Question
Hi, I'm trying to identify my plant so that I can decide how/if to prune it for better health.  I bought it 8 years ago when it was 2' tall.  It is now 9' tall.  I've been told it might be a banana plant but I kind of doubt it.  Each new leaf comes out of the main "stalk" near soil level. The new shoot is about the diameter of a finger and grows to about 3' long over the course of a month before the huge 3' leaf unfurls one day.  The stem continues growing until we have one 3' leaf on a 6' stem.  Leaves are dark green and solid and sort of glossy (NOT frayed/feathery like a palm).  About a month later the whole process starts again with another new leaf.

The oldest leaves have now bent over and are touching the floor as though the stems have gotten weak.  The new leaves are not as large as they used to be (2' versus 3').  The whole plant seems a bit more sparse than it used to be. I've been fertilizing half the recommended strength each time I water (~weekly).  The plant consists of 3 main stalks in one 20" diameter pot which I transplanted into about 2 years ago.  It sits in a very sunny south-facing window in Minnesota.

I'm wondering if I should cut off the older leaves that have fallen over, even though they are still green.  Would this allow for more energy going into new growth?  Any other suggestions or thoughts on where to get more info would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks very much!

Answer
Hi Kurt,

I believe your plant is a white bird of paradise (Strelitzia). Keeping it healthy for 8 years is quite an accomplishment.

It is normal for older leaves to sag under the pull of gravity as they age. (It has happened to me, too!) You can cut the sagging stems off to make it look better. The aging stems do not sap energy, but they do make the plant look less attractive.

The older larger leaves were grown in ideal conditions where there was more light for longer days. That is why they are larger than the newer leaves that do not receive as much light. In reduced light, the plant cannot support as much foliage. That is why it looks more sparse.

Even at half strength you may be overdoing the fertilizer. I would not use it more than monthly at half strength.

Otherwise, your plant is doing fine and I have no further recommendations for you other than to keep up the good work.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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