Reliable Propagation of Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) by Division

Why Cutting Off Shoots Without Roots Fails

Marilyn wants to propagate large Bird of Paradise plants by sawing off basal shoots, but they lack roots and often die.

Expert Method

Bird of Paradise grows from an underground corm (like bananas). To propagate successfully:

1. Use a long‑blade spade to slice vertically between the parent plant and a pup, cutting a section of the corm with roots attached.
2. Ensure the division has both a growing point (crown) and a portion of the corm with roots.
3. Replant immediately in well‑draining soil.

This is the only reliable way; leaf‑only cuttings will not root.