Bird of paradise plants can live for decades, developing large, thick roots.Killing a bird of paradise plant, whether the small, colorful variety (Strelitzia reginae) or the large white trees (Strelitzia nicolai) that can top 30 feet tall, is harder than just cutting it off at the base of the stem. Bird of paradise plants develop large roots that grow in a tightly compacted root ball. This makes the roots difficult to extract just by pulling up on the plant, but if you don't remove all the roots, the plant can grow back. Using an herbicide can help kill and soften the roots to make them easier to remove. On How to Do it Yourself -
1Lay 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.
2 Scrape the soil away from the roots with a trowel, exposing as much of the root ball top as possible. Stab the roots with a trowel to score it, then spray the exposed roots liberally with glyphosate.
3 Repeat the process by spraying the leaves and roots the next day. You should notice the plant beginning to wilt within 48 hours. Reapply after two days if the leaves aren't completely brown.
4 Cut through the plant's stem near the base once the leaves turn brown. Use pruning shears for a standard bird of paradise plant or a handsaw for a white bird of paradise tree.
5 Water the soil until it's soggy for two to three days to soften the roots and help them begin to rot. Birds of paradise are susceptible to root rot, and it can begin to occur quickly when the roots are already stressed from the herbicide.
6 Cut into the root with a spade or shovel. If the flesh is still white and healthy, add more herbicide for two days, then water profusely for two days. Continue that pattern until the roots are brown inside.
7 Dig the dirt away from the sides of the root ball. Pull on the roots to try to remove them in one piece. If the root ball is too big, cut through some of the roots with pruning shears or a shovel and remove small sections at a time. The roots tend to stay compact, but check for offshoots and remove them to make sure the plant can't grow back from the roots.Things You Will Need Trowel Glyphosate Tarp or plastic Pruning shears Handsaw Spade Shovel.
It takes ages and hard work. Or hire someone, to remove it. Costs a defense budget to do it.
Kanga
