How to Transplant Red Bird of Paradise

The red bird of paradise perennial plant produces a large blossom that resembles the head of a bird. Flowers sit on large shoots that often reach 3 to 5 feet in length. At the base of the flowers, foliage forms a clump of dark evergreen stiff leaves. The plant requires a greenhouse or a tropical climate to survive and thrive. Follow a simple process to transplant these beautiful plants properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Peat moss
• Potting or garden soil
• Gloves
• All-purpose water-soluble fertilizer

1. Transplant in late spring to early summer. Transplanting will delay blossoming for up to two years while the plant builds up a strong enough root supply to sustain nutrients for the blossoms to flourish.

2. Prepare your soil mixture by mixing 50 percent peat moss with 50 percent soil. Break any clumps of dirt with your hands so it forms a crumbling mixture of soil and peat moss.

3. Dig a hole three times the size of the plant’s root ball if planting outside. Transplant a container plant to a new container one step up in size from the current container.

4. Shake any loose dirt from your plant’s root ball. Place the plant gently into the hole or container while packing down the loose peat moss and soil mixture around the plant’s root system.

5. Apply 2 to 3 inches of peat moss around the base of the plant as a mulch. Keep peat moss 2 inches away from the stem of the plant.

6. Water the plant thoroughly. Maintain constant moisture until the roots firmly establish themselves.

7. Fertilize the plant three months after transplant. Use a basic all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Tips & Warnings

• During the winter, allow the plant to dry out between waterings.

• Never let the temperature drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or the plant could perish.

• Plants that reach five years of age do not need repotting because the plant at that age prefers crowding to continue to bloom once a year.

• Plants require at least five hours of sun per day.

• Leaves that begin to rot indicate overwatering.