From our perspective, the choice of a pot is not about decoration but about providing a stable and healthy foundation for our root system. We, Bird of Paradise plants (*Strelitzia reginae* and *Strelitzia nicolai*), are not delicate, dainty-rooted specimens. We are robust growers with vigorous, fleshy roots that both seek out nutrients and act as a structural anchor for our large, heavy foliage. Our roots prefer to be somewhat confined, as this actually encourages the energy to be directed into top growth and, crucially, for flowering in the case of *S. reginae*, promotes the development of blooms. However, there is a critical difference between being snug and being dangerously root-bound, which leads to stunted growth, dehydration, and a lack of nutrients.
The single most important rule is to increase the pot size gradually. A pot that is excessively large relative to our current root ball is a significant threat to our health. An oversized pot holds a large volume of wet soil that our roots cannot yet access. This soil stays saturated for too long, creating an anaerobic environment devoid of oxygen. This leads to the dreaded root rot, a fungal condition that attacks and decays our root system, ultimately killing us. Therefore, you should only repot us into a new container that is approximately 2 inches (5 cm) larger in diameter than our current pot. This provides just enough room for new root growth without overwhelming us with soggy soil.
The physical characteristics of the pot are paramount. Firstly, drainage holes are non-negotiable. We require excellent drainage to prevent water from pooling at our roots. A pot without holes is a death sentence. Secondly, consider the material. A heavy, dense material like ceramic or concrete is often ideal, especially for larger specimens. Our tall, broad leaves can become top-heavy, and a light plastic pot may easily tip over. The weight of a ceramic pot provides a counterbalance. However, plastic pots are acceptable if they are of a sturdy, thick grade and are placed in a stable location. Finally, the shape of the pot is important. We benefit from a pot that is somewhat deep, as our root system develops vertically as well as horizontally, but ensure it is not disproportionately deep and narrow, which can create a waterlogged column of soil at the bottom.
To translate this into practical advice, here is a general guide based on our size. A young plant with a few small leaves will typically start in a 6-8 inch pot. As we mature and develop more stems and larger leaves, we will require repotting into a 10-12 inch pot. A large, well-established indoor Bird of Paradise, perhaps 5-6 feet tall, will often be very happy and stable in a 14-inch pot. Very mature, floor-standing specimens may eventually require a 16-24 inch pot. You will know it is time to repot when you see our roots circling the bottom of the pot or emerging from the drainage holes, or if the soil dries out remarkably quickly after watering, indicating the root mass is too dense.
