QuestionMy mum recently bought a bird of paradise plant and she decided to remove the plant from its pot, the plant is about 1m high and about 40cm wide, well she removed it from the pot to easily move it home, so we did that, we also bought the pot too, but we couldn't put the plant in the pot, so we dont know whether to plant the plant into the ground or to leave it in a pile of dirt so we can start finding a bigger pot, there are also a small, brown-black ants living on the bottom of the plant is this normal?
AnswerHi Andrew,
Having ants in the soil is not normal. Although they are not likely to damage the plant, I am sure you don't want them taking up residence in your mum's home. Their presence is a good indication that the plant was not grown by a quality nursery. For that reason, you might consider taking it back to the retailer. Otherwise, try to determine if there is an ant nest somewhere in the rootball and remove it.
Unless you live in a tropical area where temps don't fall much below 50 degrees, then planting the Bird of Paradise in the ground is not an option.
I don't think you need a larger pot. Probably all you need to do is remove some of the soil from the outside of the rootball so that is will fit back into the original pot. Don't be afraid to squeeze it in.
If for some reason you cannot get it back into a pot right away, then put the rootball temporarily into a plastic garbage back so that the soil stays together and also stays moist.
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
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