What Size Pot Does a Bird of Paradise Need? A Guide to Proper Sizing

With their dramatic, tropical foliage and unique flowering structures, bird of paradise plants are captivating indoor specimens. To keep your bird of paradise thriving in a pot, using the right size container is key. This allows the root system ample room to develop while also keeping the plant manageable.

Choosing an appropriately sized pot ensures your bird of paradise stays healthy and grows to its full potential Read on to learn about ideal pot sizes at different growth stages and repotting best practices,

Pot Size Guidelines for Bird of Paradise

Bird of paradise can grow over 6 feet tall indoors, so they require substantial pots. Use these general size guidelines based on the plant’s height

• 1-2 feet tall – 6 inch pot
• 2-3 feet tall – 8-10 inch pot
• 3-4 feet tall – 10-12 inch pot
• 4-5 feet tall – 12-14 inch pot
• 5-6 feet tall – 14-16 inch pot
• 6+ feet tall – 16-18 inch pot

As a rule of thumb, select a pot 2-4 inches wider than the current container size when repotting. Avoid going more than 2 inches bigger at once to prevent overpotting.

For very small or young plants, use containers with drainage holes. Larger plants can be placed in decorative pots without holes as long as a well-draining soil mix is used.

Always choose containers with a heavy, stable base since bird of paradise can grow quite top-heavy. Cachepots or plant stands help secure taller plants.

When to Repot a Bird of Paradise

Repotting bird of paradise annually or biannually keeps them progressing. Follow this timeline:

• Young plants under 3 feet tall – Repot every 12-18 months in early spring.

• Mature plants over 3 feet tall – Repot every 2-3 years in early spring.

• Bloom-sized plants – Repot every 3-4 years to keep pot bound.

• Rootbound plants showing stunted growth – Repot immediately, regardless of season.

• After repotting, allow plants to establish for a month before resume fertilizing.

Avoid repotting during winter when plants are dormant. Spring or early summer, when growth resumes, is best.

Step-By-Step Repotting Instructions

Follow these tips for smoothly repotting your bird of paradise:

Choose New Container

Pick a pot that is 2-4 inches wider than the current size. Make sure it has drainage holes and a sturdy base.

Remove from Current Pot

Remove plant from pot and gently loosen root ball with hands or a fork to encourage new growth outward.

Prune Roots & Foliage

Trim any diseased, dead, or circling roots. Prune back overgrown foliage by 1/3 to balance root loss.

Add Drainage Material

Place crocks, pebbles, or other drainage material over the drainage hole to prevent soil from leaking out.

Fill New Pot

Fill pot 1/3 with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Set root ball inside and fill remaining space with more mix.

Refresh Soil Surface

Gently scrape away any old topsoil and add fresh mix around plant base. This encourages new roots.

Water Thoroughly

Water well until it drains from the base after repotting. This settles the soil completely.

With the right pot size and timing, your bird of paradise will continue growing vigorously after repotting.

Special Considerations for Potted Bird of Paradise

Growing bird of paradise in pots brings some additional care requirements:

• Provide strong support as needed. Staking or plant cages prevent pot tipping.

• Rotate pots periodically to ensure even sun exposure and growth.

• Water more frequently in pots. Check soil daily and water when the top few inches become dry.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

• Consider switching large plants to self-watering containers to maintain moisture.

Meeting potted bird of paradise’s needs takes some extra work but the payoff of their wonderfully exotic foliage is well worth it!

Signs It’s Time to Repot Your Bird of Paradise

Watch for these clues that your bird of paradise needs more space:

• Roots emerging from the drainage holes
• Water drains very quickly out the bottom, signaling a rootbound plant
• Soil drying out much faster than usual
• Slow growth and smaller than expected new leaves
• Yellowing lower leaves, a sign of nutrient deficiency
• Stunted flowers or inability to support flowers
• Plant instability or tipping over, indicating a too-small base

Whenever you notice slowed growth and symptoms of being pot-bound, it’s time to size up to a larger container.

Troubleshooting Small Pots

Using too small of a pot causes several issues for bird of paradise plants:

• Stunted growth and smaller leaves
• Nutrient deficiencies and yellowing foliage
• Wilting, drooping, or curling leaves
• Poor flowering or no blooms
• Tippy, unstable plants
• Root rot due to excessive moisture retention

Repotting into an appropriately larger pot remedies most small container problems. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes and use fresh potting mix.

The Relationship Between Pot Size and Blooming

Mature bird of paradise plants need to become somewhat rootbound before they will bloom. Restricting root growth triggers flowering. Follow these tips:

• Allow plants to become moderately rootbound before blooming size. Avoid severely stunting plants.

• Repot blooming size plants only every 2-3 years in early spring to keep pot bound.

• Choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger than the previous size for blooming plants.

With the right balance of root restriction and plant health, you can coax those vibrant orange and blue blooms from your bird of paradise!

Final Tips for Potting Bird of Paradise

• When repotting, choose wide, heavy pots that won’t easily tip over as plants grow tall.

• Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for indoor plants. Avoid soil that stays too wet.

• Add sand, perlite, or pumice to improve drainage in dense potting mixes if needed.

• Water newly repotted plants sparingly until established, then maintain even moisture.

• Situate pots in bright light without direct sun exposure to bring out the best colors.

By following proper planting guidelines and repotting on schedule, your bird of paradise will thrive and add incredible elegance to your indoor space.