Q.I had a Giant BOP in a pot that was about a good 20 ft plus. Anyway I tried to move it & it toppled over bending all its stems in
half. The plant had outgrown its original pot and self rooted going crazy and growing to a massive height. I transplanted it – with help from a friend, to a large pot so it basically has only got it’s own bulb base.
So after it got bent in half I cut all these now bent stems off which has left just the trunk which is about 7 ft tall and quite solid with a base of around 1 ft diameter. Can I cut this trunk further down to about 3ft or less (to almost its base)?
I know they can be hardy and very sturdy but I don’t want to lose it but I can’t see the point of keeping a trunk when they usually send new growth from the base.
It’s spring here now so the summer heat hasn’t arrived yet if I do need to be drastic with it.
or by not having a secure root system and having just it’s base is it doomed?
BoP in both pics is the one on the left
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
There are a number of issues present here. I am going to post a link that will take you to our collection of articles regarding Bird of Paradise, many of which pertain to disease, pruning, and damage. This will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop
