The Bird of paradise plant is one of the most beautiful and famous indoor plants. This plant is generally an ornamental plant from the family Strelitziaceae.
The flower of this plant is also known as the crane flower, and the plant is considered the queen of the indoor plant world.
However, when you want to grow this plant in your house or area, you should know details about this plant. So, you might be confused about whether the roost is invasive. You should see the root system of this plant to learn details about it.
Bird of paradise Root System Explained
Generally, common Bird of paradise plants are not giant-sized. This plant’s root system is tuberous. They can quickly grow indoors and in small pots or garden beds. But giant Bird of paradise has an invasive and extensive root system. The roots of the giant ones can reach up to 2 feet.
However, Bird of paradise plants can be of different types and sizes. Each of them might have different characteristics. So, let’s see about the root system of these plants.
Giant Bird of paradise:
The giant Bird of paradise plant has an invasive root system. Generally, the Bird of paradise plant has a tuberous root system.
That means this plant’s root will be like a tube and grow long. Typically, the root of a giant bird of paradise plant can reach up to 2 feet.
Moreover, the giant Bird of paradise’s root ends with a dense, heavy root ball. The roots are compacted in this root ball and affect the life of this giant plant. Since the root of the plant is large, you can’t keep this plant in a small pot or garden bed.
White Bird of paradise:
The White Bird of paradise also has a tuberous root system. That means the root will grow up to 2 feet. White Bird of paradise is the largest one among the other types of Bird of paradise plants.
This plant will grow the root gradually, and the root will also become heavy. Generally, this type of root system is invasive. Giant Bird of paradise and white Bird of paradise is pretty similar.
Mexican Bird of paradise:
Mexican Bird of paradise is another large-size plant. It can grow up to 10 to 15 feet. So, the root system will also be extensive, like the tuberous root system. But whether this plant’s root system will be invasive depends on where you are growing it.
For example, if you grow the Mexican Bird of paradise in the ground, the root system can go up to two feet. But if you grow this plant indoors or in a pot, it will not spread its root too deep.
The root might be heavy, but it will not spread too wide. Moreover, the root of the Mexican Bird of paradise plant will stay in a tightly compacted ball.
Red Bird of paradise:
Red Bird of paradise is similar to the Mexican Bird of paradise plant. The root system of the red Bird of paradise is tuberous also.
You can grow this plant outdoor or indoors both places. But you must remember that the root can grow up to two feet. So, if you want to keep the root short, you must follow a particular procedure.
Does Bird of paradise have deep roots?
Generally, the typical Bird of paradise plant has pretty deep roots than other plants. The root system is tuberous. Roots of Bird of paradise plants can grow up to 2 feet. But the roots don’t spread too wide or deep.
Typical Bird of paradise plants might have deep roots, but all are not invasive. Giant Bird of paradise plants have deep roots and can be invasive.
Among the Bird of paradise plants, Strelitzia Nicolai has a dense and heavy root. This root stays in a compacted ball.
So, the Bird of paradise plant might have deeper roots than other plants. But the roots don’t spread too deep. That’s why you can grow them in a pot.
How Deep Are Bird of paradise Roots?
Bird of paradise roots can be up to 2 feet deep. Generally, a Bird of paradise’s root is a tuberous type. So, these roots will grow like tubes and can be two feet deep.
But Bird of paradise plants doesn’t spread their roots too wide. Moreover, they don’t spread their roots too deep. Bird of paradise roots have rhizomes and from where new plants are produced.
The large the plant will grow, the deeper the root will go. For example, if a bird of paradise root is 20 inches long, this will be the oldest root. Other roots will be smaller than this one. But roots should not go deeper than 2 feet or 24 inches.
How big are Bird of paradise roots?
How big Bird of paradise roots depends on the type of plant. For example, if the Bird of paradise plant is a giant type, the root will also be big. But the root will not be extensive if the plant is a typical one.
Generally, Bird of paradise plant roots can go up to 2 feet. But the roots can’t grow too wide. The roots of Bird of paradise will grow in a tightly compacted ball. The roots will also have rhizomes producing offshoots. These offshoots will grow into new plants.
So, the roots will not be larger. Though the roots can grow deeper, they will remain compact.
What kind of root system does a bird of paradise have?
Bird of paradise plants has a pretty different root system. The root system is one of the essential issues for a plant. If you want to grow this plant, you have to know about the root system. So, let’s see what kind of root system a bird of paradise has.
Tuberous:
Generally, the root system of Bird of paradise is tuberous. That means the roots will grow like tubes. That’s why Bird of paradise plants have long and deep roots. These roots can grow up to 2 feet. That means the roots are pretty deep and large.
Compacted:
Bird of paradise plants also has a compacted root system. You might know that the roots can grow up to 2 feet. But these roots will not spread more than 2 feet. Moreover, the roots will not spread too wide.
But the roots will remain tightly compacted. That’s why the roots are dense and heavy.
Invasive:
All types of Bird of paradise plants don’t have invasive root systems. Some of them are known as giant Bird of paradise plants.
These plants will have an invasive and large root system. But other types of Bird of paradise plants have a typical root system. They will not be invasive.
Do birds of paradise prefer to be root bound?
Yes, birds of paradise prefer to be root bound. These plants should be root bound. Because the roots encourage these plants to bloom. Birds of paradise plants have a unique root system.
For example, the roots produce rhizomes that help to create new plants. Birds of paradise prefer to grow roots and leaves more than flowers until they are root-bound.
After the plant is root bound, the roots will produce rhizomes, and other new plants will be made from the mother plant.
Are Bird of paradise Roots Invasive?
No, all Bird of paradise roots are not invasive. Generally, the common Bird of paradise roots are not invasive. These common plants can grow their roots up to 2 feet. But the roots don’t spread too deep or wide.
But giant Bird of paradise plant has invasive roots. Invasive roots can grow through streets and sidewalks. Moreover, they sneak into concrete, septic lines, etc. But common type bird of paradise plant roots are not invasive. That’s why you can grow them in a pot or indoors.
Can Bird of paradise roots damage foundation or pipes?
Bird of paradise roots can damage foundation or pipes that are invasive. But all Bird of paradise roots are not invasive. Some giant or Mexican bird of paradise plant roots can be invasive.
These plants will grow through concrete on other materials and can damage foundations or pipes.
Do Bird of paradise spread or multiply?
Yes, Bird of paradise can spread or multiply. Generally, these plants will multiply by diving in any season. These plants can be reproduced from leaf or stem cutting. To multiply or propagate this plant, you must cut a portion from the root.
Because rhizomes from the root are necessary to grow this plant. So, roots along with stem and leaf will help multiply this plant.
Final Thoughts
Bird of paradise plant has a tuberous and compacted root system. The root might grow up to 2 feet deep. Moreover, the giant Bird of paradise can have invasive roots. Otherwise, the roots will not spread too wide or deep. The root system prefers to be root bound and form a root ball in the pot.