How to prune bird of paradise

Bird of Paradise, also known as Strelitzia reginae , is an ornamental plant native to South Africa. Many people like to grow it as a potted plant at home. When caring for and managing bird of paradise, pay attention to pruning. Below are some illustrated instructions for pruning bird of paradise.

1. Pruning time

Pruning bird of paradise requires choosing the right time. Bird of paradise grows more vigorously in spring and autumn every year, so pruning the plants in spring and autumn can increase the growth rate of bird of paradise. Spring pruning is mainly carried out after the end of winter and the beginning of spring. At this time, new buds sprout and grow, and the excess flower buds on the branches are thinned out to reduce nutrient consumption. It is only necessary to leave about 3 new buds on the main branches.

2. Pruning of dead leaves

During the breeding period of Bird of Paradise, it is important to pay attention to moderate pruning. During the breeding process, all its dead leaves, yellow leaves and old leaves that affect the beauty of the plant shape can be cut off immediately. However, when pruning, you must make specific decisions based on the growth of the Strelitzia plant, and pay attention to the adjustment of its plant shape, and try to prune it to make it more and more beautiful.

3. Leaf pruning

During the growth period of the bird of paradise, you can also cut off its overly dense leaves, because when its leaves are too dense, it will affect the absorption of sunlight, water and fertilizer by other leaves, and will also affect its shape. Cutting off these leaves will make the bird of paradise grow better and make its plant shape more beautiful.

4. Pinching

Pinching is usually carried out in the young stage, mainly when the seedlings have three pairs of true leaves, to remove the dominance of the top to maintain a balanced growth. When they are about 20 to 30 centimeters long, pinching and bud removal can also be carried out, and the buds at the top of the overly long branches can be cut off 3 to 4 centimeters to facilitate the beauty of the plant shape.

5. Prune after flowering

The bird of paradise should be properly pruned after each blooming. The remaining flowers and some flowers that have not bloomed can be cut off, as well as diseased and insect-infested branches and dead branches. Other flower branches should be thinned out. After pruning, fertilizer and water management should be increased, and the light exposure time should be gradually increased. When the growth is good, normal maintenance can be carried out.

That’s it