Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Heliconia farinosa 'Rio' is a popular, medium-sized cultivar prized for its tropical foliage and striking, upright red flowers with contrasting lemon-yellow sepals.
As a Heliconia, its care revolves around mimicking its native warm, humid, tropical rainforest environment.
Here is a guide to caring for Heliconia Farinosa Rio :
1. Light and Placement
Requirement
Details
Light Exposure
Mostly Shade to Partial Sun/Bright Shade. This cultivar is known to do well in shadier spots than many other heliconias.
Outdoors
In tropical climates (USDA Zones 10-11), plant it where it receives filtered light or morning sun, protecting it from intense, direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
Indoors/Container
If grown in a pot, place it in a bright spot that receives ample indirect light. It can tolerate lower light indoors in winter.
Wind
Plant in a sheltered position. Its large, banana-like leaves are prone to tattering in strong winds, which can give the plant a ragged appearance.
2. Water and Humidity
Requirement
Details
Watering
Regular and consistent. Heliconias are not drought-tolerant. Keep the soil constantly moist, but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry.
Drainage
Excellent drainage is critical. The rhizomes will rot if left in standing water.
Humidity
High humidity is essential. Brown leaf tips or margins are a common sign of low humidity. To increase it, you can mist regularly, group it with other plants, or use a pebble tray.
3. Soil and Fertilization
Requirement
Details
Soil
Requires rich, fertile, well-draining soil, high in organic matter. Amend garden soil with compost, aged manure, or peat moss.
pH
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 7.0).
Fertilizer
Heavy feeder, especially during the warm growing season (spring and summer).
Schedule
Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., NPK 14-14-14) every 3-4 months, or a liquid fertilizer (e.g., NPK 19-19-19) monthly.
4. Temperature and Hardiness
Requirement
Details
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zones 10a - 11. It is strictly a tropical plant.
Ideal Temperature
Thrives in warm, tropical conditions, ideally between 68∘F and 95∘F (20∘C to 35∘C).
Cold Protection
It is not frost tolerant. If temperatures drop below 50∘F (10∘C), the plant must be protected. In cooler regions, it should be grown in a container and moved indoors for the winter.
5. Size and Maintenance
Requirement
Details
Mature Size
Typically grows between 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Its compact, clumping nature makes it excellent for screens or large containers.
Pruning
Deadhead by cutting old flower stalks (inflorescences) from the base once they are spent, as each stalk only flowers once.
Remove any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves throughout the year to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.
Propagation
Propagated by division of the rhizomes in the spring.
Mulching
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture, keep the root zone cool, and suppress weeds.
