How to Repot Bird of Paradise: A Step‑by‑Step Guide for Healthier Plants

How to repot bird of paradise is one of the common questions I hear from plant lovers at Jungle Houseplants. These dramatic, tropical beauties reward a little effort with big, architectural leaves and sometimes even flowers—so repotting them correctly gives them the best chance to thrive. I’ll walk you through when to repot, what materials to use, a clear step‑by‑step method, and aftercare tips based on hands‑on experience.

When Should You Repot?

Repotting isn’t something you do for fun; you do it for health. I repot my bird of paradise when I see one or more of these signs:

Roots circling the drainage holes or pushing the plant out of the pot.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking the compost—an indicator the mix is compacted or hydrophobic.
Growth has slowed despite good light and feeding, or the plant becomes top‑heavy and unstable.
It’s been 2–3 years since the last repot and the soil looks depleted.

Try to repot in spring or early summer when growth is active—this reduces shock and helps the plant recover faster.

What You’ll Need

Gather everything before you start. I like to lay out tools and materials so the job is tidy and quick.

A pot 2–4 cm larger in diameter than the current one (larger jumps can encourage soggy soil).
Well‑draining potting mix: I use a blend of good quality peat‑free compost, perlite, and orchid bark or pumice for structure. A 2:1:1 ratio works well.
Sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife.
Gloves, a tarp or newspaper to keep things tidy, and a watering can.
Optional: stakes for support and slow‑release fertiliser.

If you prefer ready mixes, Jungle Houseplants stocks a specialist tropical potting mix that’s ideal for bird of paradise—porous and nutrient‑rich, so you don’t have to measure components yourself.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Repot Bird of Paradise

Water lightly a day before: Moist soil holds the root ball together and reduces stress. Don’t overwater—just lightly dampen the compost.
Remove the plant: Tip the pot on its side and gently ease the root ball out. If it’s stuck, tap the pot’s sides or run a knife around the rim.
Inspect the roots: Healthy roots are creamy white; brown and mushy roots indicate rot. If rootbound, tease the outer roots gently or make several vertical cuts with a sterile knife to encourage outward growth.
Trim sparingly: Remove only dead or rotten roots. You can trim a small amount of the outer root mass if it’s extremely compacted.
Potting up: Add a layer of fresh mix to the new pot so the plant sits at the same depth as before. Position the plant centrally and fill around the root ball, firming gently—don’t compact the soil too much.
Water in: Water thoroughly until it drains, then let excess drip away. This settles the mix around the roots.
Support and placement: If your plant is tall, stake it for a few weeks. Place it in bright, indirect light while it recovers—still giving it the light it enjoys but avoiding direct scorching sun for a few days.

A quick tip from experience: choose a pot material that suits your watering habits. Terracotta dries faster, which helps prevent root rot, while plastic retains moisture longer—handy if you’re forgetful with watering.

Dividing a Bird of Paradise

Birds of paradise can be divided during repotting if the clump has several mature stems. Each division should have at least two healthy stems and a good root system. Use a sharp, sterile knife and pot each division into its own pot with fresh mix. Dividing reduces crowding and can invigorate growth, though it’s a bit disruptive—so only divide when necessary.

Aftercare: Watering, Light and Feeding

After repotting, the goal is steady recovery:

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings.
Return to regular feeding after 6–8 weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season or a slow‑release fertiliser at repotting time.
Give it bright light—bird of paradise loves sun and produces better leaves and occasional flowers when it gets lots of light. Move back to a sunnier spot gradually to avoid leaf burn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a pot too large: Excess soil holds water and risks rot.
Repotting at the wrong time: Avoid winter; the plant won’t recover as well.
Over‑pruning roots or foliage: Trim only the dead parts to reduce stress.
Using poor drainage mixes: A heavy compost will suffocate roots—add bark or perlite.

Why I Recommend Jungle Houseplants’ Supplies and Advice

At Jungle Houseplants we see plants at every stage, so we know the difference a good mix and the right advice make. If you’re unsure about pot size, need a bespoke potting mix or want hands‑on help, our shop and blog offer tailored recommendations and workshops. I often recommend our tropical blend to customers repotting bird of paradise because it balances moisture retention with aeration—exactly what Strelitzia needs.

Conclusion

Repotting your bird of paradise is a rewarding task that reconnects you with your plant’s health. Remember the essentials: wait for the right time, choose a slightly larger pot, use a free‑draining mix, and treat the roots gently. With good aftercare—bright light, sensible watering and a bit of fertiliser—your plant will settle in quickly and repay you with lush growth. If you want personalised advice or a ready‑made mix, drop by Jungle Houseplants or check our blog for detailed product recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I repot my bird of paradise?

Every 2–3 years is typical for actively growing plants. Repot sooner if it becomes rootbound or shows signs of stress like stunted growth or water running straight through.

Can I repot a bird of paradise in winter?

It’s best to avoid winter. Repot in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing—this reduces shock and speeds recovery.

How much bigger should the new pot be?

Choose a pot roughly 2–4 cm larger in diameter than the current one. Going too large can hold excess moisture and increase rot risk.

Should I fertilise immediately after repotting?

Wait 6–8 weeks before resuming regular feeding to allow roots to re‑establish. If you used fresh compost or a slow‑release fertiliser in the mix, you can delay even longer.

Is it better to divide or leave the plant intact?

Divide only when the clump is overcrowded or you want multiple plants. Dividing is more stressful, so don’t do it unless necessary and ensure each division has several healthy stems and roots.