Heliconia Flowers: Guide to Growing and Caring for Heliconias

Belonging to the Heliconiaceae family, heliconia are herbaceous, flowering plants native to the tropical Americas (Central America and South America) as well as the tropical regions of the US. Common names for the plants include heliconia, lobster claw, parrot’s beak, and false bird-of-paradise. The growing season spans spring, summer, and fall.

All heliconia have large, banana-like leaves that grow along thick stems. The showy, vividly colored, waxy bracts (a secondary type of leaf) are often mistaken for heliconia inflorescences (flowers), but the plant’s actual tropical flowers are very small and unassuming, encased within the brightly colored bracts.

When grown in the wild or planted outdoors in tropical climates, heliconias will attract hummingbirds that feast on the nectar. Insect pollinators are also attracted to the bright bracts and sweet nectar.

There are nearly 200 species belonging to the genus Heliconia—many naturally occurring and others cultivated for vivid colors and shape. The tropical plants range greatly in height and color. Most are grown outdoors in tropical climates, while some varieties are grown and harvested by commercial growers for use by florists in flower arrangements. Here are some of the most common species of heliconia:

1. 1. Parrot (Heliconia psittacorum): This plant takes its name from the similarity in appearance to a parrot’s beak and features green-yellow flower bracts. This is one of the varieties suitable for growing indoors as a houseplant, as its growth habit reaches 3–6 feet tall.
2. 2. Red palulu (Heliconia bihai): This tall heliconia species is native to South America. The bihai blooms feature bright red or vivid yellow flower bracts.
3. 3. ‘Sexy Pink’ (Heliconia chartacea): This heliconia cultivar was developed for garden planting and has bracts shaded in green and watermelon pink. It’s a popular choice for use in cut flower arrangements.
4. 4. Wild plantain (Heliconia caribaea): With large yellow bracts shaped like a lobster claw, h. caribaea is commonly used as cut flowers. In tropical regions, including South American rainforests and southern Florida, heliconia is popularly used as an outdoor landscape plant and can reach a height of 15 feet. Birds and bats often take shelter in the large leaves, and this variety is pollinated by hummingbirds.

Heliconias are common outdoor landscape plants in humid, tropical climates—areas located in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11—such as Hawaii, the southernmost part of Florida, and Puerto Rico in the US, as well as in Costa Rica, the South Pacific, Indonesia, and Central America. Here are elements to consider when growing heliconia flowers outdoors:

• Water: Water regularly to maintain moist soil. If the weather is especially hot or dry, the plant may need to be watered twice a day, as the soil surrounding heliconias should never dry out. Take care to avoid overwatering, however, to mitigate your chances of root rot.
• Light: Depending on the species, heliconias prefer partial shade or direct sunlight. Avoid planting them in areas that are mostly shaded.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Mulch regularly with peat moss to maintain moisture. If the soil or potting medium becomes too dry, spider mites may take up residence around your plant.

While it is possible to grow heliconia indoors, the tropical plant is difficult to keep as a houseplant. Most grow too large to be successfully grown inside and require an extremely humid environment and moist soil to thrive. The parrot heliconia is one good option to keep as an indoor potted plant due to its relatively short height. For best results, place a hanging lobster claw plant in a sunny location (or under a plant light), water frequently so it never dries out, and mist it daily to prevent the heliconia leaves from drying.

Heliconias are low-maintenance plants that require minimal attention, aside from frequent watering, but here are three things worth noting:

1. 1. Pruning: No pruning is necessary for heliconia, but it’s recommended you remove spent inflorescences or wilted leaves.
2. 2. Fertilization: To maintain their growth and bright colors, fertilize heliconias every three to four months with a slow-release fertilizer rich in magnesium.
3. 3. Overwintering: If you live outside of a tropical area and want to grow heliconias, plant them in a larger pot than seems typical for their size. Leave them outside in the summer months and make sure they are not exposed to frost. Care for heliconias as you would indoor plants in winter and place them in a location with full sun.

Heliconia plants are rhizomes, which makes propagation easy. To do so, dig up the plant and separate the rhizomes, cutting off large, three- to four-inch portions that contain “eyes” or new plant shoots. Replant the rhizomes and care for them with the same plant care you would provide to any young plant.

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