Heliconia Lobster Claw

Helicornia lobster claw:

These plants display oval shaped-flowers which are spirally arranged, with colours varying from red to orange and tips of the flower may show yellow colours. These are also called as FALSE BIRD-OF-PARADISE PLANTs. The leaves of the plant are like banana leaves, broad and lanceolate and the whole plant can read to a height of 2m or more when kept outdoor and less when kept indoors.

?

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PLANT:

SOIL:

• A soil with acidic pH (5.0-6.5), well-draining, loamy soil.
• These plants prefer moist and humid soil. Avoid misting in the winter months as it can lead to fungal problems especially when kept in indoors.

LIGHT:

• Position your plant such that it gets indirect sunlight and protection from strong sunlight in the afternoon or else it will scorch/burn the leaf/ leaf fall.
• They require indirect sunlight for their optimum growth. Though they can be tolerant of the full sunlight, depending on the variety of the plant.

WATERING:

• Water the plant only when 2-2.5 inches of the top soil has dried.
• Watering schedules to be taken care of especially during the warmest months of the year and hence requires a more frequent waterings. Underwatering will lead to browning of leaves.
• Overwatering will lead to rotting of the roots. The signs of overwatering are yellowing or browning of leaves and stalks.

FERTILIZING:

• Fertilizing throughout the growing season i.e., spring to summers (April-June), preferably every 2-4 weeks, this will boost growth of the plant and faster bloom.

PRUNING:

• Prune the plants after the bloomed flowers have become old and faded, to enhance growth and remove the weak sections if the plant part.
• The spent plants (plants that have flowered) can be cut from the base of the rhizome to enhance new growth during fall or summers.

PROPAGATION OF PLANT:

Rhizomes

These plants can be easily propagated using underground rhizomes, by dividing the new plant from the parent plant and allowing it to grow in a moist location, away from direct sunlight for its initial growth.

Propagation to done preferably during spring season (March-April).

Quantity: A single rhizome with bare roots.