Most of the time it shows its banana-like leaves. At some point shoots shoot up like arrows and the strange-looking and often brightly colored flowers open from them. Should you cut off the flowers and does the entire plant need a radical cut?
Should you cut a Strelitzia?
The Strelitzia should not be cut radically, as this tends to harm the plant. Only dried leaves should be torn out with your hands and wilted flowers cut off at the base. The flowers are also suitable for cutting in vases.
No pruning is necessary here
You don't have to cut back the Strelitzia. You shouldn't do it if you want to enjoy it for years to come. It doesn't need any pruning. In fact, cutting her would do more harm than good. Therefore: Never cut radically! Unless you want to compost this plant afterwards
Tear out dried leaves
It is not uncommon for individual leaves to dry out over time. They get old and the plant wants to get rid of them. You shouldn't cut these leaves!
- brown leaves are old
- Leaves should be completely dry
- tear out with one hand with your hands
- this leaves no stub left
Removing wilted flowers
When the flowering period (between March and September) is over, the flowers wilt and the fruits with seeds appear. But that costs the Strelitzia a lot of energy.
The plant is often so weakened by the formation of its fruit heads and seeds that it becomes more susceptible to pest infestation. Therefore: If you can do without the fruits and seeds, it is better to remove the old flowers. Use scissors to start directly at the base of the flower!
Flowers are suitable for vase cutting
Although Strelitzia is poisonous, its flowers look fantastic. They are even suitable for cutting vases! To do this, you should cut the flower stems deep at the base and quickly place them in a vase. This procedure should of course be omitted if you want to obtain the seeds in order to propagate the Strelitzia.
Tip
Even if the parrot flower is attacked by diseases - which is extremely rare - you should remove the affected parts of the plant before the disease can spread further!
