Question
I have an approximate 3 year old strelitzia and it seems healthy but it has outgrown its pot.  Long thick roots are growing out of the bottom of the pot and making it unstable.  I last repotted it 6 months ago.  Having read some info on the plants, I know they do well in tight pots rather than having a pot much bigger.  So should I repot one size bigger, or trim the roots.  I also read that they do not flower indoors or until 7 years old.  How big is it likely to grow, Its about 2 feet tall now.  I water when it is dry and have never fertilized.  I guess some general strelitzia care would be useful!

Thank you in anticipation of your help and I hope you had a good holiday.

Answer
Helen,

There are several varieties, orange flowering ones get about 5-6 foot tall eventually, white flowering ones can get 10-12 foot tall. They need a lot of sun to bloom indoors and it can take up to 10-12 years.

Go ahead and repot it into a pot one size biggger but do not leave it sitting with water in it's drain tray after you repot it. Always empty the drain tray an hour after watering the plant. If you can't pick it up use a turkey baster to empty it.

Check these sites fo more care information:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG106

http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/exoticflowers/birds-of-parad...

Good luck.

Darlene