How to Repot a White Bird of Paradise
Repot a White Bird of Paradise every 2 to 3 years when young, or every 3 to 5 years once mature, into a pot that's 2 to 3 inches wider than the current pot. Use a rich, well-draining mix of standard potting soil, compost, and perlite. Spring through early summer is the best time, when the plant is putting out fresh growth.
How to Know It's Time to Repot
White Bird of Paradise grows fast when young and slows down once it reaches its mature size, so the repotting rhythm changes as the plant ages. Watch for these four signals when it's time.
-
1Thick roots circle the bottom of the pot or push out through the drainage holes.
-
2The plant has roughly doubled in size since you last potted it up.
-
3The plant has become top-heavy and tips over easily, even in a well-watered pot.
-
4Soil dries out within a day or two of a thorough watering, and new leaves come in smaller than the older ones.
One sign on its own isn't enough to act on, but two or more together means it's time. Young White Bird of Paradise needs a fresh pot every 2 to 3 years, while mature plants can go 3 to 5 years between repots.
The Best Time of Year to Repot
White Bird of Paradise recovers fastest from repotting when it's in active growth, which kicks in once daytime light gets long and warm. Spring through early summer is the sweet spot.
The thick roots heal quickly in warm, well-lit conditions, and there's plenty of growing season left for the plant to settle in before the cooler months. Use the map below to pin down your window.
How to Choose a Pot and Soil Mix
Pot Size
Move up to a pot that's 2 to 3 inches wider than the current pot. White Bird of Paradise grows large and gets top-heavy quickly, so the slightly bigger jump gives the thick roots room to spread and helps the plant stay upright. Make sure the new pot is heavy or sturdy enough not to tip.
Pot Material
Heavy glazed ceramic or thick plastic are the best choices for White Bird of Paradise. The weight matters as much as the material, since a top-heavy plant in a lightweight pot tips over easily.
Terracotta works for smaller plants but gets brittle in the large sizes this plant eventually needs. Whichever material you pick, make sure the pot has drainage holes. White Bird of Paradise rots quickly in standing water.
Soil Mix
Mix two parts standard potting soil with one part compost and one part perlite for the rich, well-draining blend White Bird of Paradise wants. The compost feeds the heavy growth and the perlite keeps water moving through the dense root mass.
Skip moisture-control formulas and dense peat-heavy mixes. Both hold too much water for these thick roots and lead to rot.
How to Repot a White Bird of Paradise, Step by Step
-
1Water the day before. Give the plant a thorough drink the day before repotting. Moist soil holds the root ball together when you slide it out and keeps the thick roots from tearing as you work.
-
2Pick the new pot. Choose a heavy pot that's 2 to 3 inches wider than the current pot, with drainage holes. The slightly bigger jump in size gives the thick roots room and helps the plant stay upright. Layer an inch of fresh mix in the bottom.
-
3Lay the plant on its side. White Bird of Paradise is top-heavy and the long leaves snap if you handle it upright. Lay the pot on its side, then gently slide the root ball out. Get a helper for a large plant, since the whole thing can weigh 50 pounds or more.
-
4Inspect the roots. Gently loosen the outer roots and trim away any that are black, mushy, or smell off using a clean knife. White Bird of Paradise roots are thick and fleshy. Healthy ones are firm and pale tan.
-
5Set it in the new pot, stake if needed. Center the plant at the same depth it was growing before. Fill in around the sides with fresh mix, pressing firmly to anchor the plant. If the plant has been tipping, push a sturdy stake against the trunk and tie loosely to keep it upright.
-
6Water and place in bright light. Water slowly until you see it run out the drainage holes. Set the plant somewhere bright with a few hours of direct sun for the first couple of weeks. Hold off on fertilizer for 4 to 6 weeks so the roots can heal.
What to Expect After Repotting
Weeks 1 to 2
A little droop or a pause in new growth is normal as the thick roots settle into their new home. The plant may also split a leaf or two along the existing tears, which is cosmetic and not a sign of trouble.
Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy, give the plant bright light with a few hours of direct sun, and skip fertilizer for now. Hold off on misting and let the leaves be.
Weeks 3 to 8
A fresh leaf rolling out from the center of the plant is the clearest signal that it has rooted in and is ready for normal care.
Resume your normal watering rhythm and start half-strength balanced fertilizer once you see clear new growth. Build up to full strength over the next two or three feedings. White Bird of Paradise is a heavy feeder once established.
Got More Questions?
About This Article
