Hello everyone!

I've posted about my orange Bird of Paradise on here a few times now, but this time I'm not asking for advice--rather, opinions.

This morning, I repotted my BOP, and to my horror it's roots were ROTTEN. Some of them so bad it stunk to high heaven, however there were a good amount of taproots that were nice and healthy growing toward the bottom of the pot. I rinsed off all the old (much too heavy) potting soil, pruned damaged and dead roots best I could, and repotted into a MUCH smaller pot with a quicker draining soil. There may be some collar rot at the base of the plant, but I am waiting to see what happens. I will be moving this plant under a grow light onto a heat mat to help stimulate new root growth.

The problem was the pot size it was in. I have had this plant for a year now, and since getting it I have learned more about getting the correct size pot for your plant. I was hesitant to repot as I really wanted this plant to flower--excitement got the best of me. But now I am learning my lesson.

My question is, does anyone think there is hope for this little guy? I didn't snap any pictures while it was out of the pot--but use your imagination. Two or three 1 inch thick taproots approaching a foot long, and the rest a browned and blackened mess.

The new soil is a mixture of regular potting soil and pre-made small gravel, rice hulls, and coco coir. It is in an 8" pot as opposed to the old 12". I am going to discontinue fertilizing, as I began a once-per-month regimen with houseplant Miracle Gro liquid fertilizer.

Again, I know where my mistakes were. Criticism is not welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Alyssa