Use a hand saw or chain saw, and cut it down to about 12 inches above the ground. You will then have room to dig and still have part of the plant to grip to pull it out of the soil. Start to dig a circle around your giant bird of paradise plant with a spade. Dig about 12 to 18 inches, and cut in under the root ball..
Similarly, you may ask, how deep do bird of paradise roots go?
Dig straight down to a depth of at least 18 to 20 inches, which is the depth of most older bird of paradise plant's roots.
Also, are bird of paradise roots invasive? The root system isn't the problem with the Nicolai its the girth of the trunk/s. The trunk width and basal structural roots will wreck your concrete. Keep it well away from concrete and they are fine.
In respect to this, how do you kill giant bird of paradise roots?
Lay a tarp or plastic sheet over nearby plants. Spray the leaves of the bird of paradise plant with glyphosate, a post-emergent, non-specific herbicide. It will kill any plant it touches, so cover plants you want to keep. Choose a day when rain is not expected.
How do you transplant giant bird of paradise?
Dig underneath the plant to include as many of the taproots as possible, until the giant bird of paradise becomes loose in the planting site. Cut any large roots with loppers to release the plant from the hole. Remove the giant bird of paradise from its hole and allow it to lay on its side on the tarp.
Related Question Answers
Do birds of paradise like full sun?
Strelitzia bird of paradise needs rich soil that is well draining. It blooms most profusely when in full sun, but indoor plants should be slightly away from southern windows to avoid burning. Also, plants grown outdoors in desert climates should be planted in a partial shade situation.Is giant bird of paradise poisonous?
According to the ASPCA, bird of paradise plants are toxic to cats, dogs and horses. On the other hand, the University of Connecticut categorizes the plants as safe for humans. This showiest part of the bird of pardise is also the most toxic.Do bird of paradise plants spread?
Since it can spread, planting bird of paradise alone in a container is usually best. There are many species of bird of paradise. While most grow about 6 feet tall, some can reach 15 feet tall or more when grown well.Can you divide bird of paradise plants?
Dividing bird of paradise plants is best accomplished on mature plants that have been previously blooming for at least three years. You can create new plants by removing young suckers from the plant or by digging up old clumps and separating the underground rhizomes with a sharp knife.Can Bird of Paradise be transplanted?
Transplanting birds of paradise should be done carefully so as not to damage the plant and to ensure it will recover and thrive in a new location. Start by preparing the plant, then dig it out and move it: Dig around the plant, going out about 12 inches (30 cm.) for every inch (2.5 cm.)How fast do giant bird of paradise grow?
Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) grows at a moderate rate, its curving, hyperbolic trunks increasing in length about 2 feet per year and eventually reaching 30 feet or more in height.Can plants recover from root rot?
Once root rot is identified, you must determine if the plant can be saved. If the entire root system has already become mushy, it is too late to save the plant. However, if some healthy, white, firm roots exist, try to bring the plant back to good health by replanting in fresh soil with good drainage.How big do birds of paradise grow?
A bird of paradise can reach a height of 5 feet. Its long, thick leaves usually grow to 18 inches long and 6 inches wide, spreading to a width about the same as the height of the plant.How do you divide giant bird of paradise?
Remove the bird of paradise plant from its container. Rinse off or gently shake the soil off the rhizomes. Cut the rhizomes into sections with a sharp knife that has been sterilized with household disinfectant and rinsed. Each section must be at least 3 inches long with roots and at least one or two leaves.How do you take care of a bird of paradise?
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy during the spring through fall. In the winter, allow two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The Bird of Paradise cannot handle 'wet feet', meaning its roots should not sit in wet soil. It's best to keep your Bird of Paradise on the dry side.How do you grow bird of paradise indoors?
During the spring and summer growing season, water your indoor bird of paradise plant enough to keep the soil consistently moist. Spraying with mist is appreciated in the warm months. Fertilize a bird of paradise indoors with a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing period.Is Bird of Paradise fast growing?
The plant is a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. It can be moved outside in the summer, and in warmer climes, it thrives for half the year outside. Bird of paradise typically flowers in the late winter or early spring, but under optimal conditions, it flowers at other times.How much water does a giant bird of paradise need?
Water with 1 inch of water per week during dry weather. Once established, giant bird of paradise can tolerate some drought.How often do birds of paradise bloom?
By the end of September of October, you will see the first buds appear, and by mid-December, you should have your first bloom. This can be achieved with both the Orange and Giant White Bird of Paradise - we've successfully gotten both to bloom, in a pot, indoors, during the winter.Can you cut back bird of paradise?
Strelitzia Bird of Paradise flowers don't require as much pruning, but you can remove dead blooms and foliage in the springtime. If the plant isn't growing well throughout the year, prune at least half of the stems to the ground to allow the plant to grow healthy blooms.Can Strelitzia grow in pots?
Since the Strelitzia reginae does not tolerate waterlogging and its roots tend to rot under such conditions, it should be in a pot or bucket, from which excess water can easily drain off. Potting soil or regular flower soil are very suitable for the Strelitzia reginae.How long does it take for a bird of paradise to bloom?
A bird of paradise plant started from seed usually won't flower until it is at least 3 to 5 years old. Even one propagated by division may take the same amount of time to establish itself in a new setting.When should I repot my bird of paradise?
How often does my plant need to be repotted? For larger floor plants, we suggest repotting every 18-24 months — although the Bird of Paradise prefers to be slightly pot bound, so you can hold off on repotting for 28 months if the plant is in healthy condition.When should I transplant bird of paradise?
Wait until all signs of cold weather have left your area before transplanting the bird of paradise. You will have more success if you wait to do the transplant until spring or early summer. Dig around the bird of paradise to expose the root system. Cut off as few roots as possible when doing the digging. 
Robert King 
