Heliconia Wagneriana Live Plant with Plastic Pot

ntroduction to heliconias, heliconias are tropical plants related to bananas, cannas and gingers. There are about 100 different individual species, and most species then have a large number of hybrids and cultivars, with flower styles varying significantly from the original. The actual heliconia flower is fairly insignificant. What most people would call the 'flower' is actually a group of colourful specialised leaves, called bracts. The true flowers are hidden inside these bracts. Heliconia leaves look more or less like banana leaves. They are generally green, but some are tinged slightly with colour (particularly when young) and sometimes the leaves and stems are coloured or patterned slightly. some foliage is wildly coloured, however, particularly in heliconia indica cultivars. Heliconias grow from an underground system of rhizomes. Rhizomes are a type of root (the ginger that you buy in the supermarket is a piece of rhizome from the common edible ginger plant). There are pictures of heliconia rhizomes below, under 'rhizomes'. Where and how to grow heliconias, most heliconia species do not tolerate cold weather and will suffer injury when temperatures fall below 13c. The general climatic conditions required for healthy growth are warm and humid. All of the eastern coast of queensland, northern stretches of new south wales, and most areas of humid northern territory and western australia are perfect for heliconia growing - the only requirement is selection of the right cultivars. , zones 10-12 are excellent for heliconias. Zone 9 is fine for all except the ultra tropical species. Zone 8 will support cold tolerant heliconias if they are looked after and provided the right microclimate. See the zone hardiness map page to check your zone. Most varieties of heliconias will grow well in full sun, where others require partial shade. They tend to grow taller if grown in shadier areas. Heliconias prefer freely draining soils with high organic matter.

Light

Heliconia thrives in the same conditions as bananas and bird-of-paradise plants. They can tolerate light conditions from dappled shade to full sunlight; full sun can be especially useful in northerly latitudes. When grown as houseplants, give the brightest indirect light you can.

The short days of northern climates can be a problem for indoor Heliconia plants, and you may find it necessary to add a supplemental light source to provide illumination for at least 8 to 10 hours per day.

Soil

A rich, peat-based potting soil with excellent drainage is beneficial for potted plants. A mixture of wood-based compost and peat moss makes an ideal DIY potting soil. Plants grown outdoors in the garden will thrive in a rich, moist, but very well-draining garden soil. These plants can easily develop root rot in soil that is too wet.

Water

All species of Heliconia require ample and continuous water to thrive, but with good drainage. Plants subjected to drought will experience leaf-browning, especially along the leaf margins. To protect your plant during the winter, use tepid water during watering. Make sure the soil dries out almost fully between watering, but then water immediately. Proper watering is the single most important element of growing these plants successfully.

Temperature and Humidity

Heliconia plants are native to tropical forests, so they prefer warm and fairly humid conditions. Temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and above are ideal. Although the plants often survive a short, mild frost, generally speaking, it's best to protect them against temps below 50 degrees, which can send the plant into a semi-dormant state.

In the dry winters of northern climates, indoor plants will require regular misting to keep the leaves from drying out. Brown tips and margins on leaves are signs the plants need moister air.

Fertilizer

Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks throughout the growing season. Cut fertilizer back to once a month or so in the winter.