So , you ’re feeling a little urge to grow a plant with a second of novelty , eh ? Like the false bird of paradise ?
Heliconia is close to bananas than its commonly illogical opposite number , the bird of paradise .
This plant life is a very fast grower that can even be considered to be invasive by some gardener .
However , if you want some awing reportage , tropical bloom , and some sensational colors , then Heliconia will do just fine .
It ’s not as popular as its twin , but a peck of the care for false bird of paradise is very much the same .
rent ’s dive in and see what this plant ’s all about !
Guide Contents
Quick care guide
What’s a false bird of paradise?
This plant gets its name because of the striking similarity to thereal bird of paradise .
False raspberry of paradise are also known as “ Lobster Claws . “
The plant life is officially part of the Heliconia genera , which is part of the Zingiberales order . These plant are similar to banana tree decoration , calathea , and strelitzia ( bird of paradise ) .
The leave , rhizomes , and stem are all nearly the same in appearance . Heliconia fare from tropical America and is now commonly sold in the US ( in the main Florida ) and overseas .
Some other vulgar variants of false shuttle of paradise are heliconia choconiana , psittacorum , bihai , wagneria , characea , collinsiana , and rostrata .
masses want to because of the unique departure and the gewgaw that this is NOT a dame of paradise .
False bird of paradise vs bird of paradise – What are the differences?
The two plants are so alike , which wee it no wonder that heliconia was once called the “ false ” plant .
There are no major conflict other than the categorization of the plant and the distribution .
Bird of paradise does well in zones 10 - 12 , however , heliconia is primarily dominant in Florida- specifically the southwest orbit . But it can growthroughout geographical zone 10 - 13 .
Both plants need exchangeable sunshine , watering requirements , and propagation . They ’re very standardized in appearance also that the untrained eye wo n’t be able to tell the departure .
The flower on this plant life are colourful and thrive with fat ground . Heliconia does well with partial sun and well - drain soil . The occasional misting is well appreciated to avoid any drought .
This is not a inhuman or drought hardy plant . They grow very tall just like birds of nirvana , or more tight , bananas !
How do you take care of a false bird of paradise?
Caring for heliconia psittacorum is very similar to the “ real”bird of paradise .
This flora follow standardized lacrimation , humidity , and fertilization techniques . If you ’ve already owned and cared for a regular bird of heaven , then use up fear of the “ false ” version should be very easy .
Here ’s a eminent - grade overview of the various care methods .
Watering requirements
Heliconia psittacorum is a speedy grower and will at least minimum watering during the peak season .
Do n’t be put off . The plant NEEDS plenty of water , but ONLY between specific intervals .
countenance the grease go whole ironical between watering school term during bounce and summer . Taper off even more towards spill . The plant is a drought intrepid type so you do n’t require to be upset about it not get enough piss .
But that does n’t think of to allow it go parched either . They can manage little drought full stop , but nothing too extreme . If you require larger , beautiful bloom of youth during the spring , you need to append it with just the naked minimum of piddle .
This plant is not tolerant of drought nor moth-eaten .
Do n’t overdo it . Use your finger ( or a dirt meter ) to evaluate the top 3 ” of soil . When it pass dry , you know it ’s fourth dimension to water supply .
If you ’re worried about not cave in it enough hydration , an soft way to check is to see for the desiccation sign your plant will give you .
Some signs that your plant life demand urine are :
On the contrary , there are also some signs that you should be familiar with to know that your plant ’s receive too much water :
Adjust your watering regimen accordingly .
Temperature
Heliconia prefers temperate temperatures that range from 60F to 75F. They can be planted alfresco in a partial shade location .
They also can do well indoors , but you ’ll need to choose a location that provide ample sunlight , but not unmediated . This industrial plant is sensitive to Light Within and need filter sun for at least 6 60 minutes a mean solar day .
Do n’t have the temps drop below 54F , as this is when the stale jar can harm or even pour down the false bird of paradise . If you live in a colder area , follow the appendage tooverwinter birds of paradise .
They utilise to heliconia in the same manner .
simulated birds of paradise do enter a dormancy period of time , so you need to let it winterise properly . If not , it ’ll produce modest or give out blooms next leap .
Plant food
False bird of paradise does n’t ask unreasonable fertilization .
you could supplement every other workweek with general - purpose houseplant food . Increase dosage during summertime and spring . Reduce and taper off in declivity . If you spot root damage or burning , this could be due to over - fertilization .
Yellow leaves or random increase are also signs that you may be using too much fertilizer . boil down dosages by one-half to see if your plant improves . The change should be gradual .
They will appreciate general - determination works food . Us as directed at least 3 times per class .
Humidity
Heliconia likes humid environment , so a constant trickle system or Mr. would be ideal .
Or you could use a atomiser bottle if you have the time to give it a spritz every sidereal day .
Keep the wet level high . If you find any browning on the leafage edges , this could be due to low humidness . you may also use a humidness ambuscade to create an hokey humidity zona around the foliage .
But recollect that bumping up the humidity is a balancing act- too much and you ’ll riskpowdery mildew , which is a very common disease make by poor melody movement and excess humidness in the line . This brings us to our next point .
Air movement
It ’s authoritative to make certain that your false bird of paradise receive equal air circulation .
This peculiar tropical plant need plenty of moisture to do well , but this only adds to the possibility of put in mold and fungus . This can be eliminated with circulation .
you’re able to habituate stakes to keep the foliage off the soil and separate from bunching , which will help blockade it from becoming dim and a moisture hole .
Pruning will also take away any unneeded leaves to help keep the plant straight and tidy . If you have a circumstances of these plants or a spoilt fungus problem , consider using air circulators to keep air movement positive .
Sunlight
False bird of paradise prefer stack of indirect sunlight .
Too much light will burn the plant and reduce increment and overall works verve .
Too piddling visible radiation will make it grow slow and may even get your heliconia to not flower .
Depending on your local climate and hardiness geographical zone , you should provide adequate amounts of partial sun to help oneself the industrial plant grow .
Pruning
clip pretended raspberry of paradise is no dissimilar than the “ existent ” one . murder damage folio .
This will serve promote the plant to grow new , goodly ones .
utilise white pruning hook or shear that have been washed with scratch alcohol and disinfected .
Cut cleanly . you could also remove any dead or dying leaves rather than let them wilt . This will keep your flora neat and sizeable .
Dusting the leaves
You should check that you clean the leaves of the plant at least once a week , peculiarly if you ’re in a colder climate with fewer sunlight time of day in the day .
The leaves will work up up dust which will minify the efficiency of photosynthesis .
Clean the leaves by using a wet parasite with a mild detergent ( optional ) .
Be sure to test it on a individual leaf first . This is to ensure you do n’t damage the rest of your plant because of a strong detergent .
Flowering
Heliconia flower year - round and come back each yr .
They run to stop flowering around the wintertime and will dieback or block if not prepared correctly . Some hardier variants will tolerate the cold and the rootstalk will come back after the cold subsides . you’re able to improve anthesis by dress and removing dead foliage .
prepare it for wintertime also helps advance proper growth next time of year . warm areas with soft winters may not postulate any preparedness .
Propagation
Heliconia propagation by rhizome division , which makes them promiscuous to diffuse .
Just swerve the rootstock when you switch pots and you ’ll divide it safely .
Here ’s a video demonstrating the process :
you’re able to give some to protagonist and neighbour if you have too many objet d’art . They keep their rhizome near the soil surface , which makes it extremely well-situated to dig up .
Some could even use some extra planting astuteness for stem keep . If your heliconia stems droop or lean on one side , you may use a stake or plant deeper next time .
These flowers are very tall and lean over if no support is provide due to their cloggy blossom . Help them help you !
Other common FAQs about false bird of paradise
Here are some other interrogation that are ask about heliconia .
You may recover this utilitarian if you ’re new to handle for the works .
Where to buy heliconia
This plant can be buy online , but you should check your local hardiness zona to check that it ’ll grow first . It ’s pop in southwesterly Florida , but can be grown in areas with warm winters and high humidness .
My heliconia leaves are curling
If you spot the leafage curling , this may be a sign of over - fertilizing , too much sun , or too much body of water . It could also be due to powdery mildew , which is a usual fungus among “ sozzled ” plant .
Start by cut off the curled leaves and turn back them out .
Do you notice any fungus or powder ? Or are they just lily-livered or browned ?
adapt your lachrymation docket or plant life positioning if necessary . Try tighten everything- water , plant food , sunlight , etc . and see if that help . If not , it could be a plant disease or plague .
Can it be grown indoors?
you could acquire heliconia indoors in containers .
Just be careful about the watering agenda and plant food . Poor drain territory can lead to the buildup of nutrients or water , which will harm your plant life or introduce theme decomposition .
Use well - draining territory with plenty of drainpipe holes .
you could supplement high quality , constituent compost to help keep the soil from wad too tightly . opt a spot that has fond sun in your star sign and supervise the plant life .
Can you grow a false bird of paradise in pots?
Heliconia does very well in pot containers .
But it ’s important to repot them annually using high - quality compost and grime and move them into a heavy grass .
When you do this , you’re able to also check for any plant disease , rootstock harm , or other plague problems . The antecedent ball should be clean without any dark-brown or moist areas . This plant needs to be transplanted to big containers as it grows .
Note that when grown in pots , everything you do should be closely monitored .
Since peck trap moisture , water , and other nutrients from fertilizers , you should watch all spirit level and make certain you ’re doing it right .
Is it an annual or perennial?
Heliconia is a perennial just like its close cousin , the bird of paradise .
The plant come in a dormancy point in the wintertime and come back in the spring .
However , this industrial plant requires limited concern to keep temperatures chill enough so that it gets moth-eaten photo , but not to the point where it freeze .
Since this plant life does n’t capture a prominent audience of growers as much as its similitude , there ’s less selective information online on properly overwintering false birds of paradise .
Are heliconia invasive?
Some people have regarded these plants as invasive coinage because of their speedy growth .
They can take over a garden as they grow horizontal as well as vertically very quickly . you could operate by properly crop and set up source roadblock to help keep the rhizomes in check .
But if you need coverage and like this plant , then , by all mean , enjoy yourself . Who needs a lawn when you have savage bananas growing in your yard . Right .
Heliconia uses
This is a decorative plant life that can be used for adding some gorgeous landscaping , gloss , or insurance coverage . The flowers are alien looking and stand out from other non - tropic plant .
They ’re also relatively low upkeep and do n’t necessitate to be replant year after yr if properly manage for .
Since they can rapidly grow under the ripe condition , they ’re also fantabulous for concealment to some extent .
Further reading
Here are some additional sites you may incur useful :
Now go grow some lobster claws!
You have all the basic you need to properly care for this plant .
Go out there and begin gardening and enjoy the exotic flowers and speedy coverage heliconia pass .
Do you have any experience with this plant ? Share your words of wisdom with other readers !
If you have any doubtfulness , post a gossip below .
I took interest into microflora and microgreens before it became mainstream . The theme of growing an entire ecosystem on a tiny scale simply was astounding . That ’s where I discovered that I in reality care raising plants and was n’t as much of a ignominious quarter round as I thought . Now , I ’m relay what I ’ve get word to others who are make into the hobby in a way that anyone can understand .
