How to Grow Heliconia
Heliconia spp.
Heliconia is a dramatic tropical perennial with bold banana-like foliage and spectacular waxy flower bracts in red, orange, and yellow. In the UK it must be grown under glass with high heat and humidity. Provide bright indirect light, consistently moist soil, and minimum 15C year-round. Feed heavily during the growing season. A statement plant for heated conservatories.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn. These are heavy feeders that need consistent nutrition during active growth.
Watch For
- Spider mites in dry air
- Mealybugs
- Leaf browning from low humidity
- Root rot from waterlogged soil
Care Requirements
Light
Bright indirect light
Needs bright filtered light but not direct midday sun. In the UK, a south-facing heated glasshouse provides ideal conditions.
Watering
Keep consistently moist
Water regularly to maintain even moisture. Never let the soil dry out completely. Reduce slightly in winter but never let roots go dry.
Fertilizing
Heavy feeder, weekly in growth
Feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser at full strength from spring to autumn. Reduce to monthly in winter.
Pruning
Remove spent flower stems
Cut dead flower stems at the base once bracts fade. Remove damaged leaves at ground level. Do not cut healthy green foliage.
