Q.Bird of Paradise Grooming
I have a bird of paradise that is way overgrowing. It has outgrown my home. The leaves are HUGE (leaves 2′ x 3. 5′ and 15′ tall!) and I would like to trim it back. I worry about shock doing too many at once. Some leaves are browning and I am not sure why it has gotten so big. It has never bloomed. Maybe the florist had it labeled wrong?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Yes, it is ok to cut it back (even by a third), and it should grow back just fine. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-pruning.htm
As for the non-blooming, the plant may not be getting enough light for blooming to occur or (and most likely) it may have a lack of phosphorus, which promotes blooming. Since a little extra phosphorus will not hurt, I would give the plant some phosphorus, like bone meal.
