Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Heliconia chartacea 'Surinam Gold' is a striking, tropical plant known for its vibrant, pendulous blooms. It's an evergreen perennial that requires specific warm, moist conditions to thrive.
Here is a comprehensive care guide for Heliconia Surinam Gold :
1. Key Characteristics
Botanical Name: Heliconia chartacea 'Surinam Gold' (sometimes confused with H. psittacorum cultivars).
Appearance: Features large, oblong, banana-like, deep green leaves.
Flower: The spectacular hanging inflorescence (flower spike) is characterized by bright yellow to golden-orange bracts with hints of lime green at the keel/tips. The true flowers are small and greenish-yellow, tucked inside the colorful waxy bracts.
Mature Height: Can grow quite tall, reaching up to 2-4 meters (6–13 feet) in optimal, mature conditions.
Growth Habit: Forms clumps via spreading rhizomes.
2. Essential Growing Conditions
Requirement
Ideal Condition
Key Tip
Light
Full Sun to Semi-Shade.
Prefers bright, filtered light (like a rainforest understory) or morning sun with afternoon shade. Too much intense sun can scorch the leaves.
Temperature
Warm (18∘C to 35∘C).
Highly sensitive to cold. Protect from temperatures below 15∘C (59∘F) and absolutely avoid frost. Grow in a pot if your climate is not tropical/subtropical.
Humidity
High (60-80%).
Essential for healthy, non-browning leaves. Mist regularly, use a humidifier, or group with other plants, especially when grown indoors.
Water
Abundant and Consistent.
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during the growing season. Never let the soil dry out completely.
Soil
Rich, Well-Drained, Organic.
Use fertile, loamy soil with plenty of added organic matter (compost, peat moss, or wood mulch) to retain moisture while ensuring good drainage.
Shelter
Protected.
Plant or place in a spot protected from strong winds to prevent the large leaves from shredding.
3. Care and Maintenance
Watering
Watering must be regular and deep, especially during hot weather. In the peak of summer, they may need watering daily.
Overwatering (soggy soil) can lead to root rot, which is fatal. Ensure excellent drainage.
Fertilizing (Feeding)
Heliconias are heavy feeders to support their rapid growth and large blooms.
Growing Season (Spring through Fall): Fertilize monthly with a balanced, slow-release or liquid fertilizer, preferably one rich in potassium and magnesium to encourage strong stems and vibrant colors.
Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.
Pruning
Each flower spike (inflorescence) is borne on a single stalk (pseudostem) and only blooms once.
Once a stalk has flowered and the bloom is spent, cut the entire stem back to the ground to encourage new shoots (suckers) to emerge from the rhizome, which will produce the next flowers.
Remove any dead or heavily damaged leaves as they appear.
Propagation
The easiest method is by dividing the rhizomes (underground stems) in the spring.
Dig up a clump, cut off sections that have 2-3 healthy new shoots attached, and replant them at a shallow depth (just covering the rhizome base).
Pests and Problems
Brown leaf tips/edges: The most common issue, usually caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering (allowing the soil to dry out).
Pests: Watch for common tropical pests like spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs, especially in dry conditions or when overwintering indoors. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
