A few years ago (a little over 3), I planted some bird of paradise seeds. Knowing absolutely nothing about them, and considering the packaging was in French, I just stuck them in some dirt in a pot about 6 or 7 inches deep. It took them a few months to sprout since I didn't soak the seeds. Anyway, I let them be in that little pot up until about a month ago. Then I moved them to a much larger, more appropriate pot, but I am worried that they will never amount to anything now. When I transplanted them, it looled like the root for each plant was a big taproot that hed nowhere to go in the little pot because it wound round and round the bottom of it about 5 or 6 times. The term rootbound does not do it justice. So now my little plants are starting to grow again, and are about a foot tall. I am wondering if they will ever become full-grown, flowering plants, or if I have done them irreparable damage. Any opinions? Thanks a lot!
Hi, I am sure it was not ideal, but with luck they will thrive. Here in Portugal, you often see Bird of Paradise plants growing well and flowering well in quite small pots. If your plants have had a new spurt of growth, it suggests that they are putting out new roots into the new soil. Good Luck BrianO
Non-woody plants don't have the same problems with persistent, deformed roots remaining in position and becoming a problem later in life that rootbound trees and shrubs do. Some bulbous plants even grow entire new sets of roots every year. And same as with woody plants your seedlings can probably have the circling roots pulled open or even cut back if necessary to remove the cause for your concern. However, if these have grown on for awhile you may find that there are completely separate new roots with a better orientation present.
Thank you both so much... I am optimistic now!, whereas before I thought for sure I had ruined them. And even in just the past few days, they have grown and look even better. So, I am hoping you are right, and I am anxious to see what happens. Thanks again.
