Bird of Paradise

Question

Read the article on how to get bird of paradise to bloom and mine is rather pot bound, in a southern exposure window and was repotted this last spring. It is not blooming but is pushing up the dirt. I want to repot and give it more room but the article recommended not to. Should I just skim off the pushed up dirt and leave it go? I would love to see this bloom. I raised this from a seed! Seeded in 2010. It also had an ant infestation when I tried to set it outdoors last year but I have defeated the ants. Any further advice?

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for sending us your gardening question. Container grown plants will bloom more profusely if kept slightly pot bound. Repotting too often can inhibit the flowering of bird of paradise blooms for up to two years. Instead, you should simply topdress the plant with fresh potting soil in spring.

Here are a couple of articles you might find helpful:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-blooms.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/dividing-bird-of-paradise.htm

Please let us know if you have any other gardening questions and happy gardening!

Thanks
Gardening Know How