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How to Grow and Care for Heliconia
What is a Heliconia?
Heliconias are tropical plants with large, glossy leaves and colorful flowers. They’re related to the banana plant and the bird of paradise.
Types of Heliconia
There are over 100 varieties of heliconia, but only a few are commonly grown in the UK.
- Heliconia psittacorum: Also known as parrot’s flower, this is the easiest variety to grow indoors. It has yellow and red flowers and grows to only 50cm tall.
- Heliconia rostrata: This variety has hanging flowers that look like lobster claws. It’s best grown in a large heated greenhouse.
- Heliconia schiedeana: This is the hardiest heliconia, but it’s still not quite hardy enough to grow outdoors all year round in the UK.
How to Grow Heliconia
Heliconias need bright, warm conditions, and fertile, moist but well-draining soil.
- Indoors: Heliconia psittacorum can be grown as a house plant. It needs bright, indirect light and regular watering.
- Outdoors: Heliconia schiedeana can be grown outdoors in a sunny, sheltered spot, but it should be brought indoors for winter.
How to Care for Heliconia
- Watering: Keep heliconias moist, especially during the growing season.
- Light: Heliconias need bright light to flower well.
- Humidity: Heliconias thrive in humid conditions, so mist them regularly.
- Fertilizing: Feed heliconias every two to three weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning: Deadhead faded flowers and cut out dead or damaged leaves.
Common Problems
- Red spider mite: These pests can cause webbing on leaves and stems. Increase humidity and use a biological control.
- Mealybugs: These pests are white, waxy insects that suck sap from plants. Pick them off by hand or use a biological control.
Tips for Buying Heliconia
- Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before buying.
- The easiest variety to grow indoors is Heliconia psittacorum.
- For a dramatic display, grow Heliconia rostrata in a heated greenhouse.
