Growing tips for Lobster Claw plants
Heliconias are stunning, brightly colored plants that are perfect for tropical gardens.
They can be grown directly in the garden or dwarf varieties can be planted in large containers for a spectacular display.
Growing Heliconias is fairly easy, even for beginner gardeners and with these tips you’ll be able to have these gorgeous plants blooming in your garden.
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Heliconias
(Heliconia rostrata) are native to Central and South America and
there are more than 500 different varieties.
They’re related to banana trees, ginger and Bird of Paradise. [1]
The flowers are actually bracts (modified leaves) and come in beautiful bright colors including red, yellow, pink and orange.
The real flower is short lived and can be found inside the bract.
HOW TO GROW HELICONIA PLANTS
Best Soil for Heliconias
Heliconias like rich, moist and well-drained soil.
Before planting add some organic matter to the soil and mulch around the plants to reduce moisture loss.
Add some organic plant food every couple of weeks during the growing season.
How much sunlight do Heliconias need?
Most varieties will grow well in full sun or partial shade but some varieties prefer a position that is mostly shady.
Heliconias grown in
partial shade usually grow taller and flower better than those grown in full
sun.
They prefer warm, humid conditions, similar to what
you’d find in a tropical rainforest.
Heliconias are susceptible to wind damage so it’s best to plant them in a position that is protected from strong winds.
When do Heliconias bloom?
Heliconia plants flower from summer to fall.
The flowers are great for attracting hummingbirds to your yard and the plants provide a good hiding place for small birds.
They’re also good cut flowers and make a long lasting and spectacular display.
How tall do Heliconias grow?
There are many different varieties of Heliconias that range from 3.5 feet (1 metre) to 15 feet (5 metres) tall.
Growing Heliconias from Rhizome Cuttings
Heliconias grow from rhizomes, which means that the roots and shoots form from a horizontal underground stem.
To propagate Heliconias from rhizome cuttings, take a section of the rhizome and divide it into pieces. Each piece needs to have an eye on it.
The rhizomes can be soaked in water with a small amount of fertilizer added before planting in the garden.
Allow enough space for spreading. Heliconias will spread out quite quickly.
You can usually expect to see flowers within six months of propagation from rhizome cuttings.
Growing Heliconias from Seeds
Heliconia plants produce small fruits that turn blue when they’re ripe.
Each fruit holds between one to three seeds.
The seeds have a very hard coat that is difficult to pierce and if you try to manually pierce the seed it usually damages the seed.
Heliconia seeds can take up to a year to germinate so the easiest way to propagate them is from rhizome cuttings.
Heleconia varieties to plant in your garden
Watering Heliconias
Heliconias need regular watering, especially during hot weather.
The soil should be moist at all times, but not waterlogged.
It’s a good idea to add a layer of mulch to help with moisture retention.
Pests & Diseases
Heliconias are fairly pest resistant but they can be affected by fungal diseases if there isn’t enough air circulation.
They can also be affected by birds, ants, rats and soil pathogens.
Regular maintenance will help to reduce damage to the plants.
Pruning Heliconias
Heliconia flower stalks only bloom once, so the whole stalk can be cut back to ground level when it has finished flowering.
Any leaves that are yellowed or dead can be removed and used as mulch around the base of the plants.
Companion Planting for Heliconias
Heliconias can be grown alongside other tropical plants including palms, Bird of Paradise or Hawaiian Ti plants.
Common questions about growing Lobster Claw plants
Can Heliconias be grown in containers or pots?
Small varieties of Heliconia can be grown in large containers with well-drained, rich potting soil.
Are Heliconias Frost Tolerant?
Heliconias are best suited to tropical regions and they’re not frost tolerant at all.
If you live in an area with cold winter temperatures it’s not a good idea to plant Heliconias outdoors.
Freezing temperatures can kill or damage the underground rhizomes of the plant.
Heliconias are stunning perennial flowers that will make your garden stand out.
If you live in a tropical climate and you’re looking some something a bit different for your garden, these plants are ideal.
Just be sure to keep the soil moist and trim back the old flower stalks and you’ll be able to enjoy their gorgeous flowers all summer and into fall.
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Have you tried growing Heliconias in your garden? Let me know in the comments below.
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Scott J DeNicola
6 Dec 2019I recently grew birds of paradise for the first time this year in large containers by my pool and was happy with the results. Heliconias look even more beautiful than the BOP and I may need to try my hand at them this year. I really like the firebird Heliconia.
Sarah Emery
7 Dec 2019These are such great tips for growing heliconia. There’s quite a lot of heliconias in our area and they always catch my eye (because of their exotic look).
Despite Pain
7 Dec 2019I’ve never seen these before. They’re beautiful and so unusual. Definitely not suitable for growing in Scotland as we get a lot of frost.
Fatima Torres
7 Dec 2019What an interesting plant the Heliconia lobster claw one is! I’ve always found it to be a bit much for our garden.
Britt
7 Dec 2019I’ve never heard of heliconia plants before, but I am LOVING the tropical vibes that I get from all of your pictures. I’m sure they wouldn’t do well up here in Canada with our colder temperatures, but maybe if someone has a tropical themed heated sun room, so that they wouldn’t be exposed to the elements?
Lyosha
8 Dec 2019I love the way those flowers look! I haven’t seen them before but I definitely think it is super pretty!
Julia
9 Dec 2019I love Heliconia, such a beautiful flower! I’ve seen them and a Bird of Paradise in the wild in a tropical rainforest in a shady place.
I sensed that the most beautiful part that we call “a flower” is not actually a real flower. Thank you for explaining that those are bracts.
I’ve also seen these flowers in Hawaii in a garden in full sun. Unfortunately, New England’s climate is not suitable for them to grow outside. My husband always includes either Heliconia or Bird of Paradise in my birthday bouquet because he knows how much I love it.
Thank you for the informative post and beautiful photos.
All the best,
~ Julia
Melanie
9 Dec 2019This is actually really interesting to read. I have never tried to grow these beautiful flowers, but would love to give it a go x
Luna S
9 Dec 2019I love how these flowers look, they really help add a pop of color to any home landscape. Great posts and information, I would love to try and grow these.
Subhashish Roy
9 Dec 2019Very informative post for all plant and nature lovers. I too am but unfortunately currently have limited options of pursuing my interest due to space constraints. But it always feels good when I go through your posts.
Alexandra
10 Dec 2019This is an amazingly beautiful plant. It actually looks like a great Christmas plant. Your posts are so informative. I find myself wondering if you know all of this already in your head and you are growing all of these beautiful plants in your yard and home. Seriously! I definitely know where to look when I’m ready to fill my house, both outside and inside, with these beautiful plants! I just wish it could be now.
Kelly Martin
10 Dec 2019Hi Alexandra, they sure are gorgeous plants. It’s a bit cold to grow Heliconias where I live unfortunately, but I’d love to plant them when I get my greenhouse set up.
Lyanna Soria
11 Dec 2019That heliconia lobster claw plant looks great and interesting. My grandma would love this, she likes gardening.
DR. I.K. Gopalakrishnan
22 Mar 2021Yes, I have been growing helicona plants for last 8 years. Their flowers are very beautiful.