Transplanting Mature Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) in Southern California

Procedure for 15–20 ft Specimens

1. Water deeply 24 hours before digging.
2. Prune canopy hard to reduce root load.
3. Dig wide to capture rhizome mass.
4. Move to pre-dug holes; plant at same level.
5. Water thoroughly; stake if needed.

Temporary Container Holding

If holding 1–2 months, cut back hard, use large pots, keep moist, fertilize lightly.

Recovery

Expect 1 month of stress, then new growth. Birds are resilient transplants.