Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The 'Heliconia caribaea 'Flash'' is a cultivar of Heliconia caribaea, a large, impressive tropical plant known for its striking, upright inflorescences.
Caring for it involves mimicking its native, warm, humid rainforest environment.
Here is a detailed care guide for Heliconia Caribaea Flash :
1. Light Requirements
Ideal: Full Sun to Partial Shade.
This is a large heliconia that can handle a lot of light. Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun) is often necessary for the best flowering, especially in less intense tropical conditions.
In areas with scorching hot afternoon sun, partial shade (such as protection during the hottest part of the day) is recommended to prevent the large leaves from getting sun-scorched or tattered.
It generally requires more light than many other shade-loving heliconias.
2. Water & Humidity
Watering: Requires consistent and abundant moisture.
The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. They hate "wet feet," which can quickly lead to rhizome rot.
Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry or hot periods. You may need to water 2-3 times a week, or daily for potted plants in very hot weather.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity. Low humidity can cause the edges and tips of the large, banana-like leaves to turn brown and crispy.
3. Temperature & Climate
Climate: Best suited for Tropical and Subtropical climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11).
Temperature: It loves warmth and is not frost-tolerant.
Ideal growing temperatures are between 68∘F and 95∘F (20∘C to 35∘C).
It must be protected from cold drafts and frost. If grown in a container in cooler climates, move it indoors to a sheltered, warm location before temperatures drop below 50∘F (10∘C).
4. Soil & Fertilizing
Soil: Needs rich, fertile, and well-draining soil.
Incorporate a good amount of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve fertility and moisture retention.
The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0).
Fertilizing: Heliconias are heavy feeders to support their large leaves and dramatic blooms.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK) every 3-4 months during the growing season (Spring to Autumn).
For optimal flowering, some growers recommend supplementing with a liquid feed high in Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) during peak blooming season.
5. Growth, Flowering & Maintenance
Size: This is a tall, large-clumping variety. It typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet (3−4.5 meters).
Flowering: It produces spectacular, upright inflorescences, often described as having red-to-pink bracts with yellow/green tips.
Flowers emerge from the second-year stalks.
The inflorescences are very long-lasting and are excellent for cut flowers.
Pruning:
Each stem (pseudostem) flowers only once. After a stalk has bloomed and the flower is spent, cut the entire stalk down to the ground (rhizome). This redirects energy to the new, developing shoots, which will produce the next flowers.
Regularly remove old, tattered, or yellowing leaves to maintain a neat appearance and improve air circulation.
Clump Control: Heliconia caribaea can spread via rhizomes. If you need to restrict its spread in the garden, consider installing an underground root barrier or growing it in a large container.
Wind Protection: Due to its large, banana-like leaves, it is prone to wind shredding. Plant in a location sheltered from strong winds to keep the foliage looking its best.
