Heliconia 'Lady Di' Transplant Shock: Fertilizer and Sun Mistakes

New heliconia divided into two pots, fertilized immediately (potting soil already had fertilizer), repotted next day into plain soil. In Hawaii, full sun. Leaves curling, yellowing.

Errors and Corrections

• Never fertilize new transplants—roots need to establish first. Wait 1 month; use slow-release, low-salt/chlorine fertilizer.
• Full sun too intense for fresh divisions—heliconias like summer water, winter dry (bulbs rot if wet).
• Symptoms = transplant shock from division + fertilizer burn + sun stress.

Recovery

Provide shade, consistent moisture (not soggy), no fertilizer for a month. They will recover once roots re-establish.

Expert insight provided by Kathy.