Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Heliconia solomonensis is a species of the genus Heliconia native to the Solomon Islands, which is known for its green inflorescence (bracts) and is one of the few Pacific species in the genus. Its care is typical of tropical Heliconias, requiring high warmth, humidity, and abundant moisture.
Here is a guide to caring for Heliconia solomonensis:
Heliconia solomonensis Care Guide
1. Light and Placement
Condition
Requirement
Details
Ideal Light
Bright, Filtered Light or Partial Shade
As a rainforest understory plant, it prefers bright light but should be protected from intense, scorching midday and afternoon sun.
Wind
Sheltered Location
The large, banana-like leaves are easily shredded and damaged by strong winds. A spot near a wall or protected by other, tougher plants is ideal.
Outdoors
USDA Zones 10B–11
Will thrive year-round in hot, humid, tropical climates. Cannot tolerate frost.
Indoors
Bright Window
Can be grown in large containers indoors near a south or west-facing window, but providing enough light, space, and humidity is challenging.
2. Temperature and Humidity
Condition
Requirement
Details
Temperature
Warm (20∘C to 35∘C / 68∘F to 95∘F)
It requires consistently warm temperatures to thrive and flower.
Cold Tolerance
Not Frost Tolerant
Temperatures below 13∘C (55∘F) can cause dormancy or damage; frost is fatal to the foliage and may kill the rhizomes.
Humidity
High
Mimicking its tropical rainforest home is key. Misting, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray/humidifier is necessary if grown in a dry climate.
3. Watering and Soil
Condition
Requirement
Details
Watering
Consistent Moisture
Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil moist, especially during the warm growing season. Never let the soil dry out completely.
Warning
Avoid Soggy Soil
While it likes moisture, excellent drainage is critical to prevent the rhizomes from rotting.
Soil
Rich and Well-Draining
Use a fertile, organically rich soil. Amend garden beds heavily with compost, manure, or other organic matter.
Mulch
Apply Thick Mulch
A 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, keep the rhizomes cool, and adds nutrients.
4. Fertilizing
Heliconias are heavy feeders due to their fast growth and large leaves.
Growing Season (Spring to Fall): Fertilize regularly.
Apply a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., NPK 14-14-14 or 20-20-20) every 3-4 months.
Supplement with a liquid, balanced NPK fertilizer monthly for continuous feeding.
For Best Blooms: Ensure the fertilizer has sufficient Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg), which support flowering and vibrant color.
Winter: Reduce or stop fertilizing when growth slows down.
5. Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning Spent Stems: Each stem (pseudostem) only flowers once. Once the inflorescence has faded, cut the entire stem down to the ground level. This encourages the plant to produce new shoots from the rhizome, which will bear the next flowers.
Tidiness: Remove any dead, yellow, or damaged leaves regularly to maintain appearance and prevent disease.
Controlling Spread: Heliconias spread via rhizomes and can become aggressive.
To control, install root barriers (30-40 cm deep) around the bed or grow the plant in a large, heavy pot.
Divide overcrowded clumps every 1-2 years in late winter/early spring to rejuvenate the plant.
