Heliconia

Family: banana family. Native: tropical Americas

Heliconia in its natural habitat or in a greenhouse reaches very large sizes. Large paddle-shaped leaves indicate its relationship to the banana, and pendulous inflorescences 30-60 cm long point to a relationship with Strelitzia. As a house plant it is grown for its attractive leaves. Heliconia indica has large pink leaves. At

The famous Heliconia species is even more impressive - each green leaf is covered with small yellow stripes running at right angles from the midrib.

This is a difficult-to-care-for and very rare plant. Before deciding whether to keep this plant at home, it is necessary to weigh your strength and capabilities. First, the room must constantly maintain high temperature and humidity, since the plant is native to the tropics. The room should be well lit. Drafts are not acceptable. It is best to keep the plant in a home greenhouse, creating all the necessary conditions.

Temperature: Very heat-loving; in winter not below 18¦C.

Watering: Abundant from spring to autumn; watering is stopped in winter.

Light: Bright light; responds well to some direct sun.

Humidity: In the growing period requires daily spraying of the leaves.

Repotting: Annually in spring.

Propagation: By division in spring.