Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Heliconia vellerigera, also known as the Woolly Heliconia or Giant Lobster Claw, is a striking tropical plant native to Central and South America. It's famous for its dramatic, pendulous (hanging) red-orange bracts that are covered in a soft, fuzzy, cinnamon-colored "wool" or velvet.
As a tropical plant, it has high demands for warmth, water, and light.
Here is a guide to its care for Heliconia Vellerigera :
1. Light
Ideal: Full sun to partial shade. It thrives with ample light, preferably 4-6 hours of direct sun daily, which is crucial for prolific flowering.
Protection: In the hottest climates, some afternoon shade can prevent the large, banana-like leaves from scorching.
Wind: Position in a sheltered spot as its large leaves are easily tattered by strong winds.
2. Water and Humidity
Watering: This plant requires lots of water. Keep the soil consistently and evenly moist, especially during the warm growing season. Never let the soil dry out completely.
Drainage: While it loves water, the soil must be well-draining to avoid waterlogging, which causes root rot.
Humidity: It requires high humidity to mimic its native rainforest environment. Grouping plants, using a humidifier, or misting regularly will help, especially in dry air (like indoors or during winter). Low humidity can cause brown tips and margins on the leaves.
3. Soil and Fertilizer
Soil: Use a rich, fertile, loamy soil that is high in organic matter and has excellent drainage.
pH: A slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 7.0) is ideal.
Feeding: Heliconias are heavy feeders.
Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (like NPK 10-10-10 or 14-14-14) as a base.
Supplement with a liquid fertilizer monthly, or a high-phosphorus formula, to encourage blooming.
Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure quarterly.
4. Temperature and Climate
Temperature: It is a tropical plant and prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 68∘F and 95∘F (20∘C to 35∘C).
Cold Tolerance: It is not frost-tolerant and will suffer damage below 50∘F (10∘C).
Hardiness Zones: Best grown outdoors in USDA Zones 10-13.
Overwintering: In cooler regions, it must be grown in a large container and moved to a warm, brightly lit, humid indoor location (like a greenhouse or conservatory) for the winter.
5. Maintenance
Pruning:
Remove spent flower stalks (inflorescences) from the base of the plant once they have finished blooming, as each stalk only flowers once.
Regularly remove old, dead, or yellowing leaves to keep the clump tidy and promote new growth.
Size: Heliconia vellerigera is a large variety, often reaching 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) tall. Give it plenty of space in the garden.
Propagation: It is a clump-forming plant that spreads via rhizomes. Divide crowded clumps in the spring every couple of years to rejuvenate the plant and prevent it from choking itself out.
Pests: Keep an eye out for common tropical pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, especially in dry, indoor conditions.
