent plant need a little extra care in their new containers for the first few months. Here are some important tips:
Allow Time to Adjust
Give divisions 1-2 months to overcome transplant shock before expecting new growth. Keep them in warm, bright light during this adjustment period. Gradually introduce them to more sun over a few weeks.
Provide High Humidity
Increase humidity around new divisions for the first couple months after dividing. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to keep humidity 60-70%. Misting leaves also helps increase humidity temporarily.
Water Carefully
Water newly divided plants often enough to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Let the top inch or two of soil dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering at first.
Fertilize Lightly at First
Start fertilizing new divisions at half the normal rate after several weeks. Look for signs of new growth as an indicator the plant is ready for fertilizer. Increase to full strength fertilizer after a month or two.
Monitor for Pests or Disease
Inspect new divisions frequently and treat any pests or diseases promptly. Stressed divisions can be more prone to problems. Catch issues early before they spread and damage the plant.
With proper early care, divided sections establish roots and resume growing quickly. They catch up to the parent plant’s size within a year or two.
When to Start Seeing New Growth
Be patient with newly divided bird of paradise plants – it takes a little time for them to settle in before starting new growth:
– 1-4 weeks to overcome transplant shock
– 2-6 weeks to initiate root development
– 4-8 weeks to put out new leaves
– 8-12 weeks to return to normal active growth
Do not be alarmed if divided plants look stalled at first. Give them at least 1-2 months with proper care to adjust before expecting new shoots and leaves.
Once new growth resumes, the divisions can be treated like mature, established plants again. Fertilize and water normally as they develop roots and foliage. Robust new growth will follow within a couple months.
Results of Dividing Bird of Paradise Plants
When successfully executed, dividing a bird of paradise yields exciting results:
– More plants for free – Divisions produce new plants identical to the original.
– Compact growth habit – Divisions stay smaller and more manageable than seed-grown plants.
– Rejuvenated health – Dividing congested plants stimulates vigorous new growth.
– Fast maturity – Divisions may bloom the first year, much faster than seedlings.
– Shared plants – Divisions make wonderful gifts or sale plants.
With proper timing, care and patience, dividing bird of paradise reliably produces vigorous new plants very economically. Divisions are the easiest way to propagate more of these eye-catching tropicals.
Potential Problems When Dividing Birds of Paradise
Dividing bird of paradise is quite simple but there are a few potential issues to watch for:
– Dividing at the wrong time of year can stress plants. Stick to early spring or late fall divisions.
– Making divisions too small increases failure rates. Leave adequate roots intact on each division.
– Allowing the divided sections to dry out before planting causes permanent damage. Plant divisions immediately.
– Potting in too large a container encourages root rot. Start new divisions in proportionally sized pots.
– Exposing new divisions to too much sun can scorch leaves. Acclimate them gradually to stronger light.
– Insufficient humidity makes it hard for divisions to develop new roots. Provide ample humidity.
– Overwatering can quickly rot new divisions. Allow soil to dry out somewhat between waterings.
– Skipping fertilizer for too long stunts growth. Begin light feeding once plants show new growth.
With proper timing, care in making clean divisions, and attentive aftercare, dividing bird of paradise is quite simple. Avoiding common errors minimizes stress and keeps divisions growing strongly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dividing Bird of Paradise
Can you divide a bird of paradise plant?
Yes, dividing bird of paradise plants is an easy and reliable propagation method. It produces new plants identical to the parent much faster than growing from seed.
How do I divide a bird of paradise plant?
Divide bird of paradise in early spring by severing vigorous shoots at the root zone with a sharp, sterile knife. Replant sections immediately in fresh potting mix, water well and care for like new seedlings.
When should I divide my bird of paradise plant?
For best results and fastest recovery, divide bird of paradise plants in early spring, before the growing season begins. Late fall is another option in frost-free climates. Avoid summer divisions.
Does dividing a bird of paradise plant encourage new growth?
Yes, dividing stimulates faster, more vigorous growth. The divisions are essentially smaller, younger plants. Their active growth helps rejuvenate overmature parent plants.
How long does it take for divided bird of paradise plants to regrow?
Give divisions 1-2 months after separating before expecting new growth. Once regrowth starts, normal growth habit resumes within a few months. Proper care reduces recovery time.
Conclusion
Dividing bird of paradise plants is an easy, affordable way to produce new plants identical to the parent. While divisions require some extra care when first separated, they establish quickly and grow faster than seedlings. With proper timing and attentive care, bird of paradise readily adapt to division, making it a great method for controlling size and generating more of these exotic looking tropicals.