Hi, Connie--Yes you do need to have some roots with a transplanted strelitzia, as you do with most things. If you're splitting a bigger plant, you should do it in the Spring--or so it says in my RHS book! Good luck, Annie (Cumbria)

Connie, if you are in a hot summer, mild winter area of S. A., you may be better off lifting it in the fall. The more roots the better, of course, but it will survive a surprising amount of trauma, if you cut up to 1/2 of the leaves off, starting with the oldest ones.