It's been there in its pot for a long time. She's growing and growing and it's starting to seem a little cramped in her home. To ensure that the Strelitzia continues to bloom, you should divide it. But how does it work?
How to divide a Strelitzia?
To divide a Strelitzia successfully, carefully remove the soil, separate the roots from secondary shoots and plant the sections with at least 3 leaves in nutrient-rich soil. Ideally, divide the plant in spring or after flowering.
Four main reasons to share
It can make sense to divide the Strelitzia not only if the roots are sticking out of the bottom of the pot. There are basically three other reasons that could speak for dividing the Strelitzia:
- for propagation
- got too lazy to bloom
- too big/wide for the pot
Attention: The roots are sensitive
Before you get to work, you should know that the roots of this tropical plant are extremely sensitive. They are fleshy and thick and these properties make them so easily breakable if you handle them carelessly.
Procedure step by step
First, take the plant and its root ball out of the pot. The old soil is carefully crumbled away. You can remove any remaining soil by holding the roots under a stream of water. Then look closely at the Strelitzia: Where do the smaller shoots that emerge from the main shoot come from? These are the parts that will now be separated
Here’s what happens:
- Separate the roots of the pieces with your hands or a knife
- each section should have at least 3 sheets
- very large Strelitzia specimens can produce up to 3 new plants
- cut off damaged roots cleanly
- if applicable Sprinkle roots with rooting powder
- Plant cuttings in nutrient-rich soil
- place in appropriate location
- Do not fertilize for 5 weeks
When should you divide the Strelitzia?
In spring or after wintering is the perfect time to divide the Strelitzia. Alternatively, you can divide this plant after its flowering period.
Tip
Do not divide the parrot flower more often than once every three years so as not to weaken the plant too much!
