The giant bird of paradise has beautiful tropical flowers and huge leaves that look like bananas. However, it grows very quickly and can get out of hand very quickly. You can stop your giant bird of paradise from growing where you don’t want it to by a number of different means.
Understanding Giant Bird of Paradise Growth
In ideal warm moist conditions the giant bird of paradise grows quickly. Mature plants can reach over 30 feet tall with 6-foot long leaves emerging from the crown. This exceptionally fast growth makes it a candidate for becoming invasive in tropical climates. Careful management is needed to keep it in check.
This plant is best suited to large landscapes where it has room to reach full size Use it as a dramatic accent or tropical screen Just be prepared to prune it regularly,
When to Consider Containing or Pruning
Here are signs it’s time to prune or contain your giant bird of paradise
- It is touching or overhanging the house roof.
- It is growing into utility lines.
- The canopy blocks windows or sunlight.
- It is spreading beyond its intended space.
- It is crowding other plants.
- Offshoots appear in undesired areas.
How to Prune a Giant Bird of Paradise
These plants can be pruned year-round as needed in frost-free climates. Here are some tips:
- Remove lower leaves first to open up the trunk look.
- Cut outer leaves and stems back to reduce canopy width.
- Shorten the tallest leaves to bring down height.
- Prune suckers emerging at the base.
- Cut back outer petioles to the trunk to contain spread.
- Remove spent flower stalks.
Always sterilize pruners between cuts. Make clean 45-degree angle cuts just above a leaf node.
Drastic pruning is well tolerated, but you can stagger it over time for a natural look. Persistence is needed to control regrowth.
Using Physical Barriers for Containment
Since the roots expand rapidly, barriers can help confinement. Install them 2-3 feet from the trunk on all sides. Options include:
- Concrete or plastic edging
- Footers to block root spread
- Metal flashing inserted into soil
- Planters or raised beds with solid sides
- Root barrier fabric
- Gravel borders
- Surrounding pavement
Check for any escaping root growth and prune foliage simultaneously.
Cutting the Trunk Down to Size
If your giant bird of paradise grows too tall, cut the trunk down 6 inches to a few feet above ground. Use a sterilized hand saw or chainsaw.
Paint the cut tip to prevent dieback. Healthy new shoots will emerge below the cut. Let these fill in, then prune to shape the plant after it has grown back.
Spring is best for drastic trunk cutting when actively growing. Remove adjacent leaves first so they don’t yellow and die. The shock will be less.
Transplanting an Overgrown Specimen
Moving the plant is an option if you no longer want such a large specimen in its current place. Transplant in spring or early summer when actively growing.
Prepare the new site with compost-amended soil. Dig up the entire root ball and surrounding soil. Support the root ball when moving.
Replant at the same level, water thoroughly. Stake the trunk while new roots establish. Some leaf yellowing is expected as it recovers. Fertilize monthly the first year.
Alternatives to Giant Bird of Paradise
If managing an oversized giant bird is too much work, consider smaller alternatives like:
- White bird of paradise under 20 feet tall
- Dwarf white bird under 6 feet
- Orange bird of paradise to 15 feet tall
- Dwarf orange bird up to 5 feet tall
These give the same exotic look on a smaller scale and are easier to control. Site carefully and prune regularly.
Outlook for a Pruned Giant Bird of Paradise
With persistence controlling its size, the dramatic giant bird of paradise can make a striking addition to large gardens. Just provide adequate space and pruning attention. With smart management, you can enjoy its tropical effects without it taking over the landscape.
Reducing Bird of Paradise plant height
Remove some of the Bird of Paradise’s height if it has become too tall for you or the ceiling of your room. The pruning Bird of Paradise strategy involves finding the leaf or stem that extends beyond your desired plant height.
Ensure your scissors or knife is very sharp, and make a diagonal cut, not a straight one. This angled cut is crucial as it helps the plant heal more efficiently.
Slimming down the Bird of Paradise plant
Sometimes, a Bird of Paradise can spread out too much, becoming too wide for its space. Pruning Bird of Paradise in this case involves a similar approach to reducing height. You’ll want to identify the leaves that are making the plant too bulky, follow the stem back to where it connects with the main stem, and use your sharp tool to make an angled cut to remove it.
Giant Birds of Paradise trimming and maintenance
FAQ
Can I cut the top off my bird of paradise?
Cut as close to the bottom of the plant as you can. The plant will not benefit from taking nutrients from the leaves; in fact, it will become stressed out trying to save leaves that are already dying and can’t be saved. Any stem that is completely bent down should be cut.
How do you reduce the size of a bird of paradise?
If your plant is getting too big, remove outer leaves to reduce the overall size. It’s best to do this in early spring before new growth begins.
What is the problem with the giant bird of paradise?
Other Common Bird of Paradise Problems Diseases: Root rot and fungal infections due to excess moisture and soil contamination are common. Remove diseased parts and control humidity and water levels. Leggy structure: This is due to insufficient light, overfertilization, or excess nitrogen.