Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Heliconia chartacea 'Temptress' is a beautiful tropical plant known for its vibrant, pendulous pink and green bracts.
Here is a guide to its care for Heliconia chartacea Temptress :
1. Light
Preference: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Best Results: Often achieves its best growth and color display in a location with partial shade or bright, filtered light, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid: Too much direct, intense sun can sometimes scorch the leaves, while too little light will reduce flowering.
2. Water and Humidity
Watering: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Moisture: It thrives in high humidity and should never be allowed to dry out completely. However, ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Tip: Consider deep watering 2-3 times per week, especially in warm or dry periods, and apply mulch to help retain moisture.
3. Soil and Fertilizer
Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a high content of organic matter.
Planting: When planting in the ground, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. For containers, use a high-quality potting mix designed for tropical plants that retains moisture but drains well.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or similar NPK) during the growing season (spring through autumn) to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. You can also use a liquid feed monthly.
4. Climate and Temperature
Temperature: It is a tropical plant and prefers warm, humid climates. It grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-13.
Frost Sensitivity: It is frost-sensitive and does not tolerate temperatures below about $5^{\circ}$C ($40^{\circ}$F).
Cold Protection:
In cooler climates, you must bring container-grown plants indoors or to a sheltered, protected area during winter.
If planted in the ground in an area that gets occasional cold, protect it with a frost cloth or heavy mulch if temperatures are expected to drop.
5. Maintenance
Pruning: Prune any faded flower bracts (inflorescences) and damaged or yellowing leaves at the base to maintain a fresh appearance and encourage new growth.
Growth Habit: It is a fast-growing, clumping perennial that spreads via rhizomes. If planted in the ground, you may need to install an underground barrier or divide overcrowded clumps every few years to control its spread.
Container Growing: It thrives in large containers. Repot every couple of years to refresh the soil and give it more room for growth.
