How to Divide a Bird of Paradise Plant

The bird of paradise is a showy bloomer that thrives in tropical climates. Propagation from seed is difficult, but fortunately full grown plants can be divided to produce two separate plants. Separation is not harmful to the plant as the roots are not easily damaged. Careful handling allows the gardener to have two flowering beauties with minimal effort.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Bird of paradise plant
• Shovel or trowel
• Clean, sharp knife
• Rooting hormone
• Small pots
• Sterile potting soil
• Water

1. Remove the bird of paradise from its pot and gently shake the excess dirt off of the roots. If the plant is in the ground, dig a wide hole around the plant’s roots, remove the plant from the ground and gently shake off the excess soil.

2. Identify the individual clumps that represent the two different root systems.

3. Divide the bird of paradise plant by cutting the two root clumps in two with a clean, sharp knife.

4. Sprinkle the two severed root clumps with rooting hormone.

5. Plant each bird of paradise plant in its own sterile pot in sterile potting soil.

6. Wait to water the newly potted bird of paradise plants for two weeks to give the newly cut roots a chance to "cure." After two weeks, water moderately.

Tips & Warnings

• Growing bird of paradise is easiest in small pots.