There does come a time when the taller stems have to be removed. Because buds are at the top of the white bird of paradise, a section cannot be removed without killing the trunk. It should be removed to the ground. With most tall plants like the bird of paradise, additional stems have formed at the base and can fill in quickly. Our ti plants in a poolside garden have lots of new growths at the top but little near the bottom.
Ti plants are a dracaena relative also known as cordylines.
They grow to about 3 feet tall and gradually lose their lower leaves. When the warmer weather returns, ti plants should begin new growth. Remove cold-damaged leaves and cut back some of the taller, older stems. The pruning plus adequate water and fertilizer should encourage new shoots from the base. As the shoots take the place of taller, older stems, more of the unsightly portions can be removed.